Supporting Dialogue on Design

December 11, 2018

DMA sponsored an educational program at the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) on December 11, featuring a panel of retail experts discussing new and notable projects in branded design on the Magnificent Mile and their larger meaning in the retail landscape.

The opportunity to sponsor "Design Dialogues: The Changing Face of Downtown Retail" grew from DMA Managing Principal Charles Porter’s support of the CAC as a donor. Porter introduced the evening’s expert panelists. Jay Longo, a principal at Solomon Cordwell Buenz, described the transformation of the Michigan Avenue Crate and Barrel store into the Starbucks Reserve Roastery that will open later this year. David Stone, a well-known Chicago retail broker, gave a fascinating retrospective of the retail history of Michigan Avenue. Ray Tareghian, a former visual merchandising manager for Burberry, shared his knowledge of the evolution of Burberry’s Michigan Avenue presence from 1981 through its current, iconic design. Cheryl Durst, executive vice president and CEO of the International Interior Design Association, served as the program moderator.

DMA’s Jaimie Bullla and Erik Haugsnes also attended the program. Many DMA team members are actively involved with the CAC and its mission to inspire people to discover why design matters. The nonprofit cultural organization opened its new home at 111 East Wacker, along the Chicago River, in August.