Bechtel: The 2017 Annual Report

An annual report that dared to dream big

Bechtel first commissioned N+S in 2014 to develop the conceptual and visual theme, create the overall annual report design, and manage production of both the print and digital reports. For the 2017 annual report, the conceptual direction was Dream Big. Our minimalistic design utilized photography from Bechtel projects around the world to convey the scale at which the corporation operates.

The companion website utilized the same minimalistic approach while incorporating animation and an interactive Project Highlights map where visitors could define what “dreaming big” meant to them. The website design was recognized in 2019 by Graphis, and received favorable reviews for its easy-to-manage interface and overall responsiveness.

The Work

Bechtel is a cornerstone of the global engineering, construction, and project management industry. Known for designing and building complex projects, the corporation relies on its annual report to communicate its goals and year-end accomplishments with employees, directors, and customers as well as various local, state, and national governmental agencies.

Bechtel first commissioned N+S in 2014. Our work was to develop the conceptual and visual theme, create the overall design, and manage production of both the print and digital reports. In 2017, the theme that ultimately served as the direction for the project was Dream Big.

The Results

We took a minimalistic approach to the annual report design, utilizing photography from Bechtel projects around the world that were carefully selected to convey the scale at which the corporation operates. These photographs were cast in monotone color scales. Each monotone image featured a die cut that not only revealed the full-color version of the image on the next page, but that also framed an essential feature within the photo.

The print report also featured six foldouts, placed strategically throughout the piece to engage readers and highlight the report’s key messages.

The companion website utilized the same minimalistic approach. Animation engaged the user, and the monotone images that were featured in the print edition were replicated as large banner images that morphed into full-color photographs. The microsite also featured an interactive Project Highlights map and a small sidebar where visitors could define what “Dream Big” meant to them.

The annual report website, which was recognized in 2019 by Graphis, received favorable reviews that emphasized the microsite’s easy-to-manage user interface, fluid animations, impactful design, and responsive programming.