Madeline Johnson: Built to Adapt

Madeline Johnson
Associate, Arcadis, Seattle / Age: 34
Favorite Beverage: Coffee

WHY MADDIE?

Maddie combines versatility and momentum when it comes to retail design, contributing across both creative and architectural roles on projects around the globe. In her role, she supports retail, hospitality and food-and-beverage environments through concept development, architectural coordination and client presentations, bringing clarity and efficiency to projects of varying scales.

Her portfolio includes work for international retail brands such as ABC-Mart Grand Stage, Rack Room Shoes and Champs Sports, as well as projects for major Latin American retailers including Liverpool and Coppel. Known for her adaptability, Maddie moves easily between design exploration and technical execution, helping teams navigate complex retail programs while keeping projects aligned with both brand vision and architectural precision.

Some of Maddie’s recent clients include shoe and apparel retailer Innvictus. PHOTO: RAFAEL BAUTISTA, MEXICO CITY

Equally important is her commitment to mentorship and professional growth. Maddie mentors students through the ACE Mentor Program, supports junior designers within the studio and leads internal presentations that share technical knowledge and best practices. As she continues working toward architectural licensure, Maddie represents a new generation of retail designers dedicated not only to great work, but to strengthening the profession as a whole.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

In our fast-paced industry, we work with so many clients that all have their own style and way of working. It can be challenging to balance multiple clients simultaneously, having to adapt to each style of communication, feedback, deadlines, et cetera. As I continue to grow professionally, I try and work on building relationships so that this gets easier and even enjoyable with time.

What role do you see stores playing in the future?

I think that physical retail will never go away and, in fact, I think that it will become even more sought after as we become more burnt out by the digital world. People still yearn for that physical, real-life experience in this post-Covid world. Physical stores can provide not only great products, but memorable analog experiences that connect us with our favorite brands and our communities. As designers, this is an exciting challenge for us to embrace as we look into the future of retail.

What city or place has made the biggest impression on you?

In 2025, I traveled to Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka) with my (now) husband. Everything from the architecture, the landscape, the people, the food and, of course, the retail, left a huge impression on me. In Tokyo, it was incredible to see the juxtaposition of newly constructed, modern architecture and multilevel sidewalks with tiny, meandering alleys that included traditional restaurants and shops. On every walk, we’d find an amazing restaurant or thoughtfully designed store with handcrafted, local products. I reminisce on this trip often and it continues to inspire me.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love to see how a project evolves from concept to fruition, as it never ends up how you think it will at the start. Inevitability, a project will pivot and change in ways that are unpredictable. I enjoy being part of a team that can work through those challenges to create exciting, fresh retail experiences to our clients.

My dream project is…

…designing a flagship store for one of my favorite brands in a city like New York or Paris.

I find (design) inspiration in…

…visiting a new city and taking in the environment, landscape and meeting new people there.