Match Charter School
Environmental Graphics
Scope of Project
- Brand Development
- Visual Identity
- Environmental Graphics
The Challenge
Match Charter School is a vibrant, high-performing K–12 public charter school in Boston, Massachusetts that keeps academic rigor, joy, and equity at the center or everything they do. Although we had worked on one-off campaigns or projects over the years for them, there was no cohesive visual brand in place—just strong values and amazing outcomes—ready to be brought to life through their brand. Our challenge was to develop a visual identity system for the school and to adapt and express that system uniquely across three campuses—each with distinct age groups and physical spaces. The graphics needed to feel strong unified and recognizable, while also reflecting the energy and age group of each school.
The Solution
We built Match’s visual identity from the ground up through branded environmental graphics across three distinct campuses. We used environmental graphics not just to brand the space—but to shape how it feels to be there. The visual system is vibrant, multilingual, student-centered, and rooted in Match’s values: Identity, Intellect, and Ubuntu. We used these values as creative prompts, expressed differently across age groups—from playful elementary graphics to bold typographic statements for middle schoolers and a collaborative, student-led mural at the high school. We turned underutilized spaces into vibrant brand moments and activated highly visible spaces with inclusive design.
Branding Physical Spaces
By anchoring the visual brand in these physical spaces, the graphics become part of the school culture itself—reinforcing pride and purpose every time a student, teacher, or parent enters the building or walks by the school. The word Umbuntu “I am because we are” is woven through all campuses along with other core values like “intellect” and “identity.”
Match Lower School: Inviting, Playful, and Inclusive
At the Match Lower School campus, we leaned into warmth, joy, and inclusivity—creating playful exterior graphics at each entrance and two large interior murals that anchor the brand inside the building. These environmental graphics greet families, students, and teachers each day, setting a positive and welcoming tone from the moment they arrive. The school’s core values—Identity, Intellect, and Ubuntu—are reflected through cheerful typography, vibrant color, and multilingual design that celebrates the diversity of the Match community.
Match Middle School: Bold Values and Growth
For the middle school, we took the same core values and pushed the typography and tone a bit further—aiming to meet students in their growing independence. Multilingual graphics greet students and teachers at the entry of the school, while a dramatic ceiling mural transforms an awkward architectural overhang into a powerful message.
Match High School: A Collaboration with the Students
Gym Exterior: Match Mountain Lion Pride
The Match athletic building is a central hub used by students of all ages, from kindergartners to seniors. We designed exterior graphics emphasizing shared identity and school spirit. With branded color and a unifying tone, these graphics celebrate Mountain Lion Pride!
