CO-OP #4: STUDIO RED @ THE ROCKWELL GROUP (NYC)

It happened! After all the work in ramping up my portfolio, the hours spent finessing cover letters, the days waiting by the phone... the first phone call finally came through, and suddently all the effort was validated: it was none other than my dream employer, Studio Red, New York.

Once the private think-tank for Coca-Cola, Studio Red now is one of the hottest new design consultancies in New York, working with major global clients (Nokia, Club Med) to create innovative product opportunities, branded environments, and designed experiences. At 20 designers strong, the studio is relatively large considering it was formed just 2 years ago. It figures in as one of five studios which collectively form the Rockwell Group, a creative powerhouse consisting of 150 designers and architects. Their collective portfolio includes the Kodak Theater (home to the Academy Awards), the Sony/Loews Theatre in Times Square, and the permanent performance space for Cirque du Soleil at Walt Disney World. They've even have a monograph published of their work, Pleasure: Rockwell Group Architecture and Design", available at bookstores everywhere.

My excitement surrounding this particular co-op stems from my recent work in Hong Kong working in the budding field of experience design, as well as my previous "themed environment" design work at Cincinnati-based Bruce Robinson Architecture & Design. Of course, I'm also thrilled to return to the Northeast and to live and work in New York City for the first time. I can't wait to reunite with all my Big Apple friends!

So, wish me luck. I'll probably move to NYC in mid-December and start working the first week of January. If anyone is in New York during Jan-Mar, please give me a call, and we'll hang out! Special thanks to all those who supported me and critiqued my work as I worked toward this goal...

NYC, here I come!