At Via Collective, each day is an exciting mix of creativity, collaboration, and strategic planning. Our Studio Director, Jesse, embodies this dynamic blend, leading our team through the intricacies of both civil transportation projects and private sector work with equal finesse.
Morning: Setting the Stage
The day begins with our Monday morning meeting, a cornerstone of our weekly routine. Jesse kicks things off, outlining the week’s priorities and confirming designer assignments. This session sets the tone, ensuring everyone is aligned and ready to tackle their tasks. Jesse’s ability to coordinate across multiple disciplines is crucial, especially when dealing with civil transportation projects that involve up to 12 different teams. Post-COVID, remote calls have become more efficient, allowing for seamless screen sharing and thorough reviews of work overlaps between disciplines.
Mid-Morning: Strategic Coordination
Jesse’s role requires a fine balance between following leads and being the prime consultant. On transportation projects, Jesse meticulously develops drawings and location plans, coordinating with other teams to ensure every detail is perfect. This part of the day often involves remote calls, where Jesse’s knack for clear communication and strategic thinking comes into play.
Afternoon: Design Leadership and Client Collaboration
As the day progresses, Jesse shifts focus to design leadership, particularly in wayfinding and placemaking projects. Establishing strategy and leading the design of wayfinding sign systems is one of Jesse’s specialties. The work varies from concepting designs to protecting ideas during project implementation, ensuring that the creative vision is maintained throughout.
Jesse and Nick, our dynamic duo, often collaborate on client meetings and projects. While Jesse leads the conversation, providing holistic vision and guidance, Nick structures the implementation, making sure every idea is feasible and executable. This tag team approach ensures that our clients receive the best of both worlds: innovative design thinking and practical execution.
Late Afternoon: Project Check-Ins and Team Support
Jesse wraps up the day with project check-ins, ensuring that every job is on track. Weekly check-ins are essential, providing the team with a clear understanding of the status and ownership of each project. Jesse’s background in signage and wayfinding, particularly within arts and culture design, healthcare, and large-scale environmental graphics, brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Evening: Reflecting on the Journey
Jesse’s journey in design is a tapestry of passion and history, woven through various high-profile projects, including work on the Obama Presidential Center and collaborations in the world of arts and culture. This extensive background informs Jesse’s role as a design leader, driving our team to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues.
At Via Collective, Jesse’s day is a testament to the power of strategic coordination, creative leadership, and collaborative spirit. Each project, whether it’s a complex transportation system or a private sector wayfinding initiative, benefits from Jesse’s unique blend of experience and vision. Through dedication and passion, Jesse ensures that Via Collective continues to create meaningful, impactful design solutions that enhance the spaces we inhabit.