Meet Bryan Evans: Connecting People, Places, and Stories

Bryan Evans’ journey with Guide Studio began long before he officially joined the team. Back in 2007, Bryan was working for University Circle, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio, where he spearheaded efforts to enhance the neighborhood’s functionality and appeal. Recognizing the district’s unique layout and need for better wayfinding, Bryan led the charge in selecting Guide Studio (then Studio Graphique) to develop a comprehensive signage and wayfinding program. Over the next four years, Bryan collaborated closely with Guide, helping to plan, design, and implement a program that not only brought clarity to the district but also strengthened its sense of place.

For Bryan, this partnership wasn’t just a transactional consultant-client relationship. What stood out to him then—and continues to resonate now—is Guide’s ability to connect with people on a human level. “It didn’t feel corporate,” Bryan recalls. “It felt more like a relationship, and I appreciated that.”

Years later, Bryan transitioned from client to team member, bringing his unique perspective as a landscape architect and planner. Initially joining Guide Studio as a project manager, he also dabbled in brand strategy, showcasing a natural talent for understanding places and clients. When the pandemic shifted the landscape of work, Cathy Fromet, Guide Studio’s managing principal, reached out to Bryan, remembering his knack for developing place-based brand strategies. Bryan rejoined the team, this time as a dedicated brand strategist, and has been traveling to cities nationwide, helping communities uncover and amplify their unique identities.

Bridging Perspectives and Building Connections

Bryan’s diverse background as a landscape architect, planner, and now an elected official as a member of Lakewood, OH’s City Council gives him a rare ability to see challenges and opportunities from all sides. “I’ve literally been in every seat at the table,” Bryan says. “I might not always agree, but I can understand where people come from—whether they’re advocating for their community, navigating intergovernmental dynamics, or just looking out for themselves. That perspective helps me anticipate challenges, ask the right questions, and guide teams toward practical solutions.”

This empathy-driven approach doesn’t just help Bryan navigate client relationships; it also fosters collaboration within the Guide Studio team. “Sometimes, just understanding where someone is coming from—even if they’re being difficult—makes it easier for us as a team to move forward together,” he explains. Bryan’s ability to put himself in others’ shoes has become a hallmark of his work, helping Guide’s clients feel seen, heard, and supported.

Curiosity at the Core

For Bryan, brand strategy is about uncovering what makes a place special—its quirks, its history, and its story. “I’m always curious,” he says. “When I visit a new place, I want to understand how it came to be, why certain decisions were made, and what makes it tick. Every place has something unique, and my job is to distill that and bring it to the forefront.”

Whether exploring back alleys or small-town gems, Bryan’s love for the “minutiae of places” drives his work. “I like finding the hidden corners, the oddities, and the things that make a community distinct. Sometimes, it’s the small, unexpected details that reveal the biggest truths about a place.”

Partners in Every Sense

When asked what clients should know about working with Guide Studio, Bryan’s response is simple: “We’re not just consultants—we’re partners. We care about these places as much as our clients do, and we’re in it with them every step of the way.” It’s this sense of commitment that fuels Bryan’s passion for municipal branding. From helping small towns build pride and identity to guiding cities toward thoughtful, strategic growth, Bryan believes in the power of place to create meaningful connections and lasting impact.

Beyond the Work

Outside of work, Bryan is an avid traveler, Lego enthusiast, and amateur chef who finds inspiration in exploration—whether it’s trying a new recipe, diving into a book, or sampling bourbon from a local distillery. These passions mirror his approach to work: curious, creative, and always looking for a new perspective.

With his blend of curiosity, empathy, and strategic thinking, Bryan has become an integral part of the Guide Studio team, helping communities across the country discover their own unique stories—and tell them well.