Women’s XCTF Locker Room
WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS
We transformed Western Michigan Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field’s locker room into a space that brings energy, unity, and belonging. As part of a broader athletics branding initiative, the project set the tone for how identity and environment could work together to elevate athlete experience across every WMU facility.
This renovation was part of Western Michigan’s ongoing initiative to refresh and align athletic spaces across campus. The existing locker room was outdated and uninspired — defined by old lockers, CMU block walls, and minimal connection to the Broncos identity. Facilities leadership initiated the project with a clear goal: give the XCTF team a modern, functional space that reflected the same pride and investment seen in other programs, all within a tight timeline and defined budget.
Beyond an update in finishes, this was about creating a sense of ownership and morale — a space that made athletes feel valued and connected. The team needed a home that carried their identity, not just their name. We designed the locker room as a visual and emotional expression of unity, with an award wall that could be easily updated by staff — a symbol of progress and pride that grows with the program.
As one of our first projects with WMU, the XCTF locker room helped establish the creative foundation for what would become a multi-year collaboration. Working closely with the facilities team, we led all design decisions, balancing creative exploration with practical execution. With a tight schedule ahead of the season, every decision — from materials to layout — prioritized efficiency and long-term durability. Designed in parallel with the gymnastics and men’s tennis projects, this space helped shape a cohesive visual language for the university’s athletic brand.
We introduced a refined design language rooted in WMU’s bold colors and athletic character. Custom-designed graphic elements reflected motion and speed, while warm yellow and brown tones brought energy and dimension to the space. Consistent typography created moments of hierarchy and impact, while a fresh coat of paint and new finishes transformed the room’s overall feel.
The result is a locker room that feels unified, elevated, and unmistakably Western Michigan. The space immediately boosted team morale and reinforced a sense of belonging within the program. As one of the first steps in WMU’s larger facilities initiative, it became a proof point for how thoughtful design — even on a modest budget — can reshape athlete perception and strengthen brand consistency across campus.
