International Design

‍The cultural contexts of international wayfinding and design projects work at multiple levels. They can be influenced by the regional needs of the communities they serve, tapping into the regional cultures and communities. They can also elevate a project to the international stage to bring tourism or recognition for the host country.

RSM Design has deep experience working with international clients in a variety of project types. Our reach spans Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North, Central, and South America in over 40 countries.

Each of our international projects speaks to the local heritage of the built environment by integrating wayfinding design, placemaking, and brand identity into the overall spatial experience.

At RSM Design, our international design studio combines nearly three decades of global experience connecting people and places around the world. We cultivate a deep understanding of the local culture of each project. From international hotel designs to mixed-use, retail, cultural design, residential, and waterfronts, our work meets a diverse range of users’ needs while enhancing their experience.

1. Principle Centered Design

RSM Design has created a Principle Centered Design process that recognizes the unique character qualities of each place and region where we practice. This process helps to uncover and detect a project's unique identity and spirit of place that can be woven throughout the entire design process. To accomplish this, we systematically explore the site’s history, cultural influences, and community, aligning the principles and unique values that will produce design integrity for the project and achieve the desired results.

2. Cultural Immersion & Research

Before starting any international design project, we immerse ourselves in the local culture, history, and community. This deep understanding allows us to infuse authentic cultural elements that resonate with local users while still engaging visitors from abroad.

3. Collaborative Strategies

Working with local stakeholders and international teams, we develop strategies that balance global standards with meaningful local connections. Partnering with stakeholders and local communities gives us a more nuanced understanding of the site, while working with architects, interior designers, landscape architects, municipal authorities, and other experts ensures consistency across the built environment. Our collaborative efforts identify a project’s priorities, unique opportunities, and cohesive vision.

4. Multilingual Wayfinding Solutions

Wayfinding lays the foundation for many of our projects, giving users the certainty they need about their orientation and navigation to immerse themselves in the built environment. Through our use of signage, international symbols, map design, color, typography, and more, we allow people of all backgrounds to move with ease through the space. For international environments, we develop intuitive systems that function effectively across multiple languages, using universal symbols and thoughtful typography hierarchies.

5. Balancing Global & Local Concerns

Our international design studio strikes a careful balance between global brand standards and local cultural expression. We maintain consistent brand experiences with a recognizable identity, while still providing the flexibility for local adaptations. These changes celebrate the unique character of each location, imparting it with deeper meaning and resonance.

In global environments, experiential design and signage work together as universal communicators. They create a language of place that speaks through form, color, materials, and spatial relationships—elements that transcend verbal communication.

Effective international signage provides certainty in unfamiliar territories, guiding visitors through complex spaces with confidence. Meanwhile, experiential graphics work to add layers of meaning and emotional connection. This powerful combination addresses both practical needs and deeper human desires for understanding and belonging.

When thoughtfully integrated into the architecture, these design elements transform mere buildings into memorable places that impart impactful experiences. These international spaces welcome diverse audiences and create shared moments of discovery across boundaries, supporting the site’s cultural, social, and economic value.