We believe in the fundamental importance of strategic communications, marketing and place branding to attract investors and customers to urban districts and projects. These strategies need to be developed and implemented starting at the beginning of the project and not treated as separate tasks to begin once the plans are developed.

This more integrated approach is highly effective, helps attract additional funding for plan development and implementation, and creates stronger and more sustainable community support for revitalization.

Our branding and marketing strategies promote a unique sense of place and area advantages to the right internal and external target audiences through appropriate channels, and are part of a coordinated plan where tactics and messaging are clear and consistent across multiple organizations. We frequently utilize a multi-district branding approach to highlight the variety of unique urban places and experiences in a city - and to isolate any negative incidents that occur.

We develop and implement these strategic plans, utilizing multiple tactics as appropriate, such as: print, broadcast, direct mail, online and guerilla marketing campaigns; website development; public realm improvements along key travel paths; and events such as festivals, awards ceremonies, charrettes, lectures and artistic performances.

We also launch and evaluate comprehensive wayfinding systems for downtowns and urban districts, and provide wayfinding signage training services in many states.

Ken managed the creation and design of the Wayfinding Signage System in downtown Cleveland, playing a key role in the installation of over 18 different sign types, including privately-funded pedestrian kiosks interstate signage, district-labeled street name signs, exit wayfinding signs, and pedestrian kiosk maps.

He was able to build consensus among 40+ large and important private stakeholders while meeting ODOT, Transit Authority and FHWA requirements.

Our proprietary Safedesign^TM approach also provides a highly intentional and effective way to manage the perceived safety aspects of urban place brands.