Victor Johnson, director of visual presentation for Ann Taylor Stores Inc. (New York) – and a member of the VM+SD Editorial Advisory Board – was given the 2007 Rising Star Award by The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE).
The annual presentation took place Dec. 5, 2007, during the 11th Annual PAVE Gala in New York.
Retailers and retail design firms were invited to nominate an individual who works in retail design, visual presentation, or contract design who is a proven innovator and leader among his or her peers. The three finalists were: Johnson; Vicki Spielmann, visual manager, Apple Computer Inc. (Cupertino, Calif.); and Wesley Woelfel, design director, Greneker Solutions (Los Angeles).
“PAVE believes that it is important to recognize the achievements of individuals who have demonstrated talent, vision, and implementation in the retail environment,” said Nancy Jackson, president of Architectural Systems Inc. (New York), who serves as PAVE vp and gala chair.
Judging for the award was done by: Jackson; Jack Hruska, evp, store planning, Bloomingdale's (New York); Kristin Godsey, associate publisher, VM+SD (Cincinnati); Kathleen Jordan, principal, Gensler (San Francisco); and Christine Russo, vp, store design and development, Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. (New York).