03/31/2026
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our co-founder, visionary designer, and cherished friend, Clifford L. Selbert. Cliff passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, at the age of 72, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Cliff was the foundation and heart of Selbert Perkins Design. For more than four decades, he helped define the field of environmental graphic design and placemaking—uniting graphic design, architecture, landscape, branding, and storytelling to create memorable and meaningful places around the world.
Guided by the belief that “Every place has a story. Every story has a place,” Cliff was deeply committed to the public realm and to the communities it serves. His vision can be seen in iconic projects such as the LAX Gateway, Universal Studios, the World of Coca-Cola, and Canal City in Hakata, Japan, as well as in countless environments that quietly shape daily life.
Beyond his remarkable body of work, Cliff built a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and generosity at SPD. He empowered generations of designers to think boldly, lead with integrity, and design with empathy.
Our thoughts and hearts are with his wife and creative partner, Robin Perkins, and their daughter, Galen Selbert-Perkins, along with his extended family and the many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched.
Cliff’s legacy lives on in the landmarks he helped shape, the discipline he helped define, and the community he built. We will miss him deeply and honor his spirit in the work we carry forward every day.
Full tribute page at the link below.
https://selbertperkins.com/clifford-selbert/