Permitting Council

The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council works to improve the transparency, coordination, and efficiency of the federal permitting process for large infrastructure projects, such as clean energy, transportation, and broadband, so critical projects can move forward responsibly and on predictable timelines. The work needed to introduce this new agency established by Congress as an expert guide, and communicate multi-agency relationships and processes into clear, accessible communications for policymakers, project sponsors, and the public.

My Role

I led the visual direction and creative approach for the Permitting Council’s communications, shaping how complex permitting processes and timelines were presented to non-technical audiences. I led creative teams, and partnered with subject-matter experts and stakeholders to align messaging; guided the design system across deliverables; and ensured clarity, consistency, and accessibility across print, social, video and training/networking events.

The Challenge

Federal permitting is inherently complex, involving multiple agencies across state lines, large budget infrastructure projects, long timelines, and technical language that can feel opaque or inaccessible to the public. The challenge was to build trust and understanding, helping audiences see where projects stand, who is responsible, and how progress is tracked without oversimplifying or losing accuracy. All while positioning the Permitting Council as a facilitator and expert guide.

Creative Approach & Key Decisions

I established a visual and information framework centered on clarity, neutrality, and transparency:

• Led a clear visual hierarchy to help users understand and recognize Permitting Council messaging

• Prioritized plain-language framing and approachable design

• Led design system development scaleable across collateral, social, reports, and presentations

• Ensured accessibility and consistency in materials across agencies and audiences

The work defined the Permitting Council as an independent, trustworthy guide in coordination and problem-solving rather than advocacy.

Logo Redevelopment

The creative brief called for a public-facing identity that was approachable and expressed the agency's critical role as guide. We started with shortening the name from "Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council" to the "Permitting Council". A logo mark of shapes creating an arrow represent the Permitting Council as guide and coordinator between sectors, states, and agencies, and connecting everyone working together in driving infrastructure projects forward. A seal version reinforces a partnering relationship with other federal agencies.

Brand Visual Guide

Led branding effort for consistent visual treatments, presented and explained in a Brand Visual Guide.

Factsheet

Annual Report to Congress

Social Media

Project announcement template

Impact Report—Executive Director's Accomplishments

Virtual Meeting Backgrounds

Process Graphic

How to apply for permitting support

Brand Extension: Developrs Summit

Summit event logo

Online training for the permitting workforce to strengthen core skills

Permitting Council Summit Event

Networking opportunity for project sponsors, sector stakeholders and permitting experts focusing on priority sectors. Attendees learn to improve efficiency in the permitting process while gaining insight on project accountability from federal leaders and industry insiders.