Renee Zhu

Renee is currently pursuing a BFA,
2026 in Graphic Design at Rhode
Island School of Design (RISD).
Previously @ Gensler.

She specializes in advertising,
branding, UI/UX, and large scale
environmental graphics design.

UI/UX
Editorial
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CALERES/Stuart Weitzman Headquarters

Ongoing Project
Completed at Gensler

This large-scale project encompasses multiple components, including new wayfinding & signage systems, custom iconography, and window graphics.

Troughout the project, our team drew inspiration from Caleres’ attention to craft and their iconic Star symbol — first introduced in 1885, which is reinterpreted across the new iconography system, window graphics, and used in various parts of the headquarters.

View more work

Wayfinding Design (Concept 1)

Option 1 draws inspiration from the brand’s long-standing heritage in leather goods and handcrafted footwear. Rooted in tactility and materiality, the concept translates the craftsmanship of shoemaking into spatial graphics. Rounded forms represent the curved bottoms of leather soles. We explored real leather applications alongside warm neutral and cream tones to evoke authenticity, warmth, and tradition. The result is a signage system that feels grounded and timeless, honoring Caleres’ legacy while elevating it within a contemporary corporate environment.

Wayfinding Design (Concept 2)

Option 2 centers on the Caleres star as a defining brand element, transforming it into a bold and recognizable wayfinding device throughout the headquarters. The system embraces a clean, contemporary material palette, pairing smooth, modern surfaces with refined gold metal accents to introduce a sense of sophistication and polish.
The signature Caleres purple anchors the visual language, reinforcing brand recognition while adding vibrancy within the space.