Art Directors Association of Iowa Announces 68th Annual Design Exhibition Winners
RDG Planning & Design has been recognized for its work in environmental graphics, integrated brand systems, identity marks and design.
The Art Directors Association of Iowa (ADAI) held its annual awards exhibition, during which it recognized five RDG Planning & Design projects with an Award of Excellence. Presented annually, the ADAI Exhibition celebrates excellence in design across 20 categories, with finalists receiving an Award of Excellence, Judge’s Choice, Best of Category and/or Best of Show. Each entry is carefully evaluated by a panel of out-of-state judges, comprised of top graphic design professionals. This year’s winners were announced at the 68th annual event on April 24, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa.
RDG’s five Award of Excellence winners include: The Linc - City of Springfield, Illinois (Integrated Brand System); Logan Magnolia Panthers - Logan Magnolia Community School District (Identity Mark); Downtown Des Moines Skywalk - City of Des Moines (Integrated Brand System); The Beltline Trail - Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Environmental Graphics & Design); and Pracht Wetlands - City of Wichita, Kansas (Environmental Graphics & Design).
The Linc - City of Springfield, Illinois: Comprehensive naming, identity, branding and signage were developed for a reclaimed railroad greenway in Springfield, Illinois. The logo draws on midcentury railway branding, with a layered geometric typeface that honors the corridor’s past, and a simple chain motif that subtly suggests a smiling face, expressing the city’s welcoming, community-centered spirit.
Logan Magnolia Panthers - Logan Magnolia CSD: The Logan Magnolia Community School District rebrand creates a clear, unified identity anchored in tradition and strengthened through consistency. An updated panther mark and comprehensive brand guidelines support cohesive communication and reflect the district’s continued growth.
Downtown Des Moines Skywalk - City of Des Moines: A refreshed wayfinding system brings clarity and consistency to the Downtown Des Moines Skywalk, making it easier to navigate year-round. Simplified naming, clean typography and a functional color palette work together to create an intuitive, user-centered experience shaped by community input.
The Beltline Trail - Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District: The Beltline Trail transforms a former rail corridor into a connected, community-focused transportation route in North Omaha. Materials and forms reference the site’s history while signage and public elements reinforce identity, honor local voices and support everyday use.
Pracht Wetlands - City of Wichita, Kansas: Integrated bird blinds provide practical shelter for viewing wildlife while doubling as meaningful design elements that connect visitors to the wetlands. Panels featuring Great Blue Herons and American Lotus reflect species found within the ecosystem. Paired with the boardwalk, these elements draw people into the landscape, offering up-close experiences with wildlife while preserving the natural environment.
Together, these Award of Excellence–winning projects highlight RDG’s approach to experiential design, where brand, story and space come together to influence how people experience a place, making environments easier to navigate and more meaningful to those who use them.