Take 10 with a Triton: Brian Choi Has Designs on UC San Diego
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Name: Brian Choi
Position: Senior Graphic Designer at Residential, Retail and Supply Chain Services (RRSS)
Years at UC San Diego: Choi has worked at UC San Diego for 11 years, starting at Housing, Dining and Hospitality (HDH) before the department integrated with other units to become RRSS.
What he does at UC San Diego: He is a creative lead at RRSS and brings ideas to life through dynamic design and strategic branding. He oversees projects from concept to final production and leads the shaping of the brand identity for new university restaurants, housing communities and major events, all while maintaining a consistent and compelling university brand presence.
His designs have been featured on brochures, reports, signs and advertising across campus. However, the most striking examples of his talent are the vibrant, floor-to-ceiling murals located in the Pepper Canyon West Living and Learning Neighborhood. Pepper Canyon West, which opened in 2024, provides housing to 1,300 students and is located close to a trolley stop and the Epstein Family Amphitheater. Choi’s iconic murals bring color and movement to Pepper Canyon West’s shared spaces, providing a lively backdrop to student life.
Choi believes teamwork has helped foster the success of the projects he works on. “Collaboration is at the heart of what I do,” he said. “I work closely with our team and vendors to manage scope, content, budgets and timelines to deliver high-impact, visually engaging materials. I work in partnership with RRSS leadership on large-scale initiatives, ensuring a unified brand voice across all communications.”
Beyond design, Choi provides art direction on visual design, custom graphics and layout aesthetics, ensuring projects align with the university’s brand vision. He is also a key member of the RRSS Marketing and Communications team who helps develop strategic marketing plans, pinpoints target audiences and crafts messages that connect, engage and deliver results. “My work is about more than just visuals," he said. “It's about telling a story, creating an experience and leaving a lasting impression.”
What he loves about UC San Diego: Choi loves that UC San Diego is a vibrant and dynamic community filled with passionate, innovative people. “The diversity of students, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences, creates an inspiring and lively environment,” he said. “What also stands out for me is the professionalism and dedication of everyone working together to build a world-class institution. Being part of UC San Diego fills me with pride, knowing that my work contributes to something greater. I like that I am helping to shape the next generation and make a lasting impact on our society.”
Best advice he has received: “Design with purpose and pay attention to detail,” he said. “Every design choice should serve a meaningful function, not just aesthetics.” Choi shared that this mindset has shaped his approach to creating visual communications that are both engaging and effective.
He also mentioned that a key lesson he has learned while at UC San Diego is to always put the student experience first. “At UC San Diego, everything we design should enhance accessibility, clarity and engagement for students,” he said. “By prioritizing their needs, we create materials that not only inform, but also foster a sense of connection and belonging. Thoughtful design isn’t just about making things look good; it’s about ensuring every element serves a real purpose in improving the user experience.”
Choi brought this student-centered approach to his Pepper Canyon West mural design. He surveyed students and included their input into the initial concept sketches. He then shared the proofs with students and staff and incorporated their feedback as part of the final designs. Through this collaborative process, the murals reflected the desires of the community and gave students a role in creating a part of their living space.
Something unique in his workspace: He credits the open-plan concept of his physical workspace as a conduit to creativity. “I share a space with many co-workers and that makes it effortless for me to brainstorm ideas and refine designs,” he said. “This highly collaborative environment is essential for the creative work that I do.”
His favorite spot on campus: The platform on the sixth floor of Charles David Keeling Apartments is Choi’s favorite spot on campus. “It’s a hidden gem overlooking the Pacific Ocean and is right across from my office,” he explained. “This serene retreat offers fresh air and a breathtaking view that helps clear my mind, break creative blocks and inspire design ideas —making it an essential haven for recharging my creative spirit.”
Something most people don’t know about him: According to Choi, his life has always been intertwined with UC San Diego. “Ever since moving to the U.S. from Hong Kong, my journey has revolved around this campus,” he said. “Starting with my first job delivering food from a La Jolla Chinese restaurant to the university followed by landing my first design role with an award-winning firm just five minutes away. My beautiful wife is an alumna of UC San Diego. I look forward to working here until I retire, and I hope that one day my children will study here too, completing the circle of my life.”
If he had one day to do whatever he wanted: As a hobbyist photographer, Choi said he would grab his favorite camera and escape to an isolated open field in Japan for a solitary camping adventure with Mount Fuji as a breathtaking backdrop. “I'd soak in the quiet, letting the crisp air and expansive landscape clear my mind and spark deep reflections as I take in every exquisite detail of nature's masterpiece,” he said.
Spending time outside with his family is a favorite activity of Brian Choi.
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