917.310.5392 info@viacollective.com

THE COLLECTIVE

At Via Collective, our name is our mission. Designing graphic information systems that help people navigate the built environment is a group effort. We approach projects with big picture thinking and work with visitors and stakeholders from day one. 

Katie Osborn

Principal & Founder

Born to an airline pilot and an interior designer, Katie inherited the navigational genes and functional aesthetic sense that today make her a master wayfinder. For over 20 years, Katie’s tapped into her voracious curiosity about how and why people use space. This is the engine that drives Via Collective’s rigorous, strategic wayfinding approach—one that values advocating for the visitors, having the courage to dig for the facts and data that showcase the needs of the people, and working collaboratively with our creative partners to connect with the aesthetics. As a design advocate for the visitors of the space, Katie’s creative explorations don’t stop outside the office—she keeps an active sketchbook and more recently took up the Irish fiddle.

katie@viacollective.com | 646-930-4273 x101

Theresa Petrizzo

Operations Manager

Theresa is a problem solver to the core. Diving into streamlining processes and systems that ensure a seamless flow from the top to the bottom, and back up, is her passion! Bringing a varied background in customer service, technology, and retail, Theresa provides a solid foundation for stepping into the unique challenges of a growing team. Remaining adaptable and flexible, she clears the roadblocks for the team to navigate towards operational excellence with a willingness for continuous improvement. When she isn’t making processes more efficient, you can find her traveling, taking spin classes, or watching hockey.

Nick Stableski

Project Manager

Nick has always been a people person. His ability to put himself in the shoes of the owner or end user allows him to deliver the perfect complement to wayfinding design – outstanding project management. Nick’s clear and enthusiastic communication carries him beyond the confines of the project to foster personal connections that serve as the foundation of how he shows up as a Project Manager. He is the glue that keeps his team on track, managing deliverables, schedule and budget to provide excellent customer service. When he’s not leading projects, he’s a father, Cub Scout leader, and amateur woodworker.

Jesse Kidwell

Studio Director

Jesse has the soul of a wanderer and the mind of a typographer. As the studio director at Via Collective, he leads the design team through a comprehensive and collaborative design process—from high concept to graphic and type refinements to prototyping and final installation—upholding the high standards and reputation of Via Collective’s portfolio. The breadth and depth of his experience spans from The Rolling Stones to Cornell University. His empathic approach for the people experiencing the spaces is rooted in his design philosophy. Having trekked remote, unmarked backcountry trails by map and compass, Jesse has a first-hand appreciation of the importance of good environmental signage.

Brandon Cannon

Senior Designer

A lifelong creative, Brandon has always been drawn to innovative ways of thinking. With a passion for emerging technologies and an education in graphic design, Brandon has been bringing user-centric solutions to renowned companies for over a decade. Considering the ever-evolving landscape we currently live in and the variety of users in it, Brandon is an advocate for inclusive design who strives to create reliable wayfinding systems that push society forward. When he’s not bringing design visions to life, he is spending time with his wife, two kids and dog, Wally.

Gus Whitaker

Designer

Joining Via Collective as a Designer, Gus brings nearly two years of experience in Environmental Graphic Design (EGD). His journey into design began with a BFA in Graphic Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art, where an inspiring elective class sparked his passion for EGD. After formative experiences with the US Botanic Garden and Lee and Associates, he honed his craft at Two Twelve, working on notable projects like the Crystal Bridges Museum and the new JP Morgan Chase headquarters. His diverse background as a former sports enthusiast turned techie and city lover gives him a unique perspective and an open-minded approach to design. Outside of work, he indulges in gardening, biking, and exploring new routes, all of which fuel his creativity and curiosity.

James Tupling

Junior Designer

James had a diverse upbringing around the globe which exposed him to design, and wayfinding, from an early age. This fostered a deep curiosity of cultures and communities, and an awareness that space is something to be designed both strategically and visually. Through his education in Hong Kong and New York City, James studied Communication Design and became passionate about designing spaces that represent communities by bringing thoughtful, expressive, and intentional ideas to life. When he’s not collaborating with his team on concepts, you can find him rock climbing, skateboarding, and exploring new fashion trends in sneakers and streetwear.

CERTIFICATIONS

Via Collective is a certified Women Owned Business (WBE) in New York City, New York State, Philadelphia, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. We are a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) in New York State, New Jersey, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Via Collective is a proud Women-owned Business Enterprise in New York City, Philadelphia, and New York State as well as with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Additionally, we are certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in California, Texas, and Pennsylvania.

CLIENTS & COLLABORATORS

Who we work with, is integral to how we work. We build strong relationships with our clients and collaborators to deliver site-specific solutions that help people navigate the spaces and places for which we design. This select list is a mix of our private and public engagements.