Grant’s approach to design gracefully balances strong visual aesthetics and intelligent conceptual depth. Skilled in a range of art and design disciplines, Grant brings a passion for information design, user experience and illustration. He is experienced in a large variety of design applications from garment design to large-scale exhibit graphics. A recent graduate from the Kansas City Art Institute, Grant joined Willoughby in 2009.

With her background in industrial design, Emily brings a knowledge of the materials and processes used to communicate brand identity across multiple mediums. She is always striving to achieve the balance of good design that respects “the rules,” but interprets them in new, unexpected ways.

Prior to joining Willoughby, Emily was a designer with The McCulley Group in California where she worked on extensive signage and wayfinding projects for the University of California San Diego along with identity system extensions for a range of retail, corporate and hospitality brands. After that, she worked in Chicago as a graphic designer for Crate and Barrel where she was responsible for evolving the corporate identity for Crate and Barrel and CB2 stores. An industrial design graduate from the University of Kansas, Emily joined Willoughby in 2009.

Abby is responsible for making everyone who enters Willoughby feel at home. When not answering phones or coordinating events and meetings, she is creating breath-taking floral arrangements or styling our office space.

Prior to Willoughby, Abby was a visual merchandiser for several national retailers and continues lending her category expertise to our retail design work. An art history graduate from the University of Kansas, Abby joined Willoughby in 2008.

Nicole’s holistic, tenured approach to design leadership directly reflects her grace and polished demeanor. A design champion in the purest sense, Nicole has guided the creative process for a large portfolio of clients from Hallmark, Buckle and Tivol to Carson Bank, Mary Carol and BNIM Architects.

Nicole excels at overseeing large scale projects. Whether it’s a fashion photo shoot, a complex brand architecture or stand out packaging innovation, Nicole brings it all together with style. A fine arts and design graduate from the University of Kansas, Nicole has been with Willoughby since 1996.

From identities and print to environments and interactive, Jessica’s work exemplifies the Willoughby passion for designing complete brand experiences.

Combing delicate sensibilities and strategy-driven process with an extreme attention to detail and willingness to take on any challenge that comes her way, Jessica has quickly developed a broad range of experience including work for Peruvian Connection, Après Peau, Buckle and Hallmark. A fine arts and design graduate from the University of Kansas, Jessica has been with Willoughby since 2005.

Stephanie is responsible for market and trend research, brand strategy and conceptual design. Stephanie’s clients range from national corporations, including Buckle, Hallmark and Nestlé, to innovative startups like SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza, Feng and Del Forte Denim. She has been an active AIGA member since 1999 and is a volunteer at American Field Service (AFS), a cultural exchange organization.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Stephanie has found an additional benefit to her intuitive appreciation for great design: It communicates beyond languages. Her up-to-date designs effortlessly reflect her aptitude for trends and appreciation for global cultures. A fine arts and design graduate from the University of Kansas, Stephanie has been with Willoughby since 2002.

Nate’s portfolio of engaging and successful brand identities has an international reach, including work for the NBA, United Nations, Hallmark, Wonder Bread and, very importantly, our current Willoughby identity system. His expertise is in identifying the perfect balance between clear communication, brand integrity and excellent design, leaving no stone unturned in the process.

From the Kansas City’s new Metro Area Express (MAX) bus to the intricate Sheridan’s “treat DNA,” and Wowie the Cool Cow, Nate brings brands to life by considering every detail of the experience. A fine arts and design graduate from the University of Kansas, Nate has been with Willoughby since 1999.

Zack is a multi-talented task master with nearly 10 years of experience developing strategic design and communications. He has a strong portfolio of directing design and managing projects from the initial definition through exploration and to the extension into environments and communications. Prior to working at Willoughby he served as Director of Graphic Design at BNIM Architects.

A leader in the local design community, Zack serves as president of AIGA Kansas City and is a founding member of the Kansas City Design Alliance. Most recently, he has directed new brand identity experiences for Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, New Leaf Paper, SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza, Sheridan’s Lattes & Frozen Custard and Feng. A journalism graduate from the University of Missouri, Zack has been with Willoughby since 2004.

Ann is a nationally respected brand identity and experience designer with a deep knowledge of how to bridge strategy with design. Ann oversees the big picture vision at Willoughby to ensure solid strategic business planning and results-oriented design.

Ann is a former board member of the AIGA National Board of Directors, where she co-chaired the 2004 Business & Design Conference in New York and helped launch a pilot design leadership program at Harvard Business School. In 2006, she was named the first design leader from the Kansas City area to become an AIGA Fellow. Ann is a board member of the Kansas City Architectural Foundation and former board member of The Kansas City Zoo, The Children’s Place, DeLaSalle Education Center, HOW Magazine and Harvesters—The Community Food Network. A fine arts graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi, Ann founded Willoughby Design in 1978.

A seasoned designer in the consumer packaged goods category, Becky has creatively contributed to multiple national brands. She is well versed in design and execution of brand standards across various product offerings, recently completing a redesign of the entire Wonder Bread brand packaging line.

Becky takes all of her projects from concept through final art work and production management, having done so extensively for Wonder Bread, Grace’s Best Cookies, Harvesters, Hostess, Home Pride, New Leaf Paper, Jolee’s Jewels, Perler and Pixtorie. A fine arts and design graduate from the University of Kansas, Becky has been with Willoughby since 2003.

As a strategist and creative director, Megan specializes in connecting with consumers through brand experiences. She’s forever asking, “what is the story and why should anyone care?” From infusing new energy to help brands compete in the ever-changing marketplace to creating concepts from the ground up, Megan is passionate about envisioning new possibilities and bringing them to life.

Megan came to Willoughby as a copywriter/account manager on fashion accounts including Lee Jeans, Riders Apparel and Buckle. Most recently she has led brand and packaging innovation projects for Nestlé, Hershey’s, New Leaf Paper and the EK Success family of brands. A journalism graduate from the University of Kansas, Megan has been with Willoughby since 1998.

Steve manages the sustainability initiatives of the Willoughby Design Barn in Weston, Missouri, and the main Westport office. In addition to overseeing accounting and human resources, he contributes to the new business initiatives at Willoughby.

Steve brings 34 years of diverse corporate and entrepreneurial experience. A Princeton graduate, Steve has been with Willoughby since 2004.

Katy brings 16 years of advertising/marketing experience to Willoughby, with an emphasis on strategy, relationship management and brand development. She is a strategic thinker with a driving curiosity to uncover insights.

Well-versed in what it takes to create a meaningful, compelling brand story and develop marketing plans that move the needle, Katy has worked with national brands including Build-A-Bear Workshop, Whitehall Jewellers, Helzberg Diamonds and H&R Block. She serves the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Kansas City as vice president/programs and as a mentor for its Foundation. A University of Nebraska graduate, Katy joined Willoughby in 2008.