WYLIE ROBINSON
San Francisco, CA
415.336.4333
swylier_gmail.com
Thinking of creative ways to tackle challenges is what I do best.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Design, with an emphasis in Architecture and a certificate in Business from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where I graduated with Honors in 2007. I am a LEED Accredited Professional, and member of the United States Green Building Council. I have also had experience working at some of the world's most creative offices including Gensler, Landor & Associates and Communication Arts.
Over the past several years I have been developing my skills across a wide range of creative fields in order to produce engaging and interesting stories behind my projects. I think that good design requires a broad view of what needs to be accomplished, combined with a deep understanding of who will benefit from that vision. I believe in human-centered design that not only accomplishes the fundamental goals of a product, service or place, but also reinvents what that experience means for the user. I am always open to new possibilities, alert to new directions, and willing to propose new solutions. My ultimate goal is to translate observations into insights, and insights into experiences that will improve lives.
The best way to achieve this goal is to be multi-talented and have access to multiple insights. By holding a diversified skill set I am able to see design solutions from a number of approaches, which ultimately produces richer and more thorough work.
In addition to design, I am interested in outdoor sports, music, travel, and culture. I am passionate about everything I do, and can promise prompt, quality work that will accomplish my client's goals.
ARCHITECTURE /
ENVIRONMENTS /
RENDERING /
ILLUSTRATION /
3D MODELING /
PHYSICAL MODELING /
SIGNAGE /
WAY-FINDING /
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT /
ART DIRECTION /
IDENTITY /
GRAPHIC DESIGN /
WEB DESIGN /
STRATEGY /
CREATIVE CONSULTATION /
DESIGN THINKING /
CAPABILITIES
experience
Freelance Designer
San Francisco, CA. September 2009 - Present
: : environments, architecture, logo, strategy, concept development and design, 3D modeling, illustration, creative direction, ideation, identity, collateral development, graphics, production for web and print, information architecture.
InterNACHI - Information and Graphic Designer
Boulder, CO. February 2009 - September 2009
: : Information architecture and educational graphics, graphics, logo, 3D modeling, concept development and design, creative direction, production for web and print, maintaining visual continuity throughout all communications.
Communication Arts - Architectural Designer
Boulder, CO. September 2007 - November 2008
: : environments, architecture, strategy, concept development and design, 3D modeling, illustration, graphics, production for web and print. Projects ranged from large-scale signage systems and retail destinations to boutique architectural designs.
Gensler - Intern Architect
Denver, CO. May - August 2006
: : environments, architecture, strategy, concept development and design, 3D modeling, physical modeling, illustration, ideation, graphics. Majority of projects were large-scale commercial.
Bergen Homes - Contracting and Construction
Evergreen, CO. May - August 2004 / May - August 2005
: : Invaluable knowledge of construction process and methods. Demolition construction, concrete-form work and pouring, carpentry on interiors and decks, staging, and installation.
skills : concepts : certifications
Proficient with PC, Mac, Adobe Creative Suite CS4, MS Office, Internet, Sketchup,
ArchiCAD, Facebook, exceptional drafting, drawing, modeling and presentation skills
LEED Accredited Professional
CUBIC : : C.U. Business Intensive Certificate
education
University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO. 07
**with distinction**
* College of Environmental Design, BA Architecture
* LEEDS School of Business, Certificate
Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford CT. 03
Town School for Boys, San Francisco, CA. 99
additional
* Professional Downhill Mountain Bike racer and
4-year member of the University of Colorado's NCAA
division 1 championship cycling team
* First Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate
PRINTABLE RESUME
image:
The Peachtree Center in downtown Atlanta is an iconic project designed and developed by John Portman in 1989. The project needed a new look to more effectively lease their space. Our team at Communication Arts established a new conceptual design and identity for the project. Our thought was that the Peachtree Center could potentially redefine the Downtown Atlanta experience. We turned the plaza into a soft, green, floral and colorful place, effectively countering the hard urban office towers that surround the site. We created a 3D model of the center and proposed various additions like a new gantry entry sequence, an enclosed [domed] cafeteria, awnings, lighting, and a fresh logo. The following images make up the design package that we delivered to our client [Americas Capital Partners] with our suggestions.
ARCHITECTURE / 3D MODELING / PROJECT CHARACTER / SIGNAGE / WAY-FINDING / RENDERING / STRATEGY
The Summerlin Center is a two-million square-foot retail development that intends to bring a business district to the emerging city of Summerlin, NV. In addition to designing signage and way-finding elements for the project, General Growth Properties contracted Communication Arts to put together a rendering and interactive package that would show a mature project with bustling streets, full-grown vegetation and lots of activity. GGP used our package to generate a buzz about the project so that tenants would agree to lease the unbuilt spaces. I created a 3D model of the entire project, designed 3D fly-through animations of the space, illustrated renderings of each district, and helped produce an interactive flash program that allowed potential tenants to see eye-level views of each leasable space. Here you can see our creative vision for the project.
PROJECT CHARACTER / 3D MODELING / SIGNAGE / WAY-FINDING / RENDERING / STRATEGY
Communication Arts was hired by Alberta Development Partners to create a main street complex with restaurants, shops and other amenities for the world-famous rodeo convention district in Calgary, Canada. Our goal was to capture the iconic, western heritage and spirit of Calgary and The Stampede Trail through architectural and placemaking gestures.
ARCHITECTURE / PROJECT CHARACTER / SIGNAGE / WAY-FINDING / RENDERING / STRATEGY / IDENTITY / GRAPHICS / MARKETING COLLATERAL
Communication Arts was hired to improve the retail experience at the Denver Pavilions. Our vision was to bring life to this project with simple, clean architectural moves that demonstrate the contemporary theme of the Denver Pavilions. Project goals: 1) create a warm, safe and well-lit atmosphere, 2) Develop a clear signage and way-finding system 3) Make access to the upper levels more convenient and intuitive, 4) Sharpen and clarify the character and image of the project, 5) Generate a set of distinctive and memorable architectural, lighting and media features throughout the project.
ARCHITECTURE / 3D MODELING / PROJECT CHARACTER / 3D MODELING / SIGNAGE / WAY-FINDING / RENDERING / STRATEGY
Dahlia is a chic women's clothing Boutique located at 1969 Union Street in San Francisco. The partners wanted a light, feminine space for their store with minimal distractions so that the merchandise would shine. I designed the interior, custom clothing racks, logo, and website for the business. Dahlia opened in May of 2010 to a large, enthusiastic group of Bay Area shoppers.
PROJECT CHARACTER / 3D MODELING / RENDERING / STRATEGY / IDENTITY / GRAPHICS / MARKETING COLLATERAL / WEB DESIGN
The East Hills Mall in St. Joe, Missouri needed a redesign in order to assure its market viability and to expand its current customer base by attracting large national brands. Communication Arts was hired to help with the redesign. Project Goals: 1) Increase desirability and revenue through optimizing existing space, 2) Enhance street visibility and project recognition, 3) Provide invitation and clarity of mall entrances by heightening their presence, 4) Add a food court to increase dwell time, convenience and people connection, 5) Invite customers to relax, refresh and socialize 6) Foster social and interpersonal connection 7) Soften the experience with natural materials and finishes 8) Resonate with the community aspirations. Above are some images of the project in it's current state along with renderings highlighting our suggestions.
ARCHITECTURE / 3D MODELING / PROJECT CHARACTER / PLACEMAKING / SIGNAGE / WAY-FINDING / RENDERING / STRATEGY / IDENTITY
IFLY is an indoor flying experience that allows users to simulate skydiving in a wind tunnel. While at Communication Arts I was assigned the task of designing the architectural character for this unique business. Our goal was to create a space and feel that embodied the qualities one might associate with the force of wind. The space was to be smooth, honed and light, while preserving a sense of sophistication and safety for timid first-timers. We designed everything from floor patterns to ceiling treatments, to retail display cases around these ideas. The end result is a space that appears to be carved by the force of wind in which hard edges are replaced by smooth curves that flow sinuously through out.
ARCHITECTURE / 3D MODELING / PROJECT CHARACTER / RENDERING / STRATEGY / GRAPHICS
Communication Arts was hired for the conceptual design of the Medley Center in Rochester, NY. This high-end retail center aims to bring a unique, timeless and contextually appropriate shopping experience to the city of Rochester. The project had to acknowledge the high education, income, traditions and values of the Rochester market region. We wanted to create a place with emotion-based appeal - a place with sensual richness of materials, lighting, texture, detail, color and form. The Center had to be sophisticated, yet not exclusionary - defining the community by reflecting its aspirations.
ARCHITECTURE / 3D MODELING / PROJECT CHARACTER / PLACEMAKING / SIGNAGE / WAY-FINDING / RENDERING / STRATEGY
Communication Arts was hired by Wind River Resources to help with the design of the mixed-use village of Paraiso del Mar. The goal was to celebrate Baja and the Sea of Cortez by giving the village a memorable, iconic and fresh look with reference to local art, architecture and colors. Staying true to the traditions of La Paz, we incorporated the surrounding natural ecology, marine life and aquatic habitats.
Communication Arts was hired by Merrill Companies to help with the design of the mixed-use project Prairefire at Lionsgate. The goal of the project was to celebrate the intrinsic value of community, as well as the simple beauty of the Kansas prairie - the sky, the wind, grasses and sunflowers - in an authentic and engaging gesture. The place becomes a home for the people who live and work there, a destination for those who visit, and a celebration of the Midwest quality of life. The project would be the site of events, accessible and walkable, and include pathways through native gardens and water features - a truly beautiful place for the community.
Cameron Developments proposed project at Manning Drive and 153rd Avenue in Edmonton intends to provide a much needed retail venue for the community and present an opportunity to set a higher standard of quality for the neighborhood. Project Goals: 1) Create a sense of place through a unified character of architecture and the public space, 2) Facilitate pedestrian-friendly features and amenities that will encourage social collaboration and walking through out the entire shopping center, 3) Connect customers to a destination that will serve their community by providing a unique shopping experience and Tenant mix, 4) Promote a healthy attitude towards the sustainability of the community by incorporating simple, cost effective measures that will lengthen the life of the center and lessen its impact on the local resources. Completed with Communication Arts.
PROJECT CHARACTER / 3D MODELING / PLACEMAKING / RENDERING / STRATEGY
University Place is a community that was founded on the principle that a university would one-day be built there. However, financial concerns eventually cancelled any plans to build a university, and as a result, the community was in need of a town center and place to gather. Project Goals: 1) Enhance the sense of community by creating a dynamic and welcoming gathering place 2) Draw upon local materials, traditions, and crafts to provide inspiration for elements and features throughout the Town Center 3) Create a unique destination to attract people from neighboring communities and visitors to the Seattle / Tacoma region to University Place 4) Create a true public square which complements City Hall and the Library 5) Provide a flexible space capable of accommodating a variety of functions and uses. included in these images are a sculptural fountain we designed, three different lighting schemes that we proposed, and signage and way-finding concepts. Completed with Communication Arts.
CCN is known nationally as a premier retail, dining, and mixed-use area located just 5 minutes from downtown Denver. Communication Arts was asked by the Cherry Creek North Business District in Denver to prepare a conceptual study that will work to create an appropriate and vibrant new environmental image for the district, with particular emphasis on the streetscape and identity issues. Here are three schemes that we designed for the project.
SIGNAGE / WAY-FINDING / STRATEGY
These images show some early design concepts for a massive signage and way-finding project for Yas Island in Abu-Dhabi. Our intent was to create a signage system that was easy to understand, slick, and contemporary, while referencing traditional Emirate patterns and markers. Completed with Communication Arts.
PROJECT CHARACTER / PLACEMAKING / SIGNAGE / WAY-FINDING / RENDERING / STRATEGY / IDENTITY / GRAPHICS
This is a proposed Ski School for blind and visually impaired skiers. Designing spaces for the blind seeks to explore the psychology of sensory compensation for the purpose of engaging architecture as more than a strictly visual experience. This project made me realize that designing for the disabled can actually produce a better architecture, even for those without disabilities. The exploration of non-visual architectural gestures yields a final product that is much more engaging and interesting than it would be without that thorough investigation. The intent behind this design is that once users leave the facility, they will have a heightened understanding of skiing and their surroundings as a result of non-visual cues that are brought on by the architecture itself.
ARCHITECTURE / 3D MODELING / RENDERING / GRAPHICS / PHYSICAL MODELING
While studying at the Denmark International School [DIS] in Copenhagen, I had to design an infill movie theater in the heart of the medieval city. Adhering to Scandinavian design tradition, my goal was to create a space that was simple and functional, while also utilizing sustainable design techniques. The open atrium in the heart of the space relieves users of the claustrophobia one might develop in the narrow streets of Copenhagen. This atrium also facilitates egress throughout the space as it is intended to heighten the users spatial awareness. The spherical, porous metal shells around the theaters reduce the need for artificial lighting by allowing small amounts of natural soft light to illuminate the back walkways of the theaters. The theater also features a double glass facade to control the interior climate.
This is a design for a new Light Rail Station and Public library for the City of Denver. The inspiration for this project came from an in depth analysis of the site. The site is characterized by Interstate 25, which slices a diagonal corridor through this otherwise orthogonal neighborhood. My goal in this design was to highlight the authority that I-25 has over the site by creating slices that run through the facility to allow movement through the space, much like the relationship between the interstate and the neighborhood. These slices are not intended to depict I-25 as a harmful or detracting aspect of the site, but rather to emphasize its presence and the importance that it plays on the dynamic of community.
Design of Shaver Ramsey retail location including outdoor seating area and building facade. The intent was to create a facade that remains timeless, sophisticated and contemporary. Completed with Communication Arts.
ARCHITECTURE / PROJECT CHARACTER / 3D MODELING
The form of the Music Conservatory was derived from an analysis of the song Crosstown Traffic, by contemporary jazz artists Medeski, Martin and Wood. The song is jumbled and incongruent most of the time, with each member of the trio going of in his own direction, independently of what the rest of the band is doing. Yet, the song pulls together at various intervals creating a unified rhythm and sound. The conclusion I made was that the trio create music with various, individual elements that are stitched together at key moments, creating a sum of parts that is a congruent and singular whole.
ARCHITECTURE / GRAPHICS / PHYSICAL MODELING
The Danish platform is an experience that I wanted to design for the residents of Copenhagen. Copenhagen is essentially a completely flat city with dense urban fabric and very little opportunity to get a good vantage of the surroundings. The experience that I wanted to create can be likened to finding solitude in nature. Once users discover the platform in the trees, they can activate the lift, bringing them up through the pines and into the canopy. When they arrive at the canopy, the noise of the city will be drowned out, the smell of pine pungent, and the sight of the treetops euphoric.
ARCHITECTURE / PHYSICAL MODELING / 3D MODELING
Non-visual architecture intends to help the user understand space and context through any sensory cue other than sight. This is a study of the sense of touch through channeling the path of the sun and the energy that it emits. By directing the sun's heat through a small slit in the exterior wall and onto a metal surface, users are able to use their sense of touch to get an indication of the suns location overhead, as well as the time of day almost like a life-sized sun-dial. This can all be determined without the sense of sight.
ARCHITECTURE / PHYSICAL MODELING / 3D MODELING / RENDERING / STRATEGY
These are some study models that I built to test various environmental building systems including prefabricated structurally insulated panels (SIPs), re-used shipping containers, ICFS, an intensive green roof with a grey water retention system, natural ventilation, clerestory lighting, passive solar heat gain, and a double-skin heating and cooling system. These models were created to better-understand the benefits and appropriateness of various sustainable applications, which I would later implement in the VIBES ski/ride school project.
ARCHITECTURE / PHYSICAL MODELING / STRATEGY
Ive been hired several times to create digital models of complex spaces for signage and way-finding systems, architectural renovations, and space planning. Here are two of the more complicated spaces Ive been asked to reproduce.
1) Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA. // Client: Stanford University // Project: signage, way-finding, reception
2) Location: Pier 15, San Francisco, CA. // Client: Exploratorium // Project: signage, way-finding, and architectural additions
This is a bike rack that I designed for myself. I wanted a rack that held 3 bikes without needing to be drilled into the wall. This rack was built using recycled steel square tubes and braided wire for tensile strength.
