Spark (also known as Spark Life Science) is a new mixed-use school campus and innovation hub in Morrisville, North Carolina, developed by Trinity Capital Advisors and brought to life with general contractor Brasfield & Gorrie. This 109-acre campus is designed as a vibrant hub where education, research, and industry intersect, fostering collaboration, creativity, and breakthroughs in science and technology.

The campus offers state-of-the-art lab, biomanufacturing, and educational spaces alongside amenities and outdoor areas, all thoughtfully crafted to support all phases of life science advancement, from discovery to delivery. Its design encourages connection between students, researchers, and the wider community, cultivating an environment where ideas can take shape and thrive.

Our Carolinas team was tasked with creating branded interior, exterior, and parking garage signage for the entire campus, much of it illuminated. The initial design concepts came from Hanbury Architects, and our team took a Design + Build approach from there, refining and engineering the signage to align with the design intent and budget. This included material selection, wood laminate finishes, colour and material samples, and coordination of installation logistics.

A key challenge was powering two monument signs located in remote areas of the site. Running electrical to these spots would have been costly and complex, so the team incorporated Helios solar-powered signage instead. The main monument features a solar panel built directly into the top of the frame, maintaining the clean design aesthetic while saving both time and money.

The result is a cohesive, campus-wide wayfinding system that supports navigation and reflects Spark’s innovative spirit and commitment to creating spaces where learning and discovery flourish, integrating smart, sustainable solutions where they have the greatest impact.