UW Division of Extension

Creating a Sense of Place, Statewide

How Thysse helped UW Extension bring the Wisconsin Idea to life in an off-campus space through branded environments, cohesive design, and community-focused storytelling.

Vertical wall installation featuring preserved moss shaped like the state of Wisconsin, mounted in three framed panels with wood and red paneling accents.

Angled perspective of a bold feature wall with dimensional wood slats and icons, concluding with a large silhouette of Wisconsin and outreach-themed illustrations.

The Challenge: Staying Connected, Off-Campus

When the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension moved its Madison-based operations from the heart of campus to a former bank building on University Avenue, one key concern emerged: Would the new location still feel like UW?

UW Extension serves all 72 counties in Wisconsin, translating university research into on-the-ground impact across six institutes—from agriculture and natural resources to youth and community development. For a team so deeply tied to statewide service and UW culture, creating a space that reflected their identity wasn’t just a nice-to-have—it was essential.

The Opportunity: A Blank Canvas with Potential

Thysse first connected with UW Extension through an introductory presentation to UW Facilities Planning & Management. From there, a collaborative relationship began to take shape. The project called for creative problem-solving and sensitive transformation—rethinking a sterile, bank-like interior into a warm, welcoming space that champions education, equity, and community.

Phase 1

Building Belonging

Before the staff moved in, Thysse was tasked with setting the tone for their new home—starting with a sense of belonging.

Key Phase 1 features included:

A custom branded wood feature wall in the main lobby with dimensional text and UW crest
A striking moss installation on the central staircase, injecting life and texture into the space
Vinyl glass treatments at the entries, enhancing privacy and clarity
A quote wall and UW crest installation in the boardroom
A slat wall display outside the Dean’s office, highlighting the six institutes
- Promoting healthy relationships
- Empowering health & well-being
- Fostering civic & economic leadership
- Supporting Wisconsin’s agriculture industry
- Enhancing resilient natural resource systems
- Supporting positive youth development

The goal? Make the space feel undeniably UW—even in an off-campus setting.

Overhead angle of moss wall installation at the stair landing, highlighting the textured moss design and clean wood and red trim detail.

Moss art installation viewed from a stairwell, showcasing a three-panel display of Wisconsin’s outline made with green moss against a wooden wall.

Full view of the dimensional feature wall at UW Extension, displaying wooden graphic elements, icons, and the message “Transforming Lives and Communities in Wisconsin” next to a large outline of the state.

Close-up of a dimensional wall mural with raised wood blocks and text that reads “Transforming Lives and Communities in Wisconsin,” with pops of red and blue acrylic.

Phase 2

Amplifying the Mission

Coming July 2025

The Impact: From Utility to Identity

From early design meetings to hands-on installation, Thysse worked alongside UW Extension to ensure that every element of the space felt intentional, inspiring, and true to its purpose. As more branding went up, so did the excitement—both from staff and leadership.

“Once they started to see the physical transformation, they realized how powerful these spaces could be... This wasn’t just decoration—it was identity reinforcement.”
- Beth Hamacher, Business Development Manager

With every wood panel, wall graphic, and dimensional element, the team turned a generic commercial space into a UW-centric branded environment that supports UW Extension’s mission—and the people behind it.

More to Come

A full video showcasing both Phase 1 and Phase 2 will be released after final installation is complete. Stay tuned.