MADELEINE KEMENY

Circurio was developed as a line of tableware and gift items, crafted from recycled aluminum. The name was generated by brainstorming the attributes of the product, particularly the “green” characteristics; by considering the values of the target market; and addressing aspects of the object itself. Specifically, the name came from these key words and concepts that presented themselves repeatedly as priorities of the brand:

•    closed loop of green manufacturing: circle
•    natural geometry-inspired patterns: circadian rhythms
•    the conscious consumer who purchases lasting and
recycled products: questioning and curious mind
•    the product as an accent piece in the home: curio

After developing the name, a logotype was designed to appeal to the savvy, youthful, globally-thinking consumer of these products. A “living” color palette enhanced the durability of the logotype; because the products themselves had different looks and feels with their different finishes, it was requested that the logotype be able to follow the chameleon act of the aluminum material. An integrated palette with five approved pairs was implemented. 

In order to create an appealing catalog, a series of “contemplation” photographs were taken and supporting quotes were cited to complement the attitude of the brand. 

The products were photographed on sets laden with natural object backgrounds. The catalog was designed as a series of cards, so that as the product line changed and expanded, updated pages could be added and outdated pages could be removed without sacrificing an entire book. 

This successful brand was sold to Design Ideas, a company which continues to manufacture this product line.

Merle Hay Mall, a regional shopping center located in Des Moines, Iowa, received an inside & outside makeover by RTKL Associates in 1999. Working collaboratively with the mall ownership and the architects, interior and exterior wayfinding signage, interior color palettes, laminated table tops for the food court, and custom rugs for seating areas were developed as components of the makeover. After renovations were completed, marketing materials were created for Abbell Associates including promotional pieces for trade shows, site development signs for additional properties, client-specific presentations, info graphics, and gift certificates among other print and rich media marketing materials.

Working collaboratively with architects and interior designers, focal points in the new library building were identified and developed into fanciful tableaus. These tableaus were collages of ideas – photographic images, quotations, colors, physical inclusions (e.g. fish tanks, shelving, book drops), storybook characters, line drawings, vintage etchings, and words – that best represented the ideology of the new library and the City of Oak Park.

Mind2Body Studio is a fitness studio in the Greater Los Angeles area. The studio specializes in Classical Pilates and Gyrotonic Expansion System®. A complete brand was developed, and included a suite of print communications – brochures, postcards, gift certificates, and more – indoor and outdoor signage, window display graphics, studio swag, and a website with complete class schedules, policies, fees, and information about joining the studio.

BAM (Beef Alternative Merchandising) was a campaign by the Beef Checkoff, the educational arm of the National Cattleman's Beef Association, to create a more profitable and economical method for optimizing the usage of the larger but fewer carcasses being produced.

Instead of using traditional cutting techniques, the beef experts of Range developed a methodology for three subprimals that would create nine new cuts and a curriculum to teach the new technique to retailers and food service professionals nationwide.

The BAM curriculum materials included:
• 24 x 36" instructional posters with step-by-step photography
• printed manual with cut steps, market research, and merchandising ideas
• instructional DVD with videos developed by Range to demonstrate the new cut methods
• BAM swag – buttons, lanyards, certificates of completing the training

Established in 1962 by the Franciscans of the Sacred Heart Province, Hales Franciscan High School was founded to educate young African American males at a time when there were few opportunities afforded them to receive a quality, private school education.

In 2004, a group of exceptionally committed alumni and a motivated Board began explorations for what would become "Building Opportunities: The Capital Campaign for Hales Franciscan High School" for much needed improvements to the aging infrastructure of this beloved South Side institution. The Campaign held a public launch in October 2005 and announced the major donors spearheading the campaign: Michael and Juanita Jordan.

Since the end of the Capital Campaign, Hales has reopened with improved facilities, a larger student body, and a multitude of committees, boards, and clubs that support and stay connected to the students and the mission of the school to ensure continued success.

The Nature Conservancy in Illinois has been protecting the lands and waters on which all life depends for more than six decades. It is an active local chapter of the national organization with the strong philanthropic base that is Chicago.

In Our Hands
The Illinois Chapter ran a capital campaign in 2002, called "In Our Hands," to generate legacy funds that would ensure the protection of multiple sensitive sites in Illinois for generations to come. At the close of the campaign, a report was issued to donors as the goals of the campaign had been met and surpassed.

Partnership & Conservation
The 2007 Annual Report for the Illinois Chapter represented a change in perspective. Whereas in previous years, the focus had been on Illinois sites and features, the 2007 Report placed an emphasis on how the sites in Illinois connected to national and international concerns of The Nature Conservancy. Partnerships with corporate and nonprofit entities here and abroad were explored in the narrative and opportunities for growth identified in this all new point of view on the activities of the Chapter.

Since 1948, the designers of Haworth have been revolutionizing the way office environments work. Their presence at The Merchandise Mart of Chicago — a 15,000 square-foot showroom is a critical sales tool for the company, especially during NeoCon, the industry show at which new products are unveiled and made available for pre-order to the trade.

Working collaboratively with Booth Hansen Associates and Concrete, the space was completely gutted and reworked to showcase various new products and concepts Haworth was ready to present. Imagery, wallscapes, photography, video installations, floor tiles, product signage, display ads, invitations, swag, foodservice extras, and propping the entire set were all part of the makeover this showroom received. 

The showroom won the NeoCon Gold Award for Design.

The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is a park of the Lincoln Park Conservancy. It was originally designed by Caldwell, a landscape architect employed by Jens Jensen, in 1938. Over the years the park fell into disrepair. It was acquired by LPC in 1997 and restored to its original plan in 2002.

Donor recognition, park history displays, and wayfinding signage were added to enhance visitors' experiences in this oasis-like gem, hidden in the middle of the city.

Children's Circle of Care is a program that recognizes high-level donors to 26 of the leading children's hospitals in North America. Children's Memorial Hospital (now Ann Lurie Children's Hospital) participates in this program. 

Each year the program developed annual reports, hosted member appreciation events, and created national conferences to highlight research and technology advances among other activities focused toward the philanthropic community.

Gifts, a periodic newsletter for donors to Chicago Tribune Holiday Giving, A Campaign of Chicago Tribune Charities, A McCormick Tribune Fund, was designed to communicate the objectives and successes of the Campaign in neighborhoods throughout Chicago. Gifts was sent multiple times during the year to remind donors that although the Campaign name was "Holiday Giving," the program operated year-round and certainly benefited from donations made year-round.

The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance is an organization that strives to help identify and shape a talented, prepared workforce for the social sector. The NLA is a clearinghouse of information for students and professionals, and through their website, conferences, and and on-the-ground outreach, they want to educate people who are interested in pursuing a career at any level in the nonprofit world.