You’ve probably seen it happen. A project wraps up, the models are handed off…and then the data disappears. Not literally, but functionally. It gets locked inside drawings, stranded in systems that don’t talk to each other, or simply recreated from scratch by the next team downstream. All that careful work, duplicated or discarded. This is […]
Fred Meyer
postWith rising costs and increasing complexity, superstore labor has never mattered more. We partnered with Fred Meyer to analyze how work was truly deployed—uncovering real requirements and opportunities to improve productivity and service.
Beyond 3D: How Digital Twins Turn Physical Asset Data into Retail Intelligence
wayfindAt a recent RetailSpaces’ retreat, WD’s Vice President Bianca Doerschlag delivered one of the most forward-leaning sessions of the event: a forward-looking breakdown of how smarter data collection is reshaping the way retailers plan, design, build, and manage their spaces — long before a single piece of drywall goes up. For many in the industry, […]
Meijer
postAs a leader in the Midwest grocery market, Meijer set out to refresh its “Main Street” design and strengthen brand connection across every trip type. Through strategy, design, operations, and architecture, we created a customer-first experience that balances inspiration with convenience—bringing Meijer’s community-driven values to life in every aisle.
Aramark HQ
postAramark needed its new Global Headquarters to be more than a workplace—it had to become a living expression of the brand’s values and global reach. We created a strategy that embedded storytelling throughout the space, turning the HQ into a dynamic hub that inspires, informs, and connects every visitor.
Joanne Heyob
leadershipAs Senior Vice President of Operations, Strategy & Design, Joanne is a visionary leader with more than 25 years of experience shaping innovative, growth-driven strategies for retail and restaurant brands. She leads WD’s Operations team, specializing in front- and back-of-house concept development, operational assessments, labor optimization, and logistical mapping across multiple verticals. Known for her […]
Jay Highland
leadershipAs EVP, Creative at WD Partners, Jay is both an orchestrator of teams and a catalyst for innovation. His 30 years of retail brand experience encompasses all phases of the retail strategy and design process, solving clients’ real-world business problems via big ideas in brand-right concepting, prototyping, and scaled implementation. He has collaborated with many […]
Chris Doerschlag
leadershipChris is the CEO and owner of WD Partners, a 500+ person global strategic design and AEC consulting firm. Under Chris’s leadership, WD continues to evolve—delivering integrated strategy, design, operations, architecture, engineering, and construction solutions to some of the world’s most ambitious consumer brands. A vertically integrated partner, WD helps clients innovate, scale, and deliver […]
The Sweet State of Snacking
wayfindThe snacking landscape is evolving—one bite at a time. At this year's Sweets & Snacks Expo, the "State of Snacking" session served up plenty of tasty insights that show just how fast the snack category is changing and why brands need to stay ahead of the game. Healthier, Choosier Snacking First things first: consumers are […]
Staffing Smarter: Operations Solutions to Offset the Labor Crunch
wayfindFor brands across the retail and restaurant landscape, workforce challenges have become the number one operational hurdle. Leaders are navigating a complex mix of labor shortages, escalating wage pressures, skill gaps, and the disruptive impact of technology and automation. In industries where thin margins make or break profitability, these pressures can't be ignored—and solving them […]