What We Do
We practice what we preach and always have. Purpose has defined Exit from day one. It captures the intention we bring to every facet of our work and defines the people and organizations we choose to work with.
Exit staff having a design critique
Exit staff collaborating in the office

Good work for good people.

Through people-centered strategy and thoughtful design, we reshape spaces into meaningful brand experiences that support, inspire, and connect.

Strategy isn’t a phase. It’s our foundation.

Strategy is embedded in every step of our process. We don’t just plan; we design with purpose, ensuring that each design decision is grounded in research and insights that result in exceptional experiences.

Great design happens together.

Collaboration drives our process. With the right people in the room from the start, every project benefits from collective expertise and shared goals, resulting in results that meet the needs of all who walk there.

We’re people pleasers.

It’s not just about functionality; it’s about making people feel seen and supported. At Exit, we create systems that engage, empower, and elevate how people experience place.

A creative hub.

We’re committed to amplifying the good in our city through design education, the arts, community building, and providing a space to gather and share ideas that move us forward.

A balanced act.

We believe the work we do here should enrich the lives we live out there. We prioritize wellness, work environment, career growth, and engaging social, cultural, and community experiences.

Exit and J2 staff group photo
Capabilities + Services
Exit staff drawing circulation maps and holding signage
Wayfinding
Research-backed, human-centered systems that seamlessly guide and point towards brand expression at every turn.
Exit staff developing a sign standards manual
Sign Standards
Thorough signage standards in a user-friendly package, ensuring clarity and consistency across every space and location.
Illustration of a sign being installed
Branded Environments
Engaging environments and experiences that tell your brand’s story by connecting people to place—and your place in it.
Donor Recognition
Bringing the art of gratitude to life through beautifully designed donor experiences. Say thank you, and mean it.
Interpretive Storytelling
Narrative-driven experiences that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and bring history, mission, and impact to life.
Brand Identity
Flexible and functional visual and verbal systems that capture the essence of an organization or place, and empowers authentic and differentiated communication.
UPMC Logo
Lehigh University Logo
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Logo
Brandywine Realty Trust Logo
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Logo
Rutgers Logo
Asian Arts Initiative Logo
Fairmount Park Conservancy Logo
Kaiser Permanente Logo
Amtrak Logo
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Logo
UCSF Health Logo
New York State Thruway Authority Logo
Ochsner Health Network Logo
University of Pennsylvania Logo
JLL Logo
Kimmel Cultural Campus Logo
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Logo
Suburban Square Logo
Mastery Schools Logo
Mayo Clinic Logo
Jefferson Health Logo
Drexel University Logo
Inspira Health Logo
Mural Arts Philadelphia Logo
The Philadelphia School Logo
Main Line Health Logo
Hackensack Meridian Health Logo
Penn's Landing Park Logo
Dignity Health Logo
Exit staff reviewing prototypes
wide angle shot of team at work in modern-industrial design agency office
20yrs
Making Spaces Matter
Since 2005, we’ve combined technical expertise and strategic design to impact the places we live, work, heal, and play. Every project is a chance to shape a better experience for everyone.
19k+
Hours on the Ground
We travel coast to coast to meet the people and explore the places that inspire every experience we create. Only when you walk in someone's shoes, can you create something meaningful to them.
650+
Focus Groups
We’ve connected with thousands of stakeholders across hundreds of organizations, gathering insights on strengths and challenges. What we hear shapes how we design spaces that work for them.
10k+
Hours Spent Learning
Continuous improvement and innovation run in our veins. We invest our time exploring new ideas and emerging trends—and pay it forward with mentorship across our teams. Live and learn.
We are
many things...
Alan at the top of Uhuru Peak
Alex and his wife enjoying a rooftop view
Amy traveling with her husband
J2 and Exit staff during a Hoagie taste test
Jane at a museum
Brad teaching his son how to skateboard
Leslye and her amazing sand sculpture
J2 and Exit staff at the annual summer celebration
Nova at a sunflower field
Kelly giving a flower arranging tutorial
Karen after running the Philly Marathon
Lucy exploring caves
Jason, Alan, Cara, Brian, Amy and Kelly on their annual retreat
Maura teaching Barre class
Sarah in Disney World
Ryan at his Fresh Ink showcase
Shawn posing with the Eagles
Stephen fishing at a lake

Work and life. Balanced.

Our culture is built on trust, mutual respect, and open minds. We create an environment where people feel safe and supported so they can live their best lives inside and outside of work. We don’t think loving your job (and your time away from it) is too much to ask for.

Team. Work.
Alan Jacobson, Founder + CEO
Alan Jacobson
Founder + CEO
Brian Jacobson, Founding Partner + Managing Director
Brian Jacobson
Founding Partner + Managing Director
Amy Rees, Partner + Studio Director
Amy Rees
Partner + Experience Design Director
Kelly Jennings, Partner + Director of Client Engagement
Kelly Jennings
Partner + Director of Client Engagement
Cara Cox, Partner + Strategy Director
Cara Cox
Partner + Strategy Director
Jason Rothman, Partner + Creative Director
Jason Rothman
Partner + Creative Director
Alex Cohn, Project Management Lead
Alex Cohn
Project Management Lead
Bradford Haubrich, Senior Project Manager
Bradford Haubrich
Senior Project Manager
Nova Harris, Project Manager
Nova Harris
Project Manager
Jessica D’Elia, Account Director
Jess D’Elia
Account Director
Brenna Kingsley, Account Supervisor
Brenna Kingsley
Account Supervisor
Karen Mulry, Strategy + Planning Lead
Karen Mulry
Strategy + Planning Lead
Jane Van Woert, Planner
Jane Van Woert
Planner
Sarah Furey, Planner
Sarah Furey
Planner
Maura Dougherty, Designer + Planner
Maura Dougherty
Designer + Planner
Ryan Aungst, Senior Designer
Ryan Aungst
Senior Designer
Sam Cush, Senior Designer
Sam Cush
Senior Designer
Stephen Meyer, Designer
Stephen Meyer
Designer
Shawn Hakes, Designer
Shawn Hakes
Designer
McKenzie Annis, Designer
McKenzie Annis
Designer
Leslye Rowland, Operations Manager
Leslye Rowland
Operations Manager
Lucy Kruger, Accounting Manager
Lucy Krueger
Accounting Manager
Liam Nielsenshultz, Director of Photography
Liam Nielsenshultz
Director of Photography
Pat McGinley, Director
Pat McGinley
Director
Arlo, Chief Canine Officer
Arlo
Chief Canine Officer
Illustration of Kelly and Brian holding open the front door at Exit + J2.

Ready to
get to work?