Leah Ferguson

Here’s what gets me up in the morning: creating a world that’s more inclusive and welcoming through information and design. My career in experiential graphic design puts me right at the intersection of design, information architecture, wayfinding, research, and accessibility. I specialize in signage and wayfinding, designing systems that make complex environments more user-friendly and intuitive.

For over a decade, I’ve developed and implemented wayfinding systems in complex environments, with a passion for airports and multi-user environments. My work has taken me around the world, from San Francisco to Singapore, and has been a deep dive into all aspects of the design process, from research and user analysis to branded environments and digital interfaces.

I graduated from York University and Sheridan College (YSDN) with a Bachelor of Design (Honours), and a certificate in User Experience Design from George Brown College. I spent three years living abroad in San Francisco, which fused my passions of the built environment and digital nerdery. (I’m still waiting for my Mr. Yakamoto moment), but I will happily chat with you for hours and talk about smart technologies in the built environment. I can’t wait to get my hands on the Apple Vision Pro and dabble in spatial computing.)

In 2022, I joined the Experience Design team at HOK as a Senior Design Specialist in Toronto. At the same time, I am completing my Master of Design at OCAD University in Toronto, with a focus on Design for Health. My personal interest is in accessibility and inclusivity in the built environment. In addition to school and work, I volunteer as a Chapter Chair Liaison Assistant with the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) having spent three years leading the San Francisco chapter, and as a community moderator with Obsidian.md.

Experience

HOK, Toronto
Senior Design Specialist
(Experience Design)
Aug 2022 – Present

Gensler, San Francisco
Associate, Experiential Graphic Designer
Dec 2019 – Apr 2020

Experiential Graphic Designer
May 2017 – Dec 2019

Entro Communications, Toronto
Senior Designer
Apr 2016 – Apr 2017

Experiential Graphic Designer
Apr 2011 – Apr 2016

Education

MDes, Design for Health
OCAD University, Toronto
Sept 2020 – Present

BDes Hon, York/Sheridan Design Program
York University & Sheridan College
Apr 2007 – Apr 2011

Certificate, User Experience Design
George Brown College, Toronto
Sept 2016 – Apr 2017

Certificate, Art Fundamentals
Sheridan College, Oakville
Sept 2006 – Apr 2007