Kendall Ross
Seattle, WA

Having worked together at Landor Associates for many years, principals David Kendall and Tim Ross launched their Seattle company six years ago. That was during what was perhaps one of the most difficult economic times in recent memory—the "dot bomb." Yet the firm flourished and evolved into a tightly focused team of creative thinkers that works with retail clients during times of growth and transition.

Whether it is marketing a retail destination to be more consumer-focused or using smart design to make a packaged product more desirable, Kendall Ross helps to reposition retail brands across all points of consumer and shareholder contact. The firm is committed to helping clients seize those opportunities that help establish and strategically position premium brands in an ever-changing marketplace. "Being strictly focused on retail, we've honed an insider's understanding of today's shopper," says David Kendall, principal and creative director. "We know what it takes to succeed in today's marketplace."

Kendall Ross Team (left to right): Charlie Worcester, Michael Townley, Tim Ross, Jina Hustler, Ben Reynolds, Charlyn Hare, Meg Barney, David Kendall, Willem Buys, Laura Peters, Rob Thieman.

With each assignment, the firm offers unique vision, enthusiastic thinking, and fresh perspective—all grounded in years of experience with local, national, and global organizations. The firm's clients include Bellevue Place, Bellevue Square, Coinstar, One Lincoln Tower, Lincoln Square, Portlock, Red Knot Winery, Sconza Candies, Sockeye Winery, Two Palms Brewery, Tully's Coffee, and Washington Hills Winery.

Most every project at Kendall Ross begins by telling a story. Kendall explains, "A story helps to bring a strong sense of authenticity to the product and helps convey trust. People who trust a product will be more likely to pick it up and buy it." With a strong sense of "story," the design team can develop those aspects of a product that will make an emotional connection to the customer and make it more compelling. Storytelling unlocks ideas, goes beyond the tangible, and is a little emotional—or more human.

The firm's process includes such things as defining value proposition, understanding market advantage, conceiving the message and making the message real — moving from project to program. "Successful design for retail is about learning and understanding consumer behavior," says Tim Ross, principal at Kendall Ross. "More than a traditional approach based solely on focus groups, our methods are more hands-on. So our solutions are more authentic and true. We're not just selling the product, we're selling the experience."

Kendall Ross claims that more than 20 million consumers are influenced by their work each year. With Kendall Ross's own unique combination of customer insight, strong brand principle, and thoughtful brand process, Kendall Ross is able to understand and satisfy both client and consumer alike.