ann jordan and shardul kiri

UNIT design collective is a multidisciplinary studio specializing in brand strategy and awareness. Comprised of designers, analysts and copywriters, the company is truly a one-stop shop for corporate identities, collateral, packaging and environmental design. Under the leadership of Ann Jordan and Shardul Kiri, UNIT has been recognized by Graphis, Communication Arts, STEP inside design and HOW. Jordan previously worked at several award-winning design firms, including Cabra Diseño, Mortensen Design, Alterpop and Turner Duckworth, where she developed creative strategy for small non-profits, local start-ups and large corporations such as Motorola, Palm and Coca-Cola. Kiri, after working at several internationally recognized design firms, took an inhouse position producing strategic solutions and tradeshow environments for the biotechnology giant Amgen. From there, he moved into advertising at Deutsch, where he created national print, broadcast and radio campaigns for Expedia, PacifiCare and Helio. UNIT is located in San Francisco.

Is graphic design a growth industry? Graphic design is all about communication, and the need to communicate will never end. Of course, with the creation of more do-it-yourself software solutions and online creative template vendors, lots of individuals are beginning to consider themselves designers, whether or not they truly have the skills to create compelling solutions. In order to continue positive growth, it's imperative for creative professionals to elevate their strategic thinking and highlight their value as experts.

Do graphic designers have a special responsibility to promote a green society? As some of the original creators of waste, we have a great responsibility to promote a green society. We can do this by lending our services to efforts to provide environmentally friendly information and solutions to the general public, going green in our own businesses by developing green solutions and promoting environmentally friendly practices to our clients. We always present work to clients in a digital format, use conference calls to reduce travel and proactively provide clients with eco-friendly design solutions. We have been accused of being Nazi-recyclers. We also work with our clients to help them understand how to reduce waste. Once clients realize that these practices have the potential to save them money and reduce their impact on the environment, they become eager to learn.

ONE THING I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IS
hoodies - SK
chapstick - AJ

FAVORITE MOVIES

Requiem for a Dream
Crash
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

FAVORITE BOOKS

The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories by Tim Burton
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is visual, it's imaginative and, most importantly, it's Christmas. As design-savvy as we are, we still love the holidays and embrace the kitsch that comes with it.