Marla Gutzwiller celebrated 30 years of design excellence with Epstein Design Partners, Inc. on Wednesday, June 30, 2010. To celebrate this momentous day, the Epstein Design crew gathered at Chinato and enjoyed a tasting menu lunch prepared by Zack Bruell just for the occasion.
As a designer, partner, instructor and art director – Marla’s love and enthusiasm of design remains a constant inspiration. Drawing from her rich experience and knowledge – one cannot help but be influenced by Marla’s approach to design, enjoying the research and the exploration of possibilities any particular design project can take. Epstein Design congratulates our good friend and colleague, and look forward to many more years of collaboration!
Last Fall the Larchmere Merchants Association charged Epstein Design Partners with designing an identity for the commercial district. Since taking up residence on Larchmere Boulevard in 1998, we have seen a lot of businesses come and go, but the core businesses here are keeping the vitality of the neighborhood moving and the Larchmere Merchants Association has really helped to get the area more visibility.
There are many unique events happening here on Larchmere Boulevard. We are happy to be a part of some of these events by providing the design and communications. On Saturday, May 29th, don’t miss the “Larchmere Sidewalk Sale”. Then, Wednesday, June 9th through Sunday, June 13th is the “Patios of Larchmere” event that celebrates the great restaurants along the boulevard. Participating restaurants include the Academy Tavern, Felice, Flying Cranes, Larchmere Tavern, Menu 6 and Vine and Bean Café. There are more events planned throughout the summer, so stay tuned.
So I spent the [snow] day at the Capitol Theatre in Gordon Square attending Cleveland’s first independently run TED event, TEDxCLE. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. It was a diverse panel of thinkers and doers in the Cleveland area that ranged from medical, bio-fuels, culinary, entrepreneurial, fashion and transportation. You can see all of the panelists on the TEDxCLE website. The thing that tied all of these things together is not just geography, but the fact they all started with a vision and persevered to make their dreams happen. With their visions, they are also creating a better community. Whether it is a neighborhood shop or fashion designing with textiles made in the region and throughout the US, these talented panelist were great to hear their thoughts, their stories and how they made it or are making it happen.
Our friend, Danielle DeBoe, owner of Room Service and creator of Made in the 216 had a great speech. It was all about her life, her path and how she finally came to realize instead of having a great idea and waiting for someone else to make it happen, she made it happen herself. She also spoke about how being a shop owner, you are not just a businessperson, you are part of the community. Her “dinner for strangers” idea sounds excellent and I cannot wait to attend.
We were recently turned onto the HBO Original Series, “How To Make It In America“. After hearing Sean Bilovecky from Wrath Arcane speak, the plot of the series seems pretty close to their story. They continue to grow and this Fall will have a women’s line.
The entire event was inspiring and while there was no formal Q&A at the show, the panelists were all at Stone Mad afterward and were glad to participate in discussions with the attendees.
Long story short, it is great to see these success stories in the Cleveland area, but these people are not satisfied with their accomplishments. They continue to seek growth, innovation for the betterment of the city, state, nation and world. I can’t wait to see what great things these people come up with next, better yet, they have inspired me to do something great as well.
Today, Epstein Design Partners, Inc. launched University Circle’s website in conjunction with the opening of the University Circle Visitor and Living in the Circle Center. Chris Ronayne, President of UCI, Inc., noted these exciting touchstones at a press conference held this morning in front of the Visitor Center – emphasizing that they signify true progress in the development plan of the University Circle area. The launch of the new website and opening of the Visitor Center is the culmination of the brand identity work Epstein Design has been working on in collaboration with UCI, Inc. for the past year – including logo, identity system, brochures, collateral and Full Circle, the University Circle quarterly magazine. In addition to a more brand-centric design, one of the key components of the new UCI, Inc. website is the Interactive Map and the integration with Yahoo! Maps to provide real data and addresses for their attractions and institutions, allowing greater ease in finding area attractions and providing quick links to directions.
CLEVELAND (July 23, 2008) – University Circle Inc. (UCI) today announces, as part of its Find Yourself In the Circle campaign, exciting new opportunities for University Circle visitors. Visitors can now experience the Circle’s first Visitor and Living in the Circle Center presented by National City, a new interactive website, and a Find Yourself in the Circle Pass that gives patrons a variety of options for reduced prices on admissions and meals at the Circle’s world-class museums and restaurants.
Housed within the new Visitor Center are numerous brochures, magazines and pamphlets that Epstein Design Partners had a hand in creating.
Recently winning many awards including a Gold Award in Graphis Letterhead 2007 and featured in the PRINT Regional Design Competition in Midwest/Ohio Section, the Russell Lee Photography Identity picked up more recognition this week as it was featured in Step 100.
“John Okal describes Russell Lee as a “no-nonsense, hardworking” photographer who makes stunning, sharp and starkly poignant portrait work. Lee turned to Okal and Epstein Design Partners when he needed an identity system that spoke to his dedication and vision as an image-maker.”
Read more in the STEP Inside Design March/April issue, The Design 100 Annual.
Mort Epstein, the founder of Epstein Design Partners, Inc. has written and compiled his extraordinary library of images from his 69 years of design ranging from graphic, industrial and architectural design to his own fine art which he continues to pursue today. Epstein Design designed and produced the book, Mort Epstein: Sixty Nine Years of Design at Ninety. Concurrent with the publication of the book, an exhibition of Mort’s work was on display at the ACLU of Ohio in May, where he welcomed guests and autographed copies of his book.
Mort was interviewed in the September Issue of Inside Business as a part of their “Birthday Club” feature. Mort will also be in Northern Ohio Live’s upcoming Best of 2007 issue, as he has been given the distinct honor of receiving a “Lifetime of Merit”, which he was presented with at the Northern Ohio Live Annual Awards of Achievement event this September.
Congratulations Mort – your creative nature continues to inspire us!
