There’s a pattern we’ve noticed in the conversations happening at the highest levels of retail, foodservice, and commercial construction right now. The brands winning on speed, cost efficiency, and consistency aren’t asking “how do we cut corners?” They’re asking smarter questions — about systems, data, and process — earlier in the lifecycle than most teams […]
Becoming the Builders of Digital Infrastructure
wayfindYou’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.
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 […]
The Shift to Sober
wayfindOnce considered a fringe lifestyle, "sober-curious" has officially entered the mainstream. What began with Dry January and the occasional mocktail menu has evolved into a full-on cultural shift—one that's transforming the way consumers think about drinking and the products they reach for. Welcome to the era of mindful consumption. Driven by a mix of wellness, […]
Solutions
Your Challenges, Our Solutions
We know you're not just looking for a vendor—you're looking for a partner who understands your brand, your challenges, and your goals. Whether your pain point is brand consistency, operational inefficiency, or scaling with speed, we've been there. What's keeping you up at night?
A fully integrated approach—from strategy to creative to roll-out and beyond. Thoughtfully designed, expertly executed—our solutions don't just impress, they scale and grow. We solve our clients' business problems with big ideas that turn into scalable, business‑right solutions.
Brand
Connect shopper insights to experiences that fuel demand.
Your consumers are telling you what they want every day—through their choices, their clicks, and their carts. We help you decode that behavior and turn it into experiences that not only attract new shoppers but keep them coming back.Read Our Solution Stories:Transform every store into a destination shoppers love.
Your brand story deserves more than four walls—it should live in every detail. We help you create a signature experience that’s inspiring and repeatable, so whether it’s one location or one thousand, every store feels consistent, engaging, and unforgettable.Read Our Solution Stories:Craft a compelling brand story—across all touchpoints.
Your story comes alive in the places your customers experience it. From a full refresh to a brand-new identity, we bring together design, storytelling, and place to create a brand that feels compelling, consistent, and impossible to ignore.Read Our Solution Stories:Magnetize and engage customers with a tech-infused experience.
Digital shouldn’t feel bolted on—it should feel like part of your brand. We design connected experiences that align naturally with your story, creating moments that engage, inspire, and keep customers coming back.Read Our Solution Stories:
Ops
Right people, right place, right time – every time.
Optimize labor utilization with data-driven task assignments and volume and velocity forecasting. Our workforce management tools, staffing matrices, and training programs help you schedule smarter, reduce inefficiencies, and keep your teams focused where they’re needed most.Read Our Solution Stories:Consistency that drives speed and throughput.
Use Industrial Engineering methodologies to create standardized workflows and procedures that improve your speed of service and increase throughput. With clear SOPs in place, your teams can work faster, reduce errors, and deliver a reliable experience every time.Read Our Solution Stories:Operational models built to flex and grow.
Design operational models and footprints that scale across new and existing formats, sales targets, and performance metrics. From space optimization to tech integration and automation, we create solutions that adapt to capacity needs and keep your operations running smoothly.Read Our Solution Stories:Where customer experience meets operational reality.
Integrate operational priorities with the customer experience and environmental and architectural design. We help balance seamless, frictionless experiences with operational feasibility—so the brand vision works not just for your customers, but for your teams.Read Our Solution Stories:
Build
Build with the expectation of excellence, speed, and consistency.
From pilot programs to nationwide rollouts, we deliver comprehensive AEC services that move fast without sacrificing quality. With boots on the ground, a proven national presence, and the latest tech and innovation, we make scaling straightforward—so you can expand with confidence.Read Our Solution Stories:Building with precision starts with reducing uncertainty.
Predictability matters. Through a consultative approach, careful planning, and strict compliance, we deliver projects with no surprises—on time and on budget. With consistent quality and trusted relationships, we make execution something you can count on every time.Read Our Solution Stories:Manage vendors and stakeholders with confidence and consistency.
Big programs demand more than coordination—they demand true integration. We bring internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders together into one seamless operation, giving you control over cost, quality, and timelines while building trust every step of the way.Read Our Solution Stories:Unlock your data’s power to simplify, streamline, and innovate.
Facilities can’t run on stale information. With reliable asset data, technology integration, and tools like BIM modeling, we give you the clarity to manage today and the foresight to plan for tomorrow. Our industry knowledge and innovation keep your facilities adaptable, efficient, and ready for what’s next.Read Our Solution Stories:
Real Solutions.
Real Results.
Explore how we’ve helped brands solve complex operational, design, and growth challenges across industries. From strategy to rollout, these solution stories show what happens when insight turns into execution.
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Aramark HQ
Elevating Global Headquarters into a Storytelling Hub -
BJ’s Brewhouse
A Longstanding Partnership Driving Nationwide Growth -
Buc-ee’s
Designed for Buc-ee’s-Level Demand -
Culto
Creating a Sacred Space for the World’s Game -
CVS
Redefining How People Engage with Healthcare -
DGX
Redefining Dollar Stores for the Urban Shopper -
DICK’S House of Sport
Reinventing Retail for the Next Generation of Athletes -
EchoPark
Transform the Used Car Buying Experience with Customer First Innovation -
El Pollo Loco
Igniting Authenticity and Bringing the Fire to Every Experience -
Fred Meyer
Optimizing Labor for the Modern Superstore -
Harbor Freight
Optimizing Retail Operations for Long-Term Success -
Homeward Kitchen
Redefining Fast-Casual Dining With Comfort at the Heart -
Jollibee
Where Smarter Kitchens Power Franchisee Growth -
Krispy Kreme
Reimagining an Icon—Hot, Fresh, and Ready for Growth -
Meijer
Reinvigorating a Midwest Icon Through a Connected Shopper Journey -
Nike
Standardizing Store Operations Manuals to Drive Consistency & Growth -
Petsense
Designing Store Operations for How Customers Shop and Teams Work -
Purina LAB9
Designing a Space Built for Pet-Centric Innovation -
Rebel
A Global Flagship That Embodies the Call of Sport -
Rookie Kids
Creating an Entirely New Sport-Centric Brand Experience Just for Kids -
Sam’s Club
The Next-Generation Warehouse, Modeled in 3D -
SeaWorld
Where High Volume Meets High Experience -
Shake Shack
Building global love for Shake Shack — one format at a time -
sweetgreen
Creating a tech-centric fast-casual dining experience with a human touch -
The Home Depot
Delivering Scalable Growth for Doers Everywhere -
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Optimizing Cafe Operations for Faster Service, Better Flow & Growth -
VCA
A design-and-build transformation for the next era of veterinary care -
Walmart Fire Protection
Engineering Fire Safety for Thousands of Stores -
Walmart Total Health Access
A Health Hub That Puts Care at the Heart of Access -
Walmart Remodels
Delivering Faster, Smarter Remodels for the World's Largest Retailer -
Wawa
Where Smarter Kitchens Meet Better Customer Experiences -
White Castle
Creating a Flexible Castle for Cravers of the Future
The Grocery of 2040
povThe grocery industry is evolving faster than ever. Shifting consumer behaviors, AI-driven personalization, and sustainability demands are reshaping how, where, and why we shop. The Grocery of 2040 POV explores the bold ideas and game-changing innovations that will define the next era of food retail. What's Inside: A Connected, AI-Driven Shopping Experience – How automation, […]
The Shift to Sober: Curious Behaviors Turn Mainstream Movement
povMindful consumption has become a defining trend in recent years, reflecting consumers’ growing desire to align their purchasing habits with personal wellness, sustainability and social values. This shift, sparked by sober-curiosity during the pandemic, now encompasses broader considerations like mental clarity, physical health, financial mindfulness and even environmental impact. For beverage brands, this evolution presents […]
The Grocery Revolution Part 3 of 3
wayfindIn our final article of this series, we turn our focus to the 2040 global consumer, exploring how each generation’s unique characteristics and priorities will shape the grocery industry. From the emerging Betas to the seasoned Boomers, these consumers of the future will drive demand for more sustainable, connected, and personalized shopping experiences. Let’s look […]
The Grocery Revolution Part 2 of 3: The Next 10 Years
wayfindIn our previous installment, we explored how connective services and AI will transform grocery shopping in the next decade (read the article here). Now, we shift our focus to two critical areas that will redefine the industry: the evolution of specialized markets versus mass markets, and the growing importance of sustainability in the climate era. […]
Scaling Brand Consistency
povDelivering a consistent brand experience across a diverse fleet of stores requires more than just design and construction. It demands a strategic, holistic approach that considers both the customer journey and operational efficiency. At WD, we recognize that every store enters the brand ecosystem at different stages of its life cycle. That’s why we’ve developed […]
Where Partnerships and Innovation Hit the Aisles
wayfindGroceryshop is one of the premier events in the grocery and consumer packaged goods (CPG) retailer industries, bringing together leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to discuss the future of grocery shopping and retail. The conference offers insights into emerging trends, technologies, and strategies that will shape the grocery sector for years to come. This year’s event […]
The Grocery Revolution Part 1 of 3: The Next 10 Years
wayfindWhat does grocery shopping look like in 20 years? Will we be grabbing fresh produce from drone deliveries, or will our fridges simply restock themselves? We were asked to take a deep dive into the future of grocery, and we couldn't resist the challenge. Welcome to the first of three articles where we break down […]
What Does WD Do?
wayfindIf you've made it to this article, you've at least heard of WD Partners, but what exactly do we do? Let's take you through how we bring ideas to life, create extraordinary experiences, and ensure that everything runs smoothly—all under one roof. The Power of Integration At WD, we're not just about ticking boxes or […]
Engineering at WD
wayfindA day in the life of a WD engineer goes by quickly – not only is the work fast-paced, but the projects big and the challenges complicated. Collaborative Solutions Unlike your standard engineering consulting firm, at WD, we’re all on the same team – the engineers, the architects, the construction managers, the designers, the strategists, […]
How the Test and Learn Approach Can De-Risk Your Idea and Guarantee an ROI
povIn a competitive landscape, it’s important to continue experimenting with things like new store formats, services, collaborations and partnerships, and technology. But how do you guarantee an ROI before sinking a ton of money and resources into a new idea? Included in the full POV: Breakdown of the test & learn framework Top emulators applying […]
