A little about me...
An entrepreneurial and experienced Design Leader and mentor with +25 years professional expertise. Combining creative and strategic innovation with practical design solutions, I deliver impactful and inspiring experiences that maximises performance while meeting all key design and business objectives. A purposeful design communicator of new, immersive concepts and a versatile team member and builder of collaborative design efforts to further productivity, meet deadlines, manage budgets and build key stakeholder and peer relationships.
Versatile, Innovative, Purposeful
...
Results Driven
An industrial designer by training, I look at everything as the end user- the customers’ point of view—forging relationships by creating human interactions and connections to the brand. I immerse myself and examine what would surprise and delight. I understand design to be a versatile and powerful tool to create memorable experiences that endear a brand to its customers- but also know that the measure of our success comes in the value I can bring to your brand and to your bottom line.
Sample Portfolio
Professional Experience
Principal
JH Retail Design, New York, NY + Bristol, UK
September 2016 to Present
Creative Design Consultant for global and national brands developing new concepts, showrooms and global design standards while managing national rollouts. Delivered custom fixture design and development services to reduce construction costs by up to 50%. Collaborated closely with client teams, Construction Managers and vendor partners to provide creative solutions for over 200 locations across the United States.
Creative Director
Dash Design, New York, NY
June 2011 to September 2016
Leader of a boutique Retail and Hospitality Design creative studio developing Creative Strategy through to final design resulting in numerous award winning design experiences and over 15 published concepts. Initiated proposals, project schedules and staffing models to track and maintain studio profitability, overseeing 5 straight years of firm growth. Communicated firm capabilities and design concepts to new and existing clients, building and managing long term client relationships for new business opportunities. Mentor of 12 person creative design team building their creative skill sets and furthering professional growth.
Senior Design Manager
Sony Style, New York, NY
October 2009 to June 2010
Manager of Brand Visual team responsible for all store design, visual merchandising and new product launches for 43 retail stores across the country. Designed and implemented 3-D TV launch collateral for 43 stores in 2 months.
Design Director
Macy's Merchandising Group, New York, NY
September 2005 to October 2009
Director of internal Shop Development team responsible for the design and roll out of Macy’s Private Label shops in 750+ Macy’s doors, managing a capital budget of $35+ m. Directed outside consultant teams in May Company merger for Private Label shops in 350+ locations with a budget of +$50+ m. Spearheaded the design of all new concept, flagship and key market projects while collaborating with GMM’s and Divisions on merchandise adjacencies and block plans.
Design Director
Landor Associates, New York, NY
October 2003 to June 2005
Director of multi-disciplinary Branded Environments Design Studio creating new concept airport gate and check-in experiences for Delta Airlines. Created new concept designs from initial brand strategy and concept through to final Design Development for all client presentations. Member of Senior Leadership team giving studio presentations to potential new clients, while setting fee schedule, project timelines and the submission of all project proposals.
Vice President- Design
Fitch:Worldwide, Boston, MA
Nov. 2002 to Oct. 2003
Head of the Consumer Environments Design Studio managing the creation of design concepts from initial strategy and concept through to final design development. Developed new concept store experiences for the department store, pharmacy and fast casual restaurant sectors. Member of senior management team, establishing studio budgets and revenue targets. Set client fee schedule, timelines and proposals for new business opportunities.
Design Director
Mansour Design, New York, NY
Dec. 1999 to Nov. 2002 and June 2010 to May 2011
Leader of a creative Retail Branding and Design studio actively participating in the development of overall brand and design strategy. Responsible for the direction of all concept design through to implementation, and the coordination between the client and outside design partners. Maintained all full time and freelance design staff. client contact, set fee schedule, project timelines and contracts.
Awards
2018 HD Nightlife Design Awards Finalist - The Magic Rat, Ft. Collins, CO
2015 RDI International Store Design Award of Merit - Stearns and Foster Showroom, Las Vegas, NV
2015 A.R.E Gold Award - Urban Farmer Restaurant, Cleveland, OH
2014 RDI International Store Design Award of Merit - Distrito Restaurant, Moorestown, NJ
2010 A.R.E. Store Fixture Award - Sony Altus Display, Sony Style, Multiple Locations
2007 NASFM Awards Outstanding Merit Softline Shop Within a Store - The Hotel Collection @ Macy’s
2002 NASFM Awards - Grand Prize New or Remodeled Hardline Specialty Store - Sony Style, New York
Affiliations
The Retail Design Institute- Active Member and former Board Vice President, New York Chapter
Press