Accidental Conservationist
“When I started my design career at the Houston Zoo in 2006, I had no aspirations of saving the planet or anything in it. I merely wanted a happy place to use my creative talents - and a zoo seemed like as good a place as any to do that. Little did I know that the journey would bring me to a much deeper understanding of human impact on the environment and wildlife. And it became clear that I had to start using my talents for a much greater good. Connecting people to wildlife-saving actions through visual communication has become my passion and drive while serving as Senior Creative Director at the Houston Zoo, and continues to be my focus as I lead the in-house design team, here.”
Kirsten Ufer is a multidisciplinary designer based in Houston, Texas. Her career has spanned from in-house work at museums and attractions, to free-lance, and traditional design firm settings.
INTERVIEWS & PRESS
Galveston County News Center | Seawall Murals Educate Public on Wildlife Conservation, Aug 2016
HOW | Behind-the-Scenes Videos from The Houston Zoo Design Team, June 2016
HOW | Glass In-House: See Inside 4 Creative Departments, May 2016
HOW | In-House Survival: 5 Designers Share What Keeps Them Going, May 2016
HOW | 5 In-House Designers on Frustratingly Funny Clients, May 2016
HOW | 5 In-House Design Teams on Working, Laughing & Learning, April 2016
HOW | In-house Design Awards, Winter 2015
Jobsparkx | Houston Zoo Creative Director Kirsten Ufer, October 2015
Pettalk Magazine| Marine Mission, September 2015
KHOU | Gorilla murals create buzz about upcoming Houston Zoo exhibit, Feb 2015
NewsFix | Houston is Going Ape Over New Exhibit, February 2015
Houstonia Magazine | The Houston Zoo’s Accidental Conservationist, June 2014
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
AIGA Houston 20x20 Oh Bleep! Stories of Growth Through Setbacks, September 2019
AIGA Houston Design Loop Portfolio Panel Discussion, February 2016
PRSA Houston PR Day Conference, October 2015
AIGA Houston Design Loop Panel Discussion, June 2014
AIGA Houston Inside Job, November 2013
AIGA Houston Small Talk, Houston Zoo , November 2013
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) 2021 Exhibit Award - Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands Exhibit and Cypress Circle Café
BMA Houston 2016 Lantern Awards of Texas - Make Your Mark
AMA Houston 2016 Crystal Awards - Houston Zoo Gorilla Marketing Campaign - Outdoor Campaign, Newspaper Ad Single
HOW In-house Design Awards 2016 -Nonprofits
AIGA Houston 2015 Design Awards - Houston Zoo, Feast With the Beasts - Best Poster
AMA Houston 2014 Crystal Awards - Houston Zoo, Zoo Lights Campaign