Sue Gould Obituary – SEGD Fellow, President, and Design Pioneer (1943–2026)
On February 11, 2026, Sue Gould, SEGD Fellow and Former Board President, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and love ones. She leaves a legacy that shaped the field of experiential graphic design for decades.
Sue’s impact on SEGD was profound. She served on the SEGD Board of Directors and as SEGD President from 1989–1990 She received the SEGD Angel Award in 1994 and was honored as a Visionary Woman of SEGD in 2013, when she was also named an SEGD Fellow. Her leadership helped guide the organization during formative years and strengthened its commitment to professional excellence and community service.
As Founder and President of Lebowitz | Gould | Design, Inc., Sue led signage and wayfinding projects for major institutions including Bronx Community College, Brooklyn College Graduate School of Cinema, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 1 Hotel Central Park, and Baccarat Hotel. Her firm became known for thoughtful design, detailed documentation, and seamless implementation.
Sue was a pioneer, mentor, and leader whose work elevated environmental graphic design across New York and beyond. A graduate of Parsons School of Design and NYU, she began her career in 1967 working on the Man & Agriculture Pavilion for Expo 67 in Montreal. From the start, her work connected image and information with clarity and purpose.
Beyond SEGD, Sue served on the Board of NEWH and was active in the New York Chapter for more than 17 years. She contributed as Chair of Community Service, Chapter Vice President, Chair of Scholarship, and International Delegate. She also received the Joyce Johnson Award from NEWH.
Colleagues remember Sue for her intellectual energy, strength, and steady presence. Her family recalls her love of reading, design, and traditions that brought people together. Her work was featured in The New York Times in 1981, highlighting her thoughtful approach to community-based design.
Sue Gould’s influence can still be seen in campuses, hotels, and public spaces across New York City. More importantly, it lives on in the designers she mentored and the standards she helped set for our profession.
We extend our deepest condolences to her husband, family, and friends.
To learn more about Sue Gould’s life and legacy, please read the full memorial tribute.