… I feel that I’m very fortunate.

Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio I was a kid who loved to draw, to create my own worlds on paper. I was encouraged to draw by my parents and later by one of those special high school teachers who looking back made all the difference in me choosing what I should do with my life. I was fortunate to attend a great art school where I was surrounded by students who pushed me to think differently and a amazing group of professors who challenged me to understand what ‘Design Thinking’ was and to work harder … always work harder. They stressed that ability and desire was never going to be enough.

After graduation I was fortunate to work at a series of retail design firms where I was again surrounded by talented designers and where the lessons of thinking critically and working harder were reinforced. I was extremely lucky to work on a long list of great retail projects and travel to some pretty amazing places.

Through all of this I have gained nearly thirty years of retail design experience. I work with clients to understand what the unique challenges they face are and then help translate that when leading design teams. Using my experience and design process to create impactful, brand-right customer experiences. I believe that good design has to be based upon something other than simply your personal opinion , that good design is using creativity to solve real world design problems. I am fortunate that I continue to love what I do.

These days I live with my family and a menagerie of animals in Atlanta, continuing the theme of feeling very fortunate. I can often be found around town digging through crates of old musty vinyl records. A good evening finds me at home listening to John Coltrane, hanging out with friends and perhaps enjoying a glass of fine Kentucky bourbon.