Portfolio Center Blog Portfolio Center Blog: Interior Architecture Industry Expert Lori Mukoyama
Lori specializes in environmental brand development and design. With 12 years of experience, she has supervised teams of interior and graphic design professionals on a wide array of projects. Lori is currently a Principal at a RTKL Associates. RTKL is one of the top 10 architectural firms in the country.She most recently was Creative Director at Chute Gerdeman. She has played an instrumental role on a number of recent retail and hospitality projects, including: Orange Lake Resort and Country Club, Trend West, Hanes, M&Ms and Marriot Vacation Club International. Her prior work for Chute Gerdman included helping to develop the brands and environments for The Buckle, Gold Star, American Greetings, and Club Libby Lu. She also developed three high-end retail stores for the Radisson Hotel Sydney, New's Cafe, and Sofia. In addition, Lori designed an innovative department store in South Africa for one of Chute Gerdman's oldest clients, Woolworth's.
As the creative director for Upshot, a full-service marketing agency, Lori led a number of projects focused on retail branding and the consumer experience. Some of her clients included: Procter & Gamble, Iams, Firestone, Diageo Liquor brands, and Discover Card/Mills Mall. Lori grew the retail team by 200% during her tenure.
Prior to joining Upshot, Lori spent 5 years at Schafer, a retail design firm located in Oak Park, IL. Her project work included a wide range of retail design, from department centers, to big box stores, to specialty retail stores. Some of Lori's clients included: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Store, Amoco/BP, ShopKo, Office Max, and Lotte Department Store (locations in both Japan and Korea).
Lori earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. She has received awards from both the Institute of Store Planners/Visual Merchandising and Store Fixture Manufacturers, and Nasfm (The National Association of Store fixture Manufacturers). Her work has appeared in a variety of retail industry publications, including Visual Merchandising and Store Design, Display and Design Ideas, and Chain Store Age.
Availability: Generally Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday between Noon - 2PM (off campus).
All sessions are by appointment only. If you're interested to meet with an Industry Expert call 312.369.7280 for details.
Q: Whoa there. What are Industry Expert sessions again?
A: It's a service provided by the Portfolio Center that pairs students with working professionals in their field. An Industry Expert helps you understand what materials to put in a portfolio (and what to leave out), how to package and present your work, and how you'll know when it's ready for prime time.