KEITH HELMETAG

As one of the founders of C&G Partners, Keith Helmetag offers creative and management direction to a talented team involved in sign, environmental graphics and exhibit commissions. He recently completed and continues to work on the sign and visitor experience planning for several of New York City's largest projects: Yankee Stadium, Bank of America's headquarters and Henry Miller's Theatre at One Bryant Park (Manhattan's first LEED-platinum skyscraper) as well as the World Trade Center Memorial museum and site. He is also now designing signs for Roosevelt Island's new tram system and exhibits for the Federal Reserve Bank, Scenic Hudson's West Point Foundry Preserve and Annapolis Maritime Museum. Helmetag's innovative display system for the U.S. Patent & Trademark Museum was awarded its own patent. With C&G Partners, he was a 2007 finalist for the Smithsonian's National Design Award. He also received an Ideas That Matter grant promoting literacy and lemur conservation in Madagascar; the American Institute of Architect's Committee On The Environment award for Philadelphia's Heinz Tinicum Nature Reserve; and an American Society of Landscape Architects award for place-making graphics at Buffalo's Erie Canal Commercial Slip waterfront district. He was educated as an architect (UC/Berkeley), graphic designer (Philadelphia's University of the Arts) and business manager (New York University).

Where were you born, where do you live, did this effect your design style or sensibilities? I grew up on a farm in Philadelphia. My mother was a guide for the Museum. My father was a railroad lawyer who restored antiques. I went to a Quaker school and Cal Berkeley for architecture. I own a brownstone by Brooklyn's industrial Gowanus Canal. Our studio is by the Union Square green market. Family and colleagues, education and places shape me as country and city dweller with interest in museums, architecture, transit, sustainability, renewal and ethics.

If you were not a designer, what would you be? I ride everywhere on an ANT bike. I drive a Pinafarina-designed '69 Alfa Romeo. A bike and classic car builder/restorer would be a good avocation.

What is your design process, do you sketch first, go to the computer, take days off to get inspired? My work and recreation is all about place, people and purpose. I draw by hand, but write and research on the computer. Every day is about being inspired.

What is one thing you have done to help weather the economic downturn? C&G Partners has been on a wonderful trajectory since our founding in 2005. As a young firm with seasoned professionals, we adapt to change and will be stronger when we emerge into a brighter economy.

YOUR DESIGN HERO?
Palladio. A trip to Vicenza is an immersive degree in architecture.

WORST HABIT?
Nail-biting, but life is a nail biter.

FAVORITE COLOR?
Green.

FAVORITE TYPEFACE?
Custom ones based on precedent such as our Yankee Stadium or John Hopkins Gilman Hall typefaces.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS?
The 2009 World Series that pit my hometown Phillies against the Yankees.

FAVORITE BOOKS?
Bronx is Burning by Jonathan Mahler; The Big Oyster by Mark Kurlansky.

FAVORITE MOVIES?
The 2nd New York Surf Film Festival had many great shorts. The directors signed a wood surfboard built by my son and I.

FAVORITE MUSIC?
Jim Keller Band. I play doubles squash with him and love his hit — Jenny 867.5309 — and current album.

FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Christopher Wool. When I created Luhring Augustine Gallery's gallery and invitation graphics, I worked on a barter basis for one of Christopher's ivy stencil prints, which now graces my living room.

FAVORITE GADGET?
A Joel Tudor noserider surfboard 9'9" David Nuuhiwa inspired by Sol Lewitt's Band of Colors.

BOOKMARKED WEBSITES?
www.surferjims.com previews nearby Long Beach surf allowing sunrise surfing before work.

BEST GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
Life.

ONE THING YOU NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?
AmEx card. I "Don't leave home with out it..." as a reminder of the ad slogan's copywriter, Mark Ross, who helped with my first portfolio.

ONE THING YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT?
Friends

TALENT YOU WISH YOU POSSESSED?
Playing an instrument. I live for music, but have no mind for it.