Carlos Martinez
Principal
Gensler
Carlos Martinez is a design leader with more than 25 years experience in a hybrid combination of architecture, design, innovation, brand and strategy. As a principal at Gensler, Martinez has the dual roles of global design leader and design director for Gensler's North Central Region. Martinez is a passionate advocate for the strategic importance of great design and is known industry-wide for expertise in creating memorable spaces that honor their roots, delight users, promote collaboration, enhance communication, increase productivity, and elevate expectations. His clients have included companies in the professional services, consumer goods, technology, financial, retail and workplace sectors. Prior to Gensler, Martinez held design leadership roles in several Chicago architecture and design firms. Martinez is also active as a teacher of design and strategy in his capacity as adjunct professor of design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago; he is Chairman of the Board of Governors at Harrington College of Design.
Kelly Kost
Retail Strategist
Downtown Works
Kelly Kost has over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience in retail and restaurant environments. She helped launch and manage a small collection of boutique retail stores, training staff in buying, merchandising, service and marketing with the goal of creating distinctive, enjoyable experiences for customers. In her role at Downtown Works, Kost supports all aspects of retail revitalization projects, with a particular emphasis on strategy development and recruiter training. Additionally she works with merchants, both individually and via workshops, on display and overall store presentation. Kost is a member of the International Downtown Association and part of the organization's Young Leaders Council. Kost also worked for a major philanthropy focused on social and economic development. She conducted research and assessed opportunities to build the foundation's international program strategy, formed partnerships with organizations and institutions to advance its work in Oregon, and directed the organization's communications efforts, securing national and international media coverage.
Greg Lyon
Design Principal
Nadel Architects
Greg Lyon brings an impressive list of project experience recognized throughout the country. He has led the design of various noteworthy projects from retail and mixed-use to resort and entertainment destinations. This list includes Pacific City in Huntington Beach, El Portal in Southgate, and the Whole Foods Market in Pasadena, California (recipient of the 2008 Gold Nugget Award for Best Adaptive Re-use Project). In addition, Lyon has had the opportunity to work with some of the most prestigious entertainment and recreational brands in the industry, most notably Universal Studios. He designed retail and entertainment components for Universal projects in international markets. Lyon joined Nadel in 2009 and graduated with a Masters in Architecture from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Jeff Stompor
Director of Design
RGLA Solutions
With over 20 years experience in retail design and project management, Jeff Stompor is responsible for overseeing the creative process and design direction for all environmental design projects for RGLA. Prior to joining RGLA, Stompor was Senior Designer at Callison and Design Director at RYA. His work can be found in leading retailers across America including Neiman Marcus, Macy's (Marshall Field's), Bloomingdale's and Saks, Inc. International projects include Parkson in Kuala Lumpur, and a C.R. Robinson in Bangkok, Thailand. During his career, Stompor has been recognized with several design awards. For his reinvention of the State Street flagship of Macy's (Marshall Field's) in Chicago, Stompor won the 2003 NASFM “Outstanding Merit” for the Beauty Department and the 2002 NASFM Award for the Bridal Salon. He also won “Outstanding Merit” for the 2000 NASFM Award for Hudson's River Town Crossings in Grandville, Michigan in the Full Department Store category. Stompor is a graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree.
Peter Ruggiero
Design Partner
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
Peter M. Ruggiero is a Design Partner in the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP. His experience spans a multitude of project types, from public-sector work including hospitals, federal buildings and airports to high-profile commercial buildings such as 7 World Trade Center in New York and Rolex Tower in Dubai. He has recently focused on large scale mixed-use programs, residential developments, and educational research facilities including the UNC Genome Science Laboratory in Chapel Hill. Ruggiero received a Bachelor of Architecture from New York Institute of Technology and a Master of Architecture, Urban Design from Harvard University Graduate School of Design.
Michael J. Sullivan
Principal
Cannon Design
As a leader of Cannon Design's commercial architecture practice, Sullivan brings an incredible commitment to design quality and an ability to translate clients' goals into successful, effective solutions. His skills and passion have been evident throughout his 25 years of experience leading successful retail, corporate and mixed-use projects throughout the world. His portfolio of work includes projects for Davis Street Land Company, EGI Properties, General Growth Properties, The Tribune Company, U.S. Equities and Westfield. He is an active member of the Urban Land Institute, International Council of Shopping Centers, and the Signage and Urban Design Committee of the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association. He also serves on the Real Estate Advisory Board for Roosevelt University.