Aramark 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 […]
All the Store is a Stage: Hero Merchandising & Retail Theater
wayfindWe're witnessing a global revolution as brands are reimagining physical spaces in order to build brand love. Leading brands recognize the evolving relationships with consumers and have shifted beyond just selling products. They're creating movement, fostering community, and immersing shoppers in new forms of brand storytelling and interaction – experiences that evoke true emotion and […]
Rookie Kids
postRookie Kids was born from a collaboration between Nike, Rack Room, and Haddad to fill a major gap in the market: a true retail brand for tweens. Together, we created an entirely new sport-centric concept where kids can discover trends, enjoy gamified experiences, and express themselves freely.
The Hidden Engine of Flagships: Why Operations Make the Magic Possible
wayfindFlagship stores are often celebrated for their immersive designs, bold statements of identity, and ability to showcase a brand at its peak. But beneath the sparkle and spectacle lies an operational machine that makes it all possible — from labor planning to inventory flow to technology integration. These destinations succeed because every part of the […]
Building the Future of Retail with Spatial Digital Twins
wayfindRetail is at a tipping point—and technology is the driver. The pace of innovation is transforming industries from manufacturing to healthcare, and retail cannot afford to lag behind. If your asset portfolio still relies on outdated systems and disconnected processes, you’re leaving opportunities on the table. By adopting the same technologies powering other industries—digital connectivity, […]
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 […]
From Commerce to Connections: The Rise of Cultural Capital
wayfindWe’re witnessing a global revolution as brands are reimagining physical spaces in order to build brand love. Leading brands recognize the evolving relationships with consumers and have shifted beyond just selling products. They’re creating movement, fostering community, and immersing shoppers in new forms of brand storytelling and interaction – experiences that evoke true emotion and […]
DICK’S House of Sport
postDICK’S Sporting Goods knew keeping pace wasn’t enough—they needed to stay ahead. Their leadership set out to create an ecosystem that could inspire, equip, and energize athletes like never before. The answer was the House of Sport, a concept built to deliver personal, future-ready experiences that raise the bar for the industry.