Duke Medicine Spaces
Environmental
Signage
Print
Duke University Hospital, a 957-bed facility serving over 2 million patient visits annually, stands as a hub of innovation and excellence in healthcare. Its panoramic lobby display—viewed by millions each year—highlights the hospital’s rich history, prestigious accolades, and unwavering commitment to delivering the best care in the country. This vibrant visual centerpiece demonstrates how design can elevate storytelling, foster connection, and reinforce a trusted brand in a high-traffic, professional environment.
James Buchanan Duke
(1856-1925)
The portrait of James Buchanan Duke (1856–1925) reflects the legacy of a tobacco magnate, industrialist, and philanthropist whose vision helped shape the future of higher education in North Carolina. While his father, Washington Duke, played a pivotal role in relocating Trinity College to Durham, J.B. Duke became instrumental in ensuring its enduring success. His contributions laid the groundwork for what is now Duke University, a testament to the transformative power of philanthropy and strategic investment in education.
Best Hospitals in NC
Duke University Hospital is consistently ranked as one of the best hospitals in the United States.
The North Carolina Award for Excellence Program
Duke University Hospital, renowned as one of the nation’s top healthcare institutions, exemplifies excellence in patient care and organizational performance. Its recognition through the prestigious North Carolina Award for Excellence (NCAfE) underscores a commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainable success. Inspired by the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the NCAfE honors organizations that achieve world-class results through strategic alignment and continuous improvement. This accolade reflects the hospital’s leadership in advancing healthcare quality and operational excellence within North Carolina and beyond.
Mission
Duke Medicine is dedicated to advancing health and wellness on a global scale through innovation, education, and advocacy. Its mission centers on transforming medicine by pioneering groundbreaking scientific research and swiftly integrating discoveries into clinical care. By fostering the next generation of clinical and scientific leaders and championing evidence-based practices, Duke aims to enhance community health and address health disparities. This commitment to excellence and equity underscores Duke’s leadership in academic medicine and healthcare.
Magnet Status
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) awards Magnet status to recognize hospitals that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice, superior patient outcomes, and a supportive work environment. For Duke University Hospital, achieving Magnet status enhances its reputation as a leader in healthcare, attracting top-tier nursing professionals and fostering a culture of excellence. This designation also signals to patients a commitment to high-quality care, improving trust and satisfaction. Additionally, it aligns with the hospital’s academic and clinical mission, supporting innovation and professional development in nursing.
Among the Best Top-ranked
Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina was ranked highly in the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals list:
Top-ranked hospital in North Carolina
Duke University Hospital was ranked as the top hospital in North Carolina for the 13th year in a row.
Honor Roll
Duke University Hospital was named to the Honor Roll which recognizes 20 hospitals with exceptional excellence.
Top-ranked specialties
Duke University Hospital was ranked nationally in the top 50 hospitals for 11 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties.
Department of Medicine Display
The Communications Director of the Department of Medicine wanted to utilize a previously installed bulletin board structure to display up-to-date communications. With a limited budget, the historical bulletin board was retrofitted using modern materials such as metal, plastic, magnetic labels, and a screw-post system for easy updating.
Transformed an antiquated display.
Duke Development
One City Center
Print
Environmental
Duke Development teams relocated to One City Center, a downtown Durham mixed-use project featuring luxury residences, offices, and retail. Bud was recruited to ease the transition, integrating Duke’s imagery, local history, and campaign elements into mapping, wayfinding, signage, and applications, celebrating the vibrant, accessible, and architecturally elegant new space.
Large format map poster design examples
A large map poster was prominently displayed on the second floor to assist visitors in easily navigating the space. The map featured clear wayfinding elements, color-coded zones, and labeled landmarks to guide visitors to key areas such as meeting rooms, restrooms, elevators, and exits. Additionally, an accessible legend and bold typography ensured readability for all users, while strategically placed “You Are Here” markers provide precise orientation.The following photos are a few examples of the featured wayfinding elements utilizing a large printed format “Peel & Stick” materials for glass and wall applications.
The following photos are a few examples of the featured wayfinding elements utilizing a large printed format “Peel & Stick” materials for glass and wall applications.
