Passion

OLIN’s multi-generational partner group is committed to continuing Laurie Olin’s legacy across a spectrum of commission types, both analogous and divergent from the firm’s storied portfolio. They seek voice in new areas and are resolute in affirming their command of expertise in others. Importantly, OLIN's partner group was implementing an active transition plan during my tenure. They sought to employ new studio-wide, operational methodologies to ensure notoriety for several generations to come.

My role: Staff Position

Impact

My time at OLIN, largely collaborating with CEO Lucinda Sanders, focused on studio operations and business development. I was charged with writing and executing BD plans for each partner based on their desired realm of influence; increasing win rates; developing operational protocols for involving Associates and Senior Landscape Architects in winning work; and raising the studio's visual communication abilities. We accomplished these goals. Working in collaboration with the partner group and their respective studios, OLIN won their first resiliency project, expanded their Asia portfolio, and signed work with new collaborators, including Studio Gang and Page. We elevated the studio's storytelling capabilities and earned national recognition in competition efforts.

Catalytic Project, Catalytic Communications

When OLIN won the Hunts Point site as part of the Rebuild By Design competition, a groundbreaking effort led by the federal government in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, the marketing department went full throttle. Working after hours, the team and a few dedicated staff authored the intrepid ezine, REFRAME. Additionally, Sahar Coston-Hardy, OLIN's then-staff photographer, completed her first short documentary, Lifelines.

Oh, the Places We'll Go

One of the key tasks I was charged with was to help partners curate a desired book of business based on their passions and teach business development and narrative skills to their respective studios. I traveled to China to help Yue Li grow the studio's Asia portfolio; worked with Dennis McGlade to secure work in Houston centered around cultural institutions and urban plazas; and supported Sue Weiler and Steve Benz in green infrastructure, art, and Midwest commissions.

Associates now lead many pursuits under the tutelage of partners, ensuring they know how to win work and lead projects simultaneously.

Go beyond the obvious. Make it meaningful.

I collaborated with partners and OLIN's visualization team to clarify creative vision, distilling narratives into alluring storylines that secured commissions, won design competitions, and amplified OLIN's profile nationally.

VB STRAT

Contact

OLIN

Passion

Impact

Catalytic Project, Catalytic Communications

Oh, the Places We'll Go

Go beyond the obvious. Make it meaningful.