Our team

The modern alternative to a traditional design firm.

We run lean, drawing from our deep connections with the best in the business to curate just the right talent for your specific project. Instead of dealing with layers or committees, you get the highest level of thinking and commitment by working directly with us, the partners.

We are seasoned creatives and strategists with classical agency, branding firm, and brand management experience. This trifecta gives us a keen understanding of the branding process to create holistic brand experiences for our clients.

Clark Richardson: Creative Director, Designer

Beginning his career in 1988, Clark feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn his craft using his hands. He feels that solid foundation of modernist fundamentals is invaluable in understanding how to best employ the wealth of digital tools at his fingertips today.

Clark’s talents have pulled him to enviable opportunities across the country, from the boutique atmosphere of Sullivan Perkins in Dallas, all the way to one of the temples of graphic and product design, Nike in Beaverton, Oregon, where he refreshed the omnipresent swoosh and helped define the athletic world with his displays in Niketown. Clark eventually allowed himself to be lured to San Francisco’s renowned design firm, Landor, one of the largest, most prestigious design firms in the world. He worked on identity projects for ESPN, Banco Bradesco, Brazil’s largest bank, and package designs for Pepsi.

Clark’s next stop was at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, considered by some to be the finest advertising agency in the country. He applied his discriminating eye to a variety of clients, including Starbucks, for whom he designed the launch of Frappuccino.

In 1998, Clark decided to set out on his own with Richardson Clark Design. Since its inception, Clark has enjoyed working on assignments, like Blue Shield of California, where he can use design to communicate ideas to people in ways that are natural and effortless.

Gretchen Richardson: Account Director, Brand Strategist

Gretchen’s experience is deep-rooted in the consumer experience. She brings innovative thinking to her clients, rigorous questioning and creates opportunities for new ideas to set brands apart from the pack.

Passionate about branding, she’s experienced with go-to advertising vehicles, and has enjoyed developing video, digital, print, environment, marketing strategy and plain old awe-inspiring ideas for brands and their extensions.

Schooled on both sides of the advertising fence, Gretchen has worked for both agencies and clients. She began in New York with Ogilvy & Mather and Bates Worldwide. Working her way across the country she finally landed on the left coast where she has worked with a wide variety of retail brands from Gap Inc to Nike and she cut her teeth in healthcare at Blue Shield of California and McKesson.  She has worked at the advertising powerhouse, Goodby Silverstein & Partners and Citron Haligman Bedecarre (now known as AKQA).