Cornish College of the Arts is a small, private liberal arts institution committed to nurturing creativity and preparing students to become artists, citizens, and innovators. Situated in the rapidly expanding South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle, Cornish faced an urgent need for housing for 300 students due to an expiring lease. Our solution was a striking 20-story high-rise that combines student housing, academic spaces, and administrative offices, delivered on an ambitious 28-month schedule. As Cornish navigated its growth amidst towering neighbors, it became clear that the college needed to assert its identity in a memorable way, declaring, “This Is Cornish.” The design of the Cornish Commons was not just about aesthetics; it was about creating a bold yet inviting environment where creativity could flourish. The space had to serve as the museum, not the art; the stage, not the performer—encouraging artistic expression while maintaining a distinctive presence. Our approach centered on two core concepts: fostering diverse artistic interactions and honoring the past while embracing the present. This vision found its embodiment in the monumental “CORNISH” sign at the entrance, designed to be durable and grand, matching the scale of the building. The sign protrudes from the concrete, establishing a powerful visual statement that resonates with the bold creativity within. Inside, the environmental graphics and signage reflect this commitment to identity and creativity. Vertical yellow elements echo the exterior design, creating a cohesive aesthetic while also offering a modular wayfinding system that enhances the user experience. Cornish Commons has thus become a vibrant live/learn center, an icon of the campus, and a testament to the college’s dedication to artistic excellence and community engagement.