PARTNERS, SPAN, CHICAGO IL
Span specializes in crossing the boundaries of communication design. Our team is driven by collaboration, experimentation, and a commitment to making our work socially conscious. By working with clients in diverse sectors, we create impactful, meaningful design that resonates. We aim to address issues that matter to communities and culture while hopefully inspiring change and challenging perspectives.
Our studio breaks from the conventional model. Each of our three partners leads an independent team, yet collaboration and cross-advising are at the heart of our process. This balance between autonomy and teamwork is enhanced by a unique sense of friendship, grounded in the partners’ shared history.
What sets us apart from most design studios is that our partners aren’t just business managers; they actively drive the creative process, secure new business, and maintain direct client relationships while being hands-on designers. We believe exceptional design is born from passion, intelligence, and personal commitment.
While each partner brings 20 years of design experience, Span as a studio has rapidly built a diverse and dynamic portfolio since its founding in 2020. Our work spans industries and clients, from community organizations and cultural institutions to globally renowned architects and government bodies. This breadth reflects our dedication to delivering thoughtful, lasting design solutions.
TELL US HOW AND WHY YOU BECAME INVOLVED IN SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNICATIONS, AND SHARE ANY THOUGHTS ON WHY DESIGN CAN BE AN ESPECIALLY EFFECTIVE TOOL?
All design is social, being socially responsible means that we should strive to create positive change. We want to spend our lives collaborating with people and projects that benefit both the planet and society. Our work amplifies the visions, voices, and actions of those committed to making a difference and fostering sustainable growth and positive impact. Projects we are proud of include:
Design and Healing: Creative Responses to Epidemics — Led by partner Bud Rodecker, Span worked with MASS Design Group and the Cooper Hewitt to design the exhibition’s graphics. The design ideas for the physical experience were adapted from our design of The Architecture of Health: Hospital Design and the Construction of Dignity.
Urban Sequoia Now — Led by partner John Pobojewski, Span worked with SOM on a film that proposed how to design buildings that absorb carbon dioxide from the air like trees do. Span led the development of the story, 3D animation, architectural diagrams, and motion graphics.
Slow & Low — Led by associate partner Nick Adam, Span worked with non-profit Slow & Low on the visual identity and environmental graphics for Chicago’s Lowrider Festival. The opportunity to take over Chicago’s largest tourist destination came with the responsibility of placemaking for the community.
GIVEN THE CONFLUENCE OF EVENTS AND CHALLENGES OUR SOCIETY NOW FACES, DOES THIS MOMENT IN TIME PRESENT ANY SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES, URGENCIES, OBSTACLES TO DESIGNING FOR GOOD?
Communities today are evolving and changing. People are refocusing on how ALL members of their communities can get around safely and efficiently. I think there is no better time than now to figure out solutions so that everyone, regardless of race, poverty level, disability, etc. have full access all parts of their communities.
Firms are coming up with great solutions to these obstacles, but if the public cannot get on board, nothing will come of it. Designing content that is easily digestible and simplifies the process for the public is the only way we can achieve these goals.
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