Art in Place: Murals
Katie Giganti mural at The Magnolia Residences
Art is an intentional part of our design philosophy, not an afterthought. We believe the strongest environments are shaped through meaningful collaboration with the artist community, whose work brings authenticity, relevance, and a genuine sense of place to each project. Art has the power to re‑energize spaces, invite connection, and create moments that feel both personal and memorable.
Murals, in particular, offer a powerful opportunity to weave brand story into the everyday lifestyle experience of a building. More than visual impact, they help establish an emotional connection between people and place. The following examples represent just a small sampling of how murals can be thoughtfully integrated to transform environments in ways that feel distinctive, layered, and lasting.
St. Albans Lofts
Raleigh, NC
Artist: Erica Ashley, Made You Look Murals
We provided both architectural and interior design services for St. Albans Lofts in Raleigh, NC. The design narrative draws inspiration from the surrounding forest, walking paths, and nearby creek, bringing a sense of woodland calm and connection into the interior spaces. Three distinct murals complete the vision, adding moments of color, character, and whimsy that reinforce the project’s relationship to its natural context.
The Partnership: While we don’t curate every artist on our projects, the murals at St. Albans were entirely client‑driven (an approach we deeply respect). Kane Realty prioritizes sourcing local artists across its developments, viewing art as a critical tool for placemaking. We’re proud to partner with clients who share our belief in the power of art to create meaningful, rooted environments. (See Erica’s behind-the-scenes process here!)
Hickok Cole HQ
Washington, DC
Artist: Rose Jaffe
After relocating from Georgetown to our new headquarters space in NoMa, we sought out a local artist to help plant roots with a vibrant mural. With the help of Washington Project for the Arts (WPA), our partner for Art Night each year, we gathered recommendations.
The Partnership: Taking inspiration from the interiors, designed by our own interior design studio, and the surrounding Union Market neighborhood, our creative team worked through several initial ideas for large-scale art that made a statement. It was important that the piece evoked the creativity and energy of our workplace and truly felt like us. After a number of design intent reviews, the concept was shared with Rose. As for the result, she was the mastermind behind the perfect execution of our vision.
Wellsmith Apartments
Richmond, VA
Artist: Naomi McCavitt, Thicket Design
Wellsmith Apartments is a wellness-inspired multifamily community designed to bring the outside in through art, nature, and a focus on everyday well-being. The mural was envisioned as an extension of the brand strategy developed by Hickok Cole Creative, translating the community’s values into a tactile, experiential moment within the space.
The Partnership: Our creative team partnered closely with the client, Gumenick Properties, to review and select an artist whose work aligned with that vision. “When we saw Naomi’s style, we knew she was the right fit for the project,” said Sarah Barr, Principal and Director of Hickok Cole Creative. “We talked about the flora and fauna along the trail at Libbie Mill – Midtown, and she ran with it.” Using the color palette developed by our interior design team, the mural brings cohesion to the lobby—connecting brand, environment, and experience in a single, welcoming gesture.
Kingston at McLean Crossing
McLean, VA
Artist: David Barr
Imagined by our creative team, the brand identity for Kingston at McLean Crossing is inspired by the hostas featured throughout the landscape design. Each of the buildings across the original multiphased masterplan carries a distinct botanical theme tied to its surroundings, with Kingston introducing the approach. Nine larger‑than‑life murals span three levels of the underground parking garage, transforming a utilitarian space into an extension of the brand experience.
By weaving brand expression into unexpected places, the garage becomes more than a pass‑through; it’s an opportunity to elevate the resident tour path from arrival onward.
The Partnership: Translating the community’s “everyday oasis” sensibility from concept to built space required a thoughtful extension of the brand into the parking garage. We partnered with artist David Barr, providing brand elements, graphics, and typography as a foundation. He brought the vision to life across multiple walls, creating an immersive, cohesive extension of the Kingston brand.
We are actively pursuing additional opportunities to engage artists and introduce creative activations across our projects, recognizing that art is not frivolous, but a strategic investment of both time and capital with measurable return. When budgets are intentionally set, and infrastructure is built into the process, art becomes part of the financial transaction: a tangible asset with real value.
This approach allows clients to see the design process as an opportunity to strengthen community and deepen connection, as we deliberately consider how people experience and engage with place. Art is one of the most powerful tools we have to create environments that are meaningful, connected, and lasting.