design:retail - May/June 2020 - 39

DHRUVA KALRA
Senior Partner
RMDK
AGE 35

Kalra believes that design is one of the most powerful forces that can inspire and
empower people. He has designed meticulously detailed, modern and functional
experiential spaces across the world and received international accolades and
recognition along the way. Kalra is an environmental enthusiast who has contributed
to various influencing thoughts, discussions, and debates on sustainability and the
future of Indian design and construction. He intends to experiment with new technological developments in construction to create and augment original and enhanced
microdetails with highly customized surface finishing and put India on the global
design map. As Kalra continues to create and innovate, he hopes to see a world with
a built environment that is in harmony with nature and rich in culture, encouraging
new social bonds and growth.
What I love most about retail: Its dynamism and opportunity for playfulness.
The best advice I ever received: A person should be fluid like water, shape-shifting as
per the circumstance, and formless and limitless in perception.
Favorite hobby: Travel, cooking, farming and drone photography.

MIKAEL KATTAN
Co-Founder
PopUp Masters

LATEST
OBSESSION:
CREATING A HOME GARDEN.

AGE 31

Kattan's investment background has supported his
successful entrepreneurial
endeavor in the retail industry.
As co-founder of PopUp
Masters, he has introduced
an innovative agency that is
redefining pop-ups and the
realm of possibilities for bringing brand visions to life. He is
also director at Opus Interior, a joint venture between PopUp
Masters and the interior design and architecture studio Prestige
Group. This collaboration supports Kattan's deep impact on the
retail landscape. As a progress-driven planner adept at building and retaining high-performing teams, he leverages both
these offices to deliver compelling turnkey experiential marketing campaigns, retail activations and pop-up solutions. An
example of his experiential genius is "Arcadia Earth," the first
immersive augmented reality journey through Planet Earth.
PopUp Masters is currently working on opening a chain of VR
locations aimed at corporate retreat and role gaming. When it
comes to taking his place in the retail world, Kattan is an astute
investor and real estate professional who creates strategic alliances with organizational leaders internationally.
My first job was: Banker.
Most amazing place I've traveled: Burning Man.
Proudest moment: When my parents visited the studio.

JONATHAN KNODELL

ANNA KISSELL
Founder/Design Principal
Summit Architecture and Design LLC

ADAM KAVETT

AGE 32

Director of Environmental Strategy
Envirosell
AGE 31

Kavett is a Cornell University-trained environmental
researcher who has a passion for his craft. As director of
environmental strategy for Envirosell, he leads the firm's
exploration into non-traditional retail and unique space
types. He draws on a background in human-centered
design and cognitive ergonomics to deliver powerful guidance to refine and reimagine retail experiences. Since 2011,
he has led more than 100 custom research and consulting
projects in 17 countries across four continents with some
of the biggest names in retail and consumer packaged
goods, such as Nike, Sprint, Moët Hennessy, Constellation
Brands, Dyson and PANDORA. His skill at using multiple
methodologies to deconstruct behavioral issues stretches
from physical to digital spaces, and across global environments. A few of his notable projects include the Jordan
brand flagship research for Nike; small footprint prototype
research for Sprint; the branch renovation assessment and
strategy for Douglas County Libraries; and the global store
prototype testing and development for PANDORA.
My first job was: Managing the tasting room at a winery.
I'm inspired by: Passionate people with uncompromising vision.
Currently binge-watching: "Ugly Delicious," Season 2.

Kissell is a leader, mentor and collaborator
recognized for being a rare practitioner who
has the ability to think strategically, creatively
and functionally throughout every phase
of a project. Versatile and talented, she has
exceptional design and client relationship
skills complemented by equally impressive
architectural and execution skills. Her
retail mindset was honed designing and
managing global projects for Reebok Intl. and
The Rockport Co. She also gained valuable
experience working with Bergmeyer, where
one of her project highlights was supporting
the California Closets program, developing
the prototype and merchandising standards,
pop-up shop prototype and mobile showroom, as well as their corporate offices. In
2019, she launched Summit Architecture +
Design, a boutique firm that merges regional
design with international influence to
meet the needs of ambitious clients with
challenging goals.
I'm inspired by: Nature, its variation and balance
of textures and color.
Proudest moment: Taking the leap of faith to
start my own design studio.

Design Director
GH+A Design Studios
AGE 37

Knodell is a maverick of retail design who takes a comprehensive approach to seamlessly blend the brand and the environment, building
a unique multisensory experience for the customer. He is admired
for balancing his creative right brain and analytical left brain to think
holistically about each retail project. Knodell's ability to build genuine
and long-lasting relationships with clients makes him an effective
design director. These trusted connections keep clients coming back,
allowing his team to work on future projects as brands evolve to keep
up with the ever-changing retail landscape. Knodell's list of long-standing clients includes: Aeropostale, Triple
Five Group, International Currency Exchange, Sleep Country, Mars Inc., Timberland and Wolverine Worldwide.
And his notable project work includes: Aeropostale in Times Square; HealthOne in Toronto; M&M'S World in
Orlando, Fla., and Times Square, New York; and Hamley's Dubai Mall and Regent Street in London. In addition
to his inspired project work and passion for retail design, Knodell invests time and energy into mentorship and
teaching other designers and design students. He has held various professional teaching positions, as well as
conducted in-office workshops and one-on-one mentoring.
My happy place: At my drawing table with a fresh roll of tracing paper and a felt-tipped pen.
COVID-19 guilty pleasure: Hoarding Twinkies and Swiss Rolls.

BIGGEST FEAR:
BEING BORING. AND BIG BUGS.

design:retail - May/June 2020

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