Willoughby Design led a visual and content overhaul to modernize Jet, starting with the February issue and timed to make its debut during Black History Month.

The first KC Design Week kicked off with a design challenge intended to solve a practical problem: how to most effectively stack and store the iconic blue food collection barrels used by Harvesters, the local community food network.

Ann Willoughby reviewed design concept solutions as a celebrity judge at Kansas City Design Week. The annual event is designed to raise awareness about the importance of architecture, urban planning and fashion, interior and graphic design.

Ann Willoughby was named one of the most influential brand designers in the country, and was among the selective list of international designers profiled in the recent book, Masters of Design Logos & Identity. In Walt Bodine’s radio profile, we find out how Willoughby has maintained her standards and visibility in a business that is continually evolving.

Local design and innovation firm, Willoughby Design, took home three design awards in Print magazine’s prestigious 2009 Regional Design Annual. In addition, Kansas City ranked sixth in the nation for total number of winning entries, landing just behind Seattle and Dallas.

Established in 1978, Willoughby Design is a brand design and innovation firm made up of strategists, designers and writers. Our commitment to design thinking, sustainable design and corporate social responsibility is reflected in our work, our studio in Westport and our Design Barn in Weston, Missouri.

When it comes to going green, designers can take on a much bigger role than many might think. Zack Shubkagel of Willoughby Design challenges designers to create Living Communications – here’s how.

I love real entrepreneurs. Kevin and Christie are obviously good at what they do. They have tasted opportunity along with a modicum of success (they paid back a bank, secured another loan and line of credit — in today’s world, that’s successful). They have a direction, now gearing their efforts to a more upscale clientele.

For Willoughby Design, 2008 and the company’s 30th anniversary marked the start of a yearlong evolution toward a brand poised for growth. Willoughby Design recently expanded its ownership to include members of a newly created leadership team and unveiled its new, dynamic Web site.

Willoughby Design, a Kansas City-based brand design firm, has expanded its ownership to include members of a new leadership team. The leadership team consists of Megan Semrick, vice president, brand innovation; Zack Shubkagel, vice president, brand experience; and Katy Briggs, vice president, brand strategy.