Luis Aparicio
McKinney,TX
Summary
Experienced Experiential Design Leader with 25 years in architecture, graphic design, signage, and wayfinding. Specializes in translating brand strategy into intuitive spatial communication systems while ensuring ADA/TAS compliance and effective fabrication coordination. Collaborates with architects, interior designers, and fabricators to deliver cohesive, buildable solutions. Open to relocation to Austin, TX.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL
LAB-G Design Consultants | Access InSight
McKinney, TX
07.2025 - Current
- Established a specialized practice bridging wayfinding systems design and accessibility-centered environmental communication.
- Led strategy, schematic design, and design development for a major placemaking and wayfinding project or the city of Arlington, TX.
- Developed scalable wayfinding frameworks, message logic, and documentation standards intended for multi-phase deployment.
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Red Elephant
Lewisville, TX
01.2022 - 06.2025
- Directed and mentored team of nine designers, enhancing collaboration across in-person, hybrid, and remote settings.
- Established firm-wide design standards, workflows, and documentation protocols for signage and wayfinding.
- Led coordination between design, production, and installation teams to ensure constructability and schedule alignment.
- Implemented SignAgent as signage programming platform and trained staff on wayfinding logic, improving design consistency.
- Reviewed projects for ADA/TAS and building code compliance, ensuring adherence to regulations before fabrication.
DESIGN CONSULTANT
Freelance
Dallas, TX
01.2018 - 12.2022
- Delivered experiential graphic design services, guiding projects from concept development to design intent packages.
- Reviewed architectural projects for compliance with building codes and accessibility standards, ensuring regulatory adherence.
SENIOR DESIGNER
Exit Design
Philadelphia, PA
01.2013 - 12.2018
- Produced client presentations with sketches, 3D models, and visualization packages to secure interdisciplinary approvals.
- Developed concept-driven environmental graphics for complex civic, institutional, and urban projects.
- Created design intent documentation and redlined fabricators' shop drawings for quality assurance.
- Conducted code and accessibility reviews to ensure compliant signage and environmental communication systems.
- Streamlined design processes to enhance workflow efficiency across the team.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
AIR Architects
San Juan, PR
01.1998 - 12.2012
- Engaged in all phases of the design process for diverse commercial, office, and high-end residential architectural projects.
- Coordinated with consultants and draftsmen to ensure integrated project delivery.
Education
Master of Architecture -
University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, PRBachelor of Environmental Design -
University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, PRSkills
- SketchUp
- Adobe Illustrator
- CadTools
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe InDesign
- SignAgent
- AutoCAD
- 3DStudio
- Office 365
- Freehand sketching
- Ink
- Markers
- Watercolors
- iPad
Core Expertise
- Wayfinding Strategy & User Journey Mapping
- Signage Programming & Message Schedules
- Sign Location Plans & System Hierarchies
- ADA/TAS & Building Code Coordination
- Experiential Graphic Design (EGD)
- Documentation & Bid Sets
- Fabrication & Shop Drawing Review
- Cross-Disciplinary Design Integration
- Design Standards & Workflow Development
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
Certification
Registered Accessibility Specialist #1737
Academic Experience
Adjunct Faculty, San Juan, PR, 2002–2013. Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (Architecture, Landscape Architecture) and in the School of Fine Arts of Puerto Rico (Industrial Design).
Accomplishments
AIGA Philadelphia Design Award, University City Science Center Innovation Plaza, Philadelphia, PA, 2017.
Affiliations
USK Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 2015. Co-founder and Administrator
Languages
- Spanish, Native
- English, Proficient
- Braille (by sight), Intermediate
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL
LAB-G Design Consultants | Access InSight
07.2025 - Current
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Red Elephant
01.2022 - 06.2025
DESIGN CONSULTANT
Freelance
01.2018 - 12.2022
SENIOR DESIGNER
Exit Design
01.2013 - 12.2018
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
AIR Architects
01.1998 - 12.2012
Master of Architecture -
University of Puerto Rico
Bachelor of Environmental Design -
University of Puerto Rico