LUCKY 13!
This month, Via Collective celebrates 13 years. This may seem like an insignificant year, but considering 65% fail before they turn 10, we also made it through a pandemic, and are continuing on a path of growth. All this makes me proud of the work we do, the team we are, and our client collaborations. So in honor of 13 years, during this month of giving thanks, here are 13 (although there are many more) things I’m grateful for.
1. THE TEAM
I am incredibly grateful for the team that is Via Collective. Everyone that has come through our door has brought something of significance to the table and has been an integral part of the company’s success. Whether they are right out of school or bring 30 years of experience, I could not have built Via Collective without them or advisors like Francine Esrig, who has helped me become a better leader by understanding how to bring out the best in people.
2. RELATIONSHIPS
Our name is based on them and we wouldn’t be here without them. Over the last 5 years, more than 70% of our work is with existing clients, or referrals from them. Some of these relationships go as far back as 2001 when I worked on my first NYC project; AirTrain JFK. Although our ‘product’ is a wayfinding strategy and design, our passion is for the visitor and people that we serve through our clients; which is all about relationships.
3. PERCEPTION
The first time wayfinding was used in a publication was in Kevin Lynch’s 1960 “The Image of a City”. Architecture, interior design, and landscape features all contribute to the intuitive nature of navigating space and contribute, to or constrict, the ability of people to find their way. I’m grateful to see the perceptions of wayfinding shift from an afterthought, or as something that can be done “quickly and at the end”, to wayfinding that is integral to the design and has a critical impact on the customer service experience.
4. INCLUSIVITY
Celebrating the differences of individuals creates better solutions. Inclusive design has allowed us to focus on designing for various circumstances, and unique requirements, and broadened our clients’ awareness of their visitors and user groups. Collaborating with professionals such as Victoria Lanteigne, PhD has been an incredible resource for us as we expand our wayfinding capabilities to include solutions that serve the underserved.
5. NEW YORK CITY
The resilience of this city is nothing short of inspiring and magnificent. I moved to NYC three months before 9/11 and had the privilege to work on the World Trade Center PATH Station and Fulton Street Transit Center in the years that followed. Working alongside some of the most talented, thoughtful, and kind people, I learned that collaboration amongst New Yorkers is one of its great strengths.
6. SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES
We are the epitome of small business, and from the support of NYC SBS programs and Andrew Flamm at Pace University SBDC, we have been guided and assisted on everything from contracts to business growth to financial support throughout our 13 years. They’ve been invaluable to what Via Collective has become.
7. EXPERIMENTATION
Only through trial and error can you learn what is working and what is not. This provides a platform for us to learn from, providing another chance to recalibrate our approach, and has been an important part of my journey as a leader, designer, and business owner.
8. COMMUNITY
The brilliance, advocacy, opportunities, and community in wayfinding continues to blow me away. The leaders in this space, including SEGD, come together to share resources, education, and inspiration around the work we do.
9. CHEERLEADERS
My family and friends who have shown up, supported me, given me great, or terrible, advice, and made introductions that have provided opportunities to speak about this passion of mine, Thank You! They have all been there to watch Via Collective grow and have cheered us on along the way.
10. MENTORS
Whether she knew it or not, Sylvia Harris became my mentor in 1996. I had the privilege of working with her for three years before she passed away suddenly and way too soon, in 2011. I have had additional mentors throughout my career, many of whom I met through her, including Iva Kravitz and Michele Washington. Sylvia inspired me to become a mentor and it’s been an honor to work with others as they dive into their own careers, and assist them as they find their way.
11. TECHNOLOGY
Improving our workflow, connecting during the pandemic, and providing resources to visitors on our projects, technology has been a cornerstone of connection and virtual work in our post-pandemic world. There are many exciting opportunities within wayfinding that can assist in the visitor experience, data collection, and collaboration, all of which have informed our strategies, inspired solutions, and improved connections.
12. INDUSTRIOUS
Having a flexible office space like Industrious has allowed me to focus on the growth of the company and not the physical space we exist in. Their supportive staff, ability to work across multiple cities, and morning coffee and croissants, creates a consistent and strong foundation for Via Collective.
13. YOU
Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for celebrating with us. We look forward to connecting soon!