CADC Guidebook

CHALLENGE
The CADC Office of Recruitment needed a clearer way to introduce prospective students to the College of Architecture, Design and Construction’s programs and opportunities. Previously, materials were assembled as large packets of individual handouts—flexible but time-consuming to prepare for seven undergraduate programs. The goal was to create a publication that could organize core information into a cohesive visual narrative while helping prospective students quickly understand disciplines that may not be universally familiar.

APPROACH
Working in close collaboration with CADC Recruitment, we developed the guidebook from the ground up—defining the messaging strategy, information hierarchy and overall structure before moving into design. Built within Auburn University’s brand guidelines, the visual system uses a grid-based layout, distinctive typography and large-scale photography to organize complex information while conveying the experiential nature of CADC programs. A set of recognizable icons helps quickly communicate the focus of each major, making programs easier to understand at a glance. To maintain flexibility, the guidebook includes a pocket that allows supplemental materials to be added as needed—transforming the publication into a flexible foundation rather than a static piece.

OUTCOME
The CADC Guidebook replaced a collection of loose recruitment materials with a structured, narrative-driven publication that provides prospective students with a clear starting point for understanding the college’s programs and opportunities. Presenting all majors within a single guide also exposed students to disciplines they may not have previously considered, sparking interest in new areas of study. Since its introduction in 2023, the guidebook has remained the foundation of the CADC Office of Recruitment’s materials, continuing to support outreach while allowing the team to adapt supplemental information as needed.