Starting from scratch, Bill is a self-taught designer who has constructed a life where design exists not to decorate, but to make things work.
Apt that he was born in the hard-working city of Chicago—a city rich in design history—home to the New Bauhaus, Container Corporation, Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe. He began his career in the fashion industry, designing hats for celebrities such as Sylvester Stallone to race car legend Richard Petty. With a true love for nature and organic materials, he founded an architectural landscaping company—one of the earliest to utilize native and indigenous plants in their designs. From furniture to interiors to architecture, Bill’s contextual design approach spans disciplines with elegance and repose.
As founder of zünpartners, Bill’s enthusiasm for good design has been translated into award-winning work—garnering numerous industry accolades, including being archived in the Society of Typographic Arts (STA) permanent collection. zün’s concepts have been put to work for smart companies large and small: Deloitte & Touche, Arthur Andersen, Baker & McKenzie, Bracewell & Giuliani. Just as design with intent works across a variety of disciplines, zün puts it into practice across a myriad of applications: corporate identity, brand application, web, annual reports, company publications, packaging and promotional—both printed and digital.
Design isn’t just something Bill does, it’s a way of life. He completed a historically accurate and meticulous restoration of his Frank Lloyd Wright home in Oak Park, which has been featured in multiple publications and television. His collection of folk and outsider art is extensive, including works by artists that are on exhibit in museums around the world. Among Bill’s personal interests are motorcycles, in particular taking road trips across the real America—winding through rural areas and small towns, talking with people along the journey. Off his bike, Bill enjoys excursions with his family to the Rocky Mountains.
Availability: Varies
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.
