New Site To Promote Downtown SD Garages for Ace Parking and CivicSD
LJG has been asked to design and develop a new website to promote the Park It On Market and 6th & Parkade parking garages for Civic San Diego and Ace Parking Management. The website will most likely soon be paired with an app that will allow shoppers, diners, bar patrons and Padres fans to check real time rates and availability as they approach the downtown area. The first phase of the site will include garage description and locations, Facebook feeds with special promotions and FAQs.
LJG Creates Responsive Design for Entire Portfolio of Major Orange County Retail Developer
A long-time client turned back to LJG to responsively redesign it’s entire retail property portfolio for it’s three shopping centers in Orange County. While much more strategy and thought is required up front, the new sites’ longevity will benefit the developer as the user will enjoy the same experience regardless of which device they access any of the sites from.
Orange County Home Builder Continues to Captivate the Market
In early April, our client will be launching their newest set of three, innovative residential neighborhoods with design, planning and lifestyle features that continue to distinguish their homes among the best in the industry. After extensive homebuyer research, they learned that it was once again time to raise the bar on the planning and designs of these new homes to ensure that there is a newness and “wow” factor that will continue to attract the ever more discretionary homebuyer.
LJG has been busy creating a totally new microsite to showcase the homes while expanding the touchscreen Sales and Design Kiosks to integrate the new neighborhoods into the overall product mix.
OliverMcMillan selects LJG to Begin the Initial Steps to Redesign their Website
LJG is excited to be working together again with OliverMcMillan. LJG was asked to help stragegize and develop the new online experience for www.OliverMcMillan.com. This will be followed by an in-depth discovery process with executives and staff.
Culmination of the strategy and research will lead to the complete redesign of the website. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to launch in time for this May’s ICSC event in Las Vegas.
LJG Creates Video for SANDAG and CALTRANS to Announce the $6.5B North Coast Corridor Transportation Project
SANDAG and Caltrans, together with Southwest Strategies, asked LJG to develop a video to promote the announcement and benefits of the $6.5 billion transportation improvement project in the San Diego area called the North Coast Corridor (NCC) Program. This program offers a comprehensive and balanced transportation master plan that provides travelers choices for the future while enhancing the quality of life for residents of San Diego. This will be one of the largest projects that the Coastal Commission will ever have to approve.
The 27-mile long Interstate 5 NCC connects six cities; Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar and San Diego. More than 700,000 customers use the I-5 daily to travel to and from home, work and recreation. Over the next four decades, our region will continue to grow. And so will the demand of our transportation network. Doing nothing is not an option. This Program focuses on three main components; rail and transit; highway Express Lanes; and environmental improvements, from trails to habitat protection.
LJG is creating a comprehensive video that tells the story of the NCC Program, its benefits to the citizens of San Diego, the enhancements on the unique coastal character as well as its compliance and benefits to issues most important to the California Coastal Commission.
New Logo and Branding, Video Shoot for Simms / Mann Institute
LJG is honored to be working with Simms / Mann as it seeks to learn more about human development from ages zero to three, and address the challenges of today’s technology-driven, fast-paced world.
On February 14th and 15th, the Simms / Mann Institute hosted the first ever Community College Think Tank and announced its seven first Fellowship residents.
LJG helped Simms / Mann refresh its brand with a new logo, and will begin work on a new website shortly. In the meantime, we’ve designed and developed a mini preliminary site that you can view here. We also were there to shoot video of the Think Tank that Simms / Mann will use on the new website and other marketing materials.
Site Redesign & Brand Enhancement for Fallbrook Winery
Quite a few of us here at LJG are crazy about wine, so we were more than excited when Ted Gourvitz of Fallbrook Winery reached out to us to help with a new website and brand enhancements. Since the early 1990s, Fallbrook Winery has been producing quality red and white varietals. Today it’s of the leaders in California’s emerging South Coast wine region, with 36 acres resting between the Pacific Coast and the Pala Mesa Mountains.
We’ll be kicking off this project next month, and can’t wait to show off the new site. But for now, here’s some photos of the winery to whet your palette.
New Website For Unique Retail Center in Boise, Idaho
LJG has partnered with CenterCal Properties, LLC to design and develop a website for The Village at Meridian, its new retail center in the Boise, Idaho metro area. With Phase One now open, The Village at Meridian has many more shops and restaurants coming in the fall of this year. The finished project will be one of the area’s most energized and unique experiences, with an adjacent park and one-of-a-kind water feature.
The website for the center will include an interactive siteplan, vivid imagery, and keep visitors up to speed on all that’s going on with new store and restaurant openings and events. We’re working vigorously on design now, and will update the blog once the site has gone live. For now, we’ve launched a splash page if you’d like to learn more about this exciting new project!
Bring A Little Cheer To Your Day. Watch The Annual LJG Holiday Video!
What would the holidays be without the annual LJG holiday video?
We had a great time creating it, and hope you enjoy it (don’t miss the time lapse and outtakes at the end)
Wishing you all a very happy holiday season, as we look toward an even crazier 2013.
Kicking Off New Project Dedicated To Improve The Lives Of Small Children & Parents
In 2011, the Simms/Mann Family Foundation created a new institute called the Simms/Mann Institute for Education and Community Development with the purpose to develop and implement innovative programs and tools that address key contemporary issues facing educators, practitioners, children, and families in the 21st Century.
The Institute has the opportunity to cause significant change, and it has been decided that the creation of a website that will allow interaction and knowledge sharing with key audiences, is imperative.
Working closely with the Institute, LJG has been asked to help with establishing
the identity of the Institute, and designing and developing a website.
The site will help define the Institute by communicating its strengths, credibility and value to its key audiences, and will be designed with the ability to expand to become a center of activity for the Institute’s Fellows, physicians, mental health professionals, educators, and ultimately parents to share, learn and interact — all designed to encourage real and productive change.
We’re kicking off this exciting new project next week, and are looking forward to teaming up with a group dedicated to make a difference in the lives of young children.
LJG Creates Brand For Upcoming Luxury Golf Community In Scottsdale
The Lyle Anderson Companies is a recognized leader and developer of high-end golf communities. Best known for their superior design, exceptional quality and attention to detail, Lyle Anderson Companies has properties in Arizona, Hawaii, New Mexico and Scotland.
LJG was asked to help create a brand for the new high-end residential community in the Scottsdale/Phoenix residential area, featuring homes from $1.5-$3 million available in 14 floorplans. The team also conducted a thorough “discovery” effort, where we researched and assess information to uncover insights about the project and property including its unique locale, place in history, past uses, anticipated future uses, architecture, environment, and competitive environment. La Sierra is slated to open next year, and will be recognized as Scottsdale’s first eco-resort, residential community.
BRAND BOOK COVER
BRAND BOOK INTERIOR PAGES
UCSD Shiley Eye Center and LJG Partners Launch New Identity, Website & Annual Report
LJG recently partnered with UC San Diego Department of Ophthalmology at the Shiley Eye Center to create a new logo and brand identity, annual report, and a new website for the state-of-the-art academic institution offering advanced treatments in clinical care.
We’re pleased to announce that the website has launched, and offers a valuable set of tools for Shiley Eye Center’s patients, physicians, students, and donors. A dynamic live text ‘What’s Your Symptom’ search tool, enables users to identify their symptom, and access a virtual library of images and information related to that condition, as well as bios of physicians that specialize in that condition, and can contact the Shiley Eye Center to make an appointment.
The site is also equipped with a full back-end CMS tool, that allows the Shiley team to make real time updates to nearly every piece of content within the site.
Shiley Eye Center’s premier Annual Report has just gone to press, and will be circulated shortly. It includes a memoriam to Mr. Donald Shiley, many patient and research highlight stories, and an overview of each specialty offered at the Shiley Eye Center. Large, colorful images, a pristine layout, and interesting content will make it a great read for patients, donors and other interested parties alike.
Visit UCSD Shiley Eye Center’s new website here: http://shileyeye.ucsd.edu/
WEBSITE HOME PAGE
WEBSITE INTERIOR PAGE
ANNUAL REPORT COVER
ANNUAL REPORT INTERIOR PAGES
LJG Creates Web-Based Internal Newsletter Tool For LBA
LBA Realty needed a way to easily create and publish internal newsletters, and LJG was pleased to help! We designed a graphic that LBA employees can re-use to announce a new issue of the newsletter, The LBA Spotlight, that boasts a fresh design, cohesive with the current LBA website.
The tool is fully administrator-controlled, enabling employees to design new issues as needed. Employees can also retrieve past issues by accessing an archive section within the tool.
We’re looking forward to seeing new issues of The LBA Spotlight and hearing how much easier newsletters are with this quick, new tool.
Facebook Page for The Collection at RiverPark is a Hit!
The Collection at RiverPark has received more than 3,100 likes in the last 60 days! We are especially loving the Pet Costume Contest– just in time for Halloween.
And we can’t forget the Good Things Come to Those Who Wait contest.
Have you “Liked” The Collection at RiverPark?
Email Marketing Campaign for The Collection at RiverPark Shows Great Open Rates
Working closely with Shea Properties and Greenhaus, we continue to let the community know what is happening at The Collection at RiverPark with our email marketing campaigns.
LJG Completes Project With Caruso Affiliated
Working closely with Caruso Affiliated, LJG was asked to create interactive touchscreen kiosks for two of the company’s residential projects: 8500 Burton Way and The Residences at The Americana at Brand. Each kiosk includes photos, floor plans, unit descriptions, unit amenities listing, etc. of each property. We also included an aerial tour of the area that is interactive and includes a sub-menu of a category of key areas of interest for potential residents.
In addition, we create a highly sophisticated, 3D animated video with live actors green screened into key scenes within the video. This three-minute lifestyle video was created for the 8500 Burton Way property. It combined custom 3D animated scenes, carefully selected actors, a music track and sophisticated motion typography and graphics. This video showcases living at 8500 Burton Way.
Once the kiosks and 3D were complete, we reformatted the kiosk applications to be viewed on the project website. Feel free to take a look of the kiosk app on the website under Find Your Home.
LJG Helps NBC Universal to Present the Evolution Plan to the World
LJG creates an interactive laptop presentation, print boards and website updates to help NBC Unviersal communicate a wonderful new vision for Universal City.
http://nbcuniversalevolution.com
LJG Wins New Contract with The Lyle Anderson Companies – A New High-end Residential Community in Scottsdale, AZ
LJG is thrilled to be working with The Lyle Anderson Companies on their latest project, a new high-end residential community. We will be working on a variety of marketing and sales support including; establishing the identity, name and logo, branding, creation of a website, direct mail and email campaign, concepting the design for the Discovery Center and an interactive topo table.
The Lyle Anderson Companies is a recognized leader and developer of high-end golf communities. With the launch of the new community, the company will be the first to come out in the high-end, Scottsdale/Phoenix residential market after the devastating recession. Designed by one of the country’s leading residential architects, the homes will be among the best in the Scottsdale area and will feature as many as 14 unique floor plans ranging in price from $1.5-$3 million.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting new project.
LJG Designs Westfield Century City Print Brochure
Westfield Corporation is in the process of planning the future of one of its “Black Label” centers — Century City. Not just an important remodel, but a total repositioning of the Center with a true, world-class shopping experience combined with luxury residences and Class A office.
As an important part of the development process, there was a need to tell the story of change at Century City to key retailers, select residential partners, and other important, interested parties seeking information about the transformation. Westfield asked LJG to concept and design an exceptional print piece to convey all that will happen at Westfield Century City. The brochure showcases the vision for the new Center; the profile the ultra high-end shopper who comes to Westfield Century City and tells the Westfield story and its experience in building world-class centers in many of the most sophisticated, affluent markets around the globe.
LJG Creates the 2012 Sony Pictures Entertainment Microsite
For the fourth year in a row, Sony Pictures Entertainment asked LJG to create a microsite that showcases all of the initiatives from the year. Visitors are able to link out to sites (i.e. the SPE Museum) and have the necessary information at their fingertips. We also created a PDF of the required information where viewers can download and print if needed.
Two 5-Star Southern California Hotels Turn To LJG to Create Innovative iPad Apps & 3D Animation
Planning a large conference, event or wedding can be quite a task, and the iPad has become a game changer for meeting planners, brides and anybody else overseeing the many moving parts of a big event.
LJG is working diligently with two very distinct Southern California hotels to design and develop intuitive iPad applications to help guide the planning process. While they have similarities, the apps each have unique functions specific to the needs of each hotel.
3D animation, easy-to-use calendar functions, and even detailed material boards and room configuration diagrams are just a few elements that will help the meeting planner design any event with ease, and they’ll be able to use their iPad to create and save plans for any type of event.
We’re currently in the design phase of both projects, and will update you as we move toward completion!
LJG, Greenhaus, Shea Properties and CenterCal Join Forces to Bring Social to The Collection
The Collection at Riverpark is starting to pick up speed, and LJG is excited to to be part of the team that will bring some life and enthusiasm back to this upcoming retail center in the heart of West Ventura County.
Along with Shea Properties and CenterCal, LJG has been asked to create a consumer-focused website, and utilize social media to drum up new interest, and excite those people that have been waiting for quite some time. Among other tactics, we’ll be utilizing contests, Facebook ads and strategic content and Pinterest to generate awareness for upcoming store openings and events as activity continues to grow at the center.
We’ll keep you posted as this project gets underway, and you can find more info on the Facebook page.
Shea Apartment Communities Website
For the past 16 years, the LJG team has enjoyed working closely with many divisions of the J.F. Shea Company. Most recently, Shea Apartment Communities presented us with the challenge of completely re-thinking their website to better represent the division and serve current and potential tenants.
We studied Shea’s current web traffic, residential rental industry trends, gathered renter feedback and tapped into our extensive expertise of latest web design trends to create a unique, elegant and user-friendly site.
The new Shea Apartment Communities site offers multiple ways to find your new apartment, from geographic search to dog friendly communities. Prospective tenants can also check the availability on an apartment they’re interested in, and request to hold it. The site’s ‘Resident Services’ section enables current tenants to pay rent and utilities, reserve a facility and find a roommate.
View the new site at http://www.sheaapartments.com
Sempra LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)
Sempra LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) leads Sempra Energy’s efforts to develop, build and operate LNG receipt terminals in North America. Sempra LNG came to LJG to assess and update their website to represent the LNG program and illustrate Sempra’s mission and overall commitment to safety and the environment.
The result – a vivid and clean site that captures Sempra LNG’s overall mission, while keeping aligned with Sempra’s brand. LNG’s priorities of safety, the environment and the community appear as hero images and messaging, and can’t be missed. The site provides great detail about the Energia Costa Azul and Cameron LNG terminals, and the people that run and maintain these facilities.
MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS
LNG is natural gas that has been supercooled and condensed into a liquid. In liquid form, it takes up to 60 times less space and is feasible to transport to long distances. It’s also odorless, non-toxic and non-corrosive. If spilled, LNG would evaporate quickly and disperse, with no environmental cleanup needed for LNG spills on water or land.
See more by visiting the site at:http://www.sempralng.com
Sempra Energy’s Employee Giving Program
Sempra Energy and LJG have enjoyed a nearly two-decade working relationship. Most recently, Sempra Energy Foundation and Employee Programs asked LJG to rethink and redesign its Sempra Employee Giving Network (SEGN) website. SEGN is a charity formed by and for employees of Sempra Energy allowing employees to make contributions to the charities of their choice through one-time or ongoing payroll deductions.
Employees have always been interested in the program, but many were confused about how to join and where their money actually goes, once they make their contribution. The engaging and colorful new site is not only visually appealing, but provides easy-to-find answers that employees search for most.
The overall contribution goal and steps to contribute are constantly shown on the home page. Employees can also click on ‘Your Money In Action’ for their area’s advisory council.
The site is an important step forward for a program that is so integral to Sempra’s overall commitment to community. LJG is proud to be part of this project, that will that will encourage more employee contributions in the years to come.
Visit the Sempra Employee Giving Network’s website at: http://www.sempraemployeegiving.org
New Mobile Site For Homeshoppers On The Move…
Pardee Homes recently launched a new mobile site with LJG’s help for its prospects and realtors. While much of the site’s functionality is similar to the previous mobile site, this version has a fresh look and a few more features for home shoppers on-the-go.
Some other highlights we incorporated into new and improved mobile site are a quicker drill down to floor plans (which appear much larger), sliding photo gallery, ad space for special programs, and added contact information and maps.
Check it out from your smartphone at: http://mw.pardeehomes.com
Shiny New Site For Shea Apartment Communities
We couldn’t be more thrilled to see that the new Shea Apartment Communities site went live this month. LJG worked with Shea Apartments on the site design earlier this year, and loved the challenge of bringing a new, relevant look to the site while adding many more bells and whistles to help make the process more simple and fun for renters.
Not only is it a better representation of the Shea brand, but it’s chock-full of helpful tools for renters – from paying your rent and utilities online, to scheduling a tour and referring a friend for a cash reward.
Congrats to Shea Apartments for reaching the finish line, with such a beautiful new site!
Atlantic Station’s Spot Finder App Is Live!
We were asked to help alleviate a challenge that our client had — digitally assist their shoppers find their parked cars. Atlantic Station is one of Atlanta’s best-loved shopping destinations, but underground parking is vast and shoppers, late-night diners and entertainment seekers often have so much fun at Atlantic Station that they forget where they parked their cars. Enter the Atlantic Station’s Spot Finder app.
The shopper simply enters their parking space number and zone color into the app, and upon returning, the app displays a map and directions from their location, back to their parked car. The app is free and was just released in the iTunes Store. It will soon be released as a Droid app in Google Play and the Amazon Appstore.
“We learn something new from LJG on every digital media project we collaborate on together. Our totally new and unique parking spot locator app at Atlantic Station – the Southeast’s premier live/work/play environment located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta – is a great example. No one in the digital media business is more creative, enthusiastic and responsive to current trends and innovations.”
Todd J. Frye
Principal | Strategic Partners U.S.
CBRE GLOBAL INVESTORS
PardeeHomes.com Gets A Makeover
Pardee Homes recently launched a major refresh of its website, including an integrated search function and updated design.
A longtime client of LJG, Pardee Homes, since 1921, has been providing smart solutions to homebuyers and civic leaders, with great locations, quality construction, community partnerships and industry-leading green and safe building practices.
LJG works closely with Pardee on all of their digital marketing initiatives including website creation and maintenance, email campaigns, banner advertising, 3D animation, and lead management systems across all of their regions.
Chambers Group Sets A New Standard In Its Industry
Chambers Group, Inc. raised the bar in the environmental consulting industry with the launch of a vivid, organic and intuitive new website. http://www.chambersgroupinc.com
?Founded in 1978, Chambers Group is a rapidly-growing environmental agency providing services to private businesses, industry and government agencies throughout the western United States.
LJG is honored to be a marketing and design resource to the Chambers Group.
During the course of the past four years, I have had the pleasure of working with LJG on two website designs for two different companies. Why I return to LJG is their people; they are a dedicated group of smart, hard working individuals who take the time to listen and understand our company, our services and clients, and our industry. As a result, they produce a website that truly translates their understanding into a design that perfectly fits our message and brand.
Alice Tutunjiian
Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning
CHAMBERS GROUP, INC.
New Mobile Site For Home Buyers & Sellers
LJG client Kazork Transparent Real Estate needed help creating a mobile site to allow buyers and sellers to search properties for sale and even submit an offer straight from their smart phone. The mobile site is a simplified version of it’s larger site, but allows users to quickly find their property of interest, view other offers and submit an offer of their own.
The launch of the new mobile site helps Kazork maintain its objective of providing home sellers, homebuyers, real estate agents and other real estate professionals the ability to complete simple, efficient, paperless and transparent online real estate transactions. The tool has also been reconfigured for the iPad and is widely used today.
Kazork is a Software as a Service (SaaS) used by real estate agents, home sellers and homebuyers to complete online real estate transactions. Users registered on Kazork complete transactions anywhere in the world. Kazork does not list or sell real estate. Kazork is simply a SaaS for users to conduct their own real estate transactions online.
LJG Partners Has Moved!
In case you haven’t heard, we’ve moved and our new office is in Little Italy, on the corner of Kettner and Beech! We’re still settling in, but we love our new space and the friendly neighborhood.
You can find out a little more about our unique space by clicking here, or better yet – stop by and say hello.
680 Beech Street, Suite 1
San Diego, California 92101
ph. 619.232.3000 Map
…And We’re Off!
January 18, 2012 -
January has been a whirlwind already, but that’s what we thrive on. We’re kicking off many projects with new clients in a diverse set of industries. Very exciting, not just because we can bring in our interactive expertise to help our clients, but we’re keeping ourselves on the forefront of many market sectors as we translate their visions into cutting-edge interfaces and campaigns.
A few of the projects we’re exceptionally thrilled about are:
- A redesigned website, logo, and annual report for a major medical center on the UCSD Campus
- A 3D animated video and touchscreen kiosk for one of the nation’s best retail developers
- A redesigned website for a thriving and award-winning environmental agency
- A mobile and iPad compatible site for a major real estate SaaS company
- A new website for a major energy company
We’ll keep the updates coming, but for now, it’s time to get back to work!
Screen Shot – 2011 Holiday Video
If you haven’t seen this year’s video yet – check it out! We had a blast making it, and hope it brings you a chuckle or two. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
The Future Of Mobile In 2012
It seems like the smartphone is already an amazing multi-tasking machine, but it will take on even more in the coming year according to Gartner, Inc, in its analysis of mobile trends likely to emerge and become more mainstream in 2012.
Location Based Services (LBS)
LBS enables services to be delivered to consumers based on their location, but this will go a few steps further. A more intelligent experience will come from context based services, depending on users’ personal preference, gender, age, profession, intention and so on.
Social Networking
As major social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter) become mainstream on mobile, they’re becoming portals and cloud storage for all types of email, messaging, photo and video data. They’ll be driven toward a new role in acting as data warehouses, providing data to major consumer brands.
Enhanced Mobile Search
Instead of just searching, mobile users will take action based on their search result, like making a reservation, buying a ticket or placing an order.
Mobile Commerce
Mobile users will have the ability to “check in” to a store to alert a retailer that you are there, or the ability to add items to a shopping cart simply by taking a photo of an item or bar code in the physical store.
Object Recognition
Apps will soon come to the market with enhanced capabilities that allow users to rely on the camera, as well as other device sensors to search and communicate.
Cool New Stuff
In light of the holidays being right around the corner, here’s our round up of pretty outstanding – and quite useful – tech products worth a quick look.
1. SWYP (See What You Print) Printer
This is just a concept in the works, but a very cool one. You’ll be able to use the handy touchscreen right on the printer to do all of the normally confusing and time-consuming tasks on a traditional printer:
2. iTwin
iTwin is just like a pair of USB drives and will enable you to get the data from your home computer without a cable or third party software.
Insert one USB drive in your home computer and take the other with you. Whenever, you want data simply put the drive in any computer in any part of the world and you will be able to reach your data in your home computer without any fear of loss of data.
3. Tefal Toast ‘n Egg
Behold! The toaster on steroids. This is genius. Pop everything in the same time, and voilà! It also has a meat warmer for the bacon that will go on your breakfast sandwich- that you’ll be able to whip up in less than five minutes.
4. Sony Playstation 3D Display
- This bad boy has a 24 inch full HD 1080p resolution screen with SimulView which enables two spec wearing players to see their own individual full screen feeds in 2D. Watch TV and movies in 3D or 2D with built in speakers. It even comes with a game and 3D glasses, and is reasonably priced.
5. Porsche BlackBerry
Porsche and BlackBerry teamed up to create the P’9981. This little gem is made of a single slab of aluminum and black leather back. It’s equipped for high-speed internet and recording video in HD quality, and is sure to be a popular item on the wish list!
6. Weezy Bluetooth Music Receiver
Play your phone or computer’s music library on your stereo system using Bluetooth connection. Completely wireless, full HiFi quality and has much more visual appeal than the standard dock.
Ringing in 2012 With A Plethora Of New Projects
It will be pretty quiet around here while we’re closed during the last week of 2011, but that will all quickly change in January! We’ve got some exciting new projects on the forefront that we’ll be kicking off in 2012, and are looking forward to working with both old and new clients in industries ranging from retail, apartment, residential and commercial development to medical services to high-end consumer products.
We can’t give away too much quite yet, but along with a number of website redesigns, we’ll also be working on iPhone, iPad and Droid apps, touchscreen kiosks, laptop presentations, responsive design, video, logo redesign, social media campaigns and more.
We’ll keep the blog updated, so check back often!
Web Design Techniques To Watch In 2012
Web design is such a dynamic field, it’s tough to know what will stick around and what will simply be a fleeting trend (remember scrolling marquees and blinking text?) We have no doubt that the design techniques and technologies listed below will rule the web, due to their visual appeal, cross browser functionality, ease of use, and – let’s face it, cool factor.
Trends in Functionality
Large, Scalable Backgrounds
Faster internet connections and better cameras, among other technologies, are allowing large photos and illustrations to take center stage as backgrounds. In many cases, this enables brands to integrate their product directly into the design, without competing with actual content.
Responsive Design & Portability
With so many emerging screen sizes, tablets and smartphones, designers and developers are being challenged to create a seamless experience for different viewing environments. Responsive Design means creating multiple approaches of one design, and developing them in a fluid, flexible manner for a fully functional, brand-cohesive experience of the site, regardless of the device they’re using.
More HTML5 and CSS3
These technologies aren’t brand new, but continue to be more widely used among developers as Flash becomes obsolete. HTML5 creates more readable code, features smarter forms, typography, social tools and new API’s among other features. CSS3 also includes many new functions now available in previous versions, such as multiple backgrounds and @font-face technology.
Parallax Scrolling
Parallax Scrolling is a technique that incorporates movement and change of the background and foreground images to create a sense of depth as the user scrolls. Utilizing a combination of jQuery, CSS3 and good imagery, designers and developers can create a very interesting experience for even the smallest of sites.
http://www.manufacturedessai.it/it/
http://www.nikebetterworld.com/
(We’re working on our own parallax site that you’ll see very soon!)
Trends In Design
Minimalism
Minimalism is nothing new in graphic design, but has been more recently embraced in web design. This will continue next year with strides in technology and users demanding instant gratification. A continued focus on content, where less is more.
Typography
Web designers are able to integrate custom fonts as more browsers are becoming font-friendly. Also, tools like Google Fonts, Font Face and other font services, allow designers the ability to access a directory of open source fonts and use them in websites without having to adhere to a particular set of “web safe” fonts that the user has pre-installed on their computer. They’re able to design using bolder and bigger typography that will not only please the eye, but are also SEO friendly.
Welcome Bryan Perez, Web Developer
We’re excited to have a new developer on board, especially one who’s willing to take on any new challenge! Bryan earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at California State University at Fullerton, and has since grown to love web development, with an appreciation for building sites from the ground up.
“I like the challenge of trying to improve my skills from the previous project, such as making my code more efficient and easier to maintain,” Bryan says.
The skills he uses at LJG vary from those he learned in school, but he’s always able to adapt what he learned to complete the task at hand.
“If Bryan is unfamiliar with a specific task, he’s very resourceful and catches on very quickly,” says lead developer, Donny Hansen.
Looking ahead, Bryan is interested in what HTML5 and CSS 3 have to offer the web world once they become standard, and spends time reading blogs and articles to help him stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and improve his skills.
Welcome to LJG, Bryan!
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The iPad: A No-Brainer For Commercial Real Estate Execs and Brokers
Commercial real estate brokers and executives have quickly warmed up to the iPad as an everyday tool for conducting business. You’ll rarely find many of them without their tablet computer in both the meeting environment as well as out in the field.
But, why has the adoption of this trend occurred so quickly in an industry known for being a little slow on the uptick when it comes to technology?
The ability to be completely portable, and and have full office capability from the car is just one of many reasons. Brokers can easily utilize iPad apps like Keynote, Numbers and Bloomberg when preparing to meet with a client.
Commercial retail brokers are implementing their own, custom applications very regularly, that allow brokers and clients to showcase and search for available properties. These apps are not only utilized in the field, but also at trade shows and meetings, where the presenter can quickly engage prospects with visually stimulating photography, video and graphics.
What about paperwork? Many brokers even have an inverter in the car, to plug in an e-printer to print maps, contracts and other information while mobile. Furthermore, DocuSign is gaining popularity as an electronic signature service so that proposals, contracts and other documents can be signed on the go.
Since the iPad starts up instantly as opposed to a laptop, it is a huge time saver, and can be used with myWi for mobile WiFi connection for up to five devices.
In an industry where generating new business depends on being able to quickly access large amounts of data and showcase it in an engaging way, the iPad (paired with peripheral tools and applications) is quickly becoming mainstream.
North American Properties Makes Huge Strides With Avalon iPad Application
After wowing crowds at the 2011 ICSC Conference in Las Vegas, NAP continues to leverage the iPad as a leasing tool for prospective retail and hotel tenants for Avalon, its 106-acre mixed-use development project in Alpharetta, Georgia.
NAP commissioned LJG to interpret the intelligent design created by Janis Brown & Associates for the iPad, then develop and deploy a presentation that includes a fly-through of its location in Alpharetta, as well as a demographics map and psychographics information. A master site plan also provides brokers a visually stimulating and engaging method of introducing the overall project vision to prospective tenants.
The presentation has become so popular with retail brokers, that it’s currently in the process of becoming an application, available in the Apple Store for download.
As an application, it can be installed for free via the Apple Store, and can be used anywhere to showcase space available for lease to prospective retailers. Similarly to any other app, the user will be notified when updates are available and they can simply install them to their own device.
Victory For Village at Westfield Topanga Project
Congratulations to Westfield, who overcame a major key planning hurdle last month with approval for The Village at Westfield Topanga, Westfield’s proposed retail center in Woodland Hills. Already a hugely successful center, the plan will bring even more for shoppers and visitors.
Due to its size and complex nature, Westfield included LJG on its consultant team to help bring its vision to life in intricately detailed 3D presentations to community and government officials.
We’re thrilled to be included in such an innovative project, and again want to congratulate the Westfield team for such a huge victory!
San Diego Centre City Development Corporation Website Wins Silver At 2011 W3 Awards
October 17, 2011 – The International Academy of Visual Arts announced its 2011 W3 Award winners last week, honoring creative excellence in outstanding websites, web marketing, web video and mobile apps created by some of the best interactive agencies, designers and creators worldwide. Out of over 3,000 entries, LJG and San Diego’s Centre City Development Corporation took home a silver award in the Government category for the new CCDC website.
CCDC plans and implements downtown revitalization programs, and is a primary reason for downtown San Diego’s ongoing improvements. LJG worked closely with CCDC to create a more intuitive interface design. The site’s interactive map illustrates all current and planned development in downtown San Diego and is the most visited area of the site, and major component of the redesign. The new website also links seamlessly to the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database to create a completely accurate and interactive mapping feature of downtown San Diego.
We’d like to congratulate CCDC, for all their hard work in creating a new site that conveys their mission, while maintaining up-t0-date information that both residents and San Diego visitors alike to learn what makes downtown San Diego such a special place to live and play!
2011 Silver Award Winner: http://www.ccdc.com, Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC)
For more information on the award, visit the W3 Award website.
RSM & LJG Take Home Silver In The 2011 W3 Awards For Architype Review e-Zine
October 17, 2011 – The International Academy of Visual Arts announced its 2011 W3 Award winners last week, honoring creative excellence in outstanding websites, web marketing, web video and mobile apps created by some of the best interactive agencies, designers and creators worldwide. Out of over 3,000 entries, LJG and RSM Design took home a silver award in the Magazine category for the Architype Media website and e-zine.
Redmond Schwartz Mark Design (RSM) and LJG created a partnership to own and completely redesign ArchitypeReview with the objective to” honor those projects that are challenging the limits and redefining the norms of a certain building type.” ArchitypeReview, combined with ArchitypeSource and ArchitypeConnect, will offer a comprehensive way for designers to look at the best architectural work in the world, while connecting, sharing and learning with tens of thousands of other registered members.
We’d like to congratulate RSM Design, for all their hard work in creating such a cutting-edge resource for Architects and Designers!
2011 Silver Award Winner: http://www.architypemedia, RSM Design and Architype Media, Inc.
For more information on the award, visit the W3 Award website.
NBA Champion Dirk Nowitzki, TOYOTA and Children’s Cancer Research Fund Team Up this Holiday Season for the Joy and Future of Our Children
The Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) has launched the Light Up The Nation campaign and website (www.lightupthenation.org) – a unique holiday giving program benefiting both the donor and a child in the hospital. From now until the end of the year, both individuals and corporations can participate and bring a smile to a child in the hospital undergoing cancer treatment. For each $50 donation, the donor will receive Harry the Holiday Conductor Bear. As Harry arrives at the donor’s doorstep, a matching bear will also be sent to a child at participating hospitals, nationwide. In addition, the donor’s name will adorn a gift tag on the CCRF Christmas Tree or Menorah on www.LightUpTheNation.org.
With participating hospitals in almost every state, children around the nation will be recipients of Harry the conductor bear. Thanks to generous sponsors and volunteers, 100% of every $50 donation goes directly to funding pediatric oncology research. To view the local recipient hospital in each state, click here or visit the interactive map at www.lightupthenation.org/#/kids-benefit.
About Children’s Cancer Research Fund
Having seen the courage, strength and need of children with cancer, founder Matti Contopulos discovered a new way to bring fresh hopes and more than a few smiles to children with cancer and their families. Since 1987, Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) has remained dedicated to providing support on a national level for clinical research in pediatric cancer and improving the medical environment for all children.
For more information, photos, logos and other materials please contact Holly Flakus at 619-232-3000 or holly.flakus@ljg.com or visit www.lightupthenation.org
San Diegans 4 Great Schools & LJG Win Gold At 2011 W3 Awards
October 17, 2011 – The International Academy of Visual Arts announced its 2011 W3 Award winners last week, honoring creative excellence in outstanding websites, web marketing, web video and mobile apps created by some of the best interactive agencies, designers and creators worldwide. Out of over 3,000 entries, LJG and San Diegans 4 Great Schools took home a gold award in the Politics category.
Congratulations to San Diegans 4 Great Schools, who worked diligently with us to see their vision come to life online!
2011 Gold Award Winner: San Diegans 4 Great Schools
For more information on the award, visit the W3 Winners Gallery
North Embarcadero Visionary Plan 3D Walk Through
October 13, 2011 – San Diego’s KUSI morning news interviewed Board of Port Commissioners Chairman Scott Peters today, covering the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan. LJG created this piece to illustrate the Port of San Diego’s plan to turn the city’s downtown waterfront into a new center for culture, commerce and entertainment.
We were thrilled to create the video, providing multiple audiences a first-hand experience of what the new Embarcadero would offer – a new pier, extensive landscaping, a dining terrace, upscale retail and a new wharf dedicated to civic events.
Now in progress, this multi-phased plan will affect the area between the Midway and the San Diego International Airport, when finished. For more information on this plan, please visit: http://www.portofsandiego.org/north-embarcadero/1880-overview-and-background.html
A Fresh Look For LBARealty.com
LJG recently launched a new site for real estate investment and management company, LBA Realty. The new site features intuitive searches of both office and industrial properties by criteria, map, region or address. Each comprehensive property page includes large photos and aerials, directions, availabilities and a custom marketing brochure PDF generator allowing users to create a custom brochure.
Thank You For Revolutionizing Our Industry, Mr. Jobs
It was cold and rainy last Wednesday when I learned that Steve Jobs had passed away of pancreatic cancer. I’m certain that like many people, I’ll never forget where I was when I found out, and have thought about it often since then.
We spent some time talking about this in the office last week, and have likened his acumen to that Thomas Edison or Henry Ford. The news of his death hit close to home for so many of us, because the company he turned into an iconic brand is now embedded in our both our home and work.
You don’t need to look much further than your own Facebook or Twitter feed to find tributes to, stories about, or inspirational quotes from this visionary, those of which you very likely viewed on your Apple device.
Our situation is not unique here at LJG, where the way we work has evolved with the innovation and tenacity of Steve Jobs. His ideas changed how we perceive technology, design and entertainment, combining them all across various types of media, an influence that will continue to be felt across many industries.
Finding a list of his accomplishments is as easy as typing a search into Google, so here is a short round up of our favorite #weloveyoustevejobs tweets. Thank you for changing our world, Mr. Jobs. You will be missed.
- Imagine being able to say Pixar was your third greatest achievement.
- iHateCancer
- Why couldn’t it have been the Compaq guy? Was there a Compaq guy? Exactly.
- The guy who made a computer that both me and my 82 year old dad could understand must have been a genius.
- The genius we didn’t deserve, but the one we needed. Farewell, Steve Jobs.
Communicating Concepts Through A Sketch
Interview with Tom Greer, Partner and Project Director
Even in today’s high-tech world, where we’re constantly living in front of an LCD screen of some kind, even the most technologically advanced concepts begin with a simple sketch. No computer required, just a sketch pad, a pen and an idea.
LJG Partners Senior Project Director and Architect Tom Greer sheds some light on the process when taking on a new project, from sketch to completion.
1. Why do you use a sketch, rather than starting in CAD or another 3D modeling program?
We often use hand drawn sketches to convey our initial thoughts quickly and effectively. Our ideas are frequently cutting edge concepts so they’re not something we can pull from past projects. Sketching provides the most direct way to collect these early thoughts and communicate our concepts to our clients.
2. What has been the most challenging project of this nature and why?
Developing the concept for a new type of interactive homefinding/information center that also needed to be a place current homeowners would return to for additional support and education. The challenge was to answer the demands of a complex building program while also incorporating state-of-the-art interactive and visual technology all under one roof.
3. What do you like best about these types of design projects?
Besides providing a bit of a break from the computer screen, each project has its own set of problem-solving challenges. One that stands out in my mind is the 3D viewing room that included five floor-to-ceiling rear projection screens where visitors would sit in a space with these screens surrounding them. With the use of a touchscreen interface, they are able to view different rooms within a virtual 3D environment. It’s really fun to create such unique and interactive experiences for people while helping our clients effectively market their product or services.
New Atlantic Station Site Conveys The Fresh Vision Of Atlanta’s Multi-Use Hot Spot
New owners of Atlantic Station, CBRE and North American Properties (NAP), crafted a strategic plan to enhance and evolve the property and attract their target audience of affluent urban professionals and young cosmopolitans. The new Atlantic Station website has been a main component of this plan to re-brand and ?re-position the property.
With a sophisticated design vision created by Janis Brown & Associates, LJG developed a restructured site, with interactive flash directory, social media feeds, calendar and CMS to manage the content.
The redesigned site now represents Atlantic Station’s new brand and enables users to easily navigate and find the information they need to stay up-to-speed on a variety of social events that go on every day at center. Site administrators will also be able to easily self-manage the full schedule of activities with their own set of tools.
We’re thrilled the site has launched and congratulate CBRE and NAP in this accomplishment, and look forward to hearing about their continued success at Atlantic Station.
“Light Up The Nation” This Year With Children’s Cancer Research Fund
We teamed up with Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) a short time ago to help bring life to founder Matti Contopulos’s fundraiser vision to “Light Up The Nation” this holiday season. The state-of-the-art website takes the user into a winter wonderland, where a $50 donation will send a teddy bear to a child undergoing cancer treatment in the hospital. The donor will also receive their own bear with their donation, and they’re able to adorn a gift tag on the Christmas Tree or Menorah on the site’s home page.
CCRF is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for clinical research in pediatric cancer and to improve the medical environment for all children. We’re honored to contribute to this very special project, and work with such a wonderful organization, who is contributing 100% of the proceeds directly to funding pediatric oncology research.
This project is very near and dear to our hearts, and we hop you’ll make a donation to support CCRF and bring a smile to a very special child.
Website Launched for New Coffee Table Book
50,000 acres of permanently preserved open space is a gift from our client to residents and visitors of Southern California. This unique land has been permanently designated as a National Natural Landmark. See the website to learn more about the beautiful book documenting these special places.
http://coastalmountainstothesea.com/
Allowance Manager is Live!
Allowance Manager is a free online tool for parents to manage their child’s allowance. Parents can use Allowance Manager to set and monitor their child’s allowance, create incentives and reward good behavior while children can use it to learn how to earn and manage their money. What a great idea!
LJG worked with Allowance Manager on the identity as well as the website design and development. Take a look for yourself and see how easy it is to use.
http://allowancemanager.com/
The 1st Phase of the New Century Plaza Website is Live
The proposed Century Plaza project is a vibrant mixed-use development in the heart of Century City. The 5.74 acre property will provide a variety of compelling uses – including hotel, residential, retail and office – as well as nearly two acres of landscaped public open space. Destined to be the ultimate urban destination for Century City, the project will bring numerous benefits to the community, tenants and guests and will honor the properties’ grand past while providing the ultimate platform for the future.
Working closely with Greer | Dailey and Next Century Associates, LJG Partners was selected to create a website for the new Century Plaza.
Take a look: http://www.newcenturyplaza.com/
Portability: Creating A Seamless Experience Across All Online Media Through One Channel
Thinking back when I visited China, I remember asking locals with choppy words… ‘Coffee? Coffee?’ They looked at me with blank faces, so I changed my tactic and asked, ‘Starbucks?’ They were immediately engaged, and I was even escorted to the closest location. That got me thinking…if two people from opposite ends of the world can figure out a way to communicate about a brand through the same recognized method – why can’t our online presence do the same?
Brands big and small strive to engage users and create a trusted, almost personal, relationship. Why, then, is it so common to get a disconnected experience online? A major challenge today for brands on the web is the fact that media isn’t just about computers and a few variations of smartphones anymore – we’ve now got tablets, pads, computers, video game consoles and even web TV to contend with.
We should be striving to express our brands in the cleanest, most evocative way possible. Just because I’m viewing a site on a mobile device doesn’t mean I should suffer through a watered-down experience. I mean, I’m none the lesser for having a 4-year-old iPhone …I just haven’t had the time to upgrade yet!
Designing for portability is an emerging practice that challenges web designers and developers to create a seamless experience for different viewing environments. By creating multiple approaches of one design, and developing them in a fluid, flexible manner, your user will enjoy a fully functional, brand-cohesive experience of your site, regardless of the device they are using.
We’ve begun our own adventure to true portability here at LJG, and we’re excited to share our progress and reveal our very own version of this unified experience soon — so stay tuned!
If you have questions about this topic, please don’t hesitate to contact us - we’d love to chat!
To view more about the four approaches that go into responsive design to for successful portability, please visit this site.
LJG Wins Three New Projects
LJG is thrilled to be working on three new exciting projects.
CB Richard Ellis Investors asked LJG to create a touchscreen kiosk presentation for their new project located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta called 271 17th Street. 271 17th Street is a 541,318 SF, 25-story, Class A, LEED Gold Certified office building. The project will focus on the dynamic leasing presentation that will be displayed in the lobby and will incorporate full-screen, hi-def graphics, imagery, animated tours etc.
Sony Pictures Entertainment is preparing for their annual presentation and has asked LJG to create their 2011 microsite/annual report presentation where visitors are able to link out to other SPE sites and have all of the necessary information at their fingertips.
Westfield Corporation has asked LJG to help with the creation of a hearing presentation which includes 3D animation and renderings.
Check back soon as we will have more updates on the progress of each of these projects!
100 Worlds Project Promotes Collaboration While Bridging The Gap Between Print and Digital
If you’ve ever visited our office, that we affectionately call “The Logan,” you will notice the light, colorful, modern, yet edgy style of the exterior and interiors. One accoutrement that’s been growing both in quantity and fondness are the handmade globes displayed throughout our workspace. The incredibly unique designs of each globe have taken on a life of their own and we’ve grown attached to their presence.
So it’s no wonder when artist and brand developer, Ron Miriello, principal and owner of Miriello Grafico, asked us to partner with him in his upcoming art exhibit, we enthusiastically said YES. Being a part of the team that breathes digital life into an object that symbolizes the essence of life was something everyone of us were eager to tackle. Ron is the master of creating the physical globes, and LJG was given the charge to develop the digital, touchscreen presentation and record of the exhibit.
We started by collaborating on the user interface design for the touch screen kiosk, taking the branding and design developed by the Miriello team and adapting it to our digital “canvas.” Early on, we realized that we could create something special that bridges the gap between print and digital. An interactive experience created from something tangible — giving it a digital footprint that can be accessed and remembered once the show is gone.
From designing the UI to organizing the shoot for the video testimonials to the elaborate programming of the entire application, the part I most fondly remember is the unity of the team coming together after hours and on weekends, pitching in to make this project a success.
UI Design – The interface is comprised of an interactive landing page with each globe shown in a bubble. Once a globe is clicked, the user arrives at a detail page for that globe, which includes photographs, a video testimonial, a sketch and a write-up.
Sketch Photographs – Our original scans looked too flat, so we took Ron’s sketch book and used a smartphone to snap quick shots of each sketch to use in the presentation. Having a real photo of the sketch versus the scan made the quality of the overall piece feel more real and tangible.
Videos and Production – We worked with some partners over the weekend to shoot Ron’s testimonials. With minimal direction and lots of heart, they were able to capture 50 videos in just two days. From the raw files, we edited and compressed each one for optimal viewing within the UI design.
Content Prep – This was no picnic when gathering, prepping and producing four pieces of content for each globe with 50 globes to produce.
Overall, it was ingenuity, creativity and teamwork that made this project a success. Stay tuned for the next 100 Worlds Project installment. This time we just might surprise you and produce it in 3D!
For more information, visit:
http://miriellografico.com/mg/weblog/2011/03/08/my-learnings-from-100-worlds-project/
http://miriellografico.com/mg/weblog/2011/02/21/colliding-worlds-bring-the-unexpected-together-at-the-100-worlds-project-opening/
Written by Gina Von der Kret
FAST (Fixing Angelenos Stuck in Traffic) is Continuing to Move “Fast Forward”
FAST is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing traffic congestion in Los Angeles by optimizing the current transit infrastructure and facilitating use of public transit in order to improve our quality of life. We have been working with FAST since the inception by creating an online presence for this all-important project that shares the recommendations for reducing the impact of traffic on Los Angeles residents. The site offers a variety of tools and success stories to make it possible to make a difference!
GO FAST!!!
LJG is Awarded Shea Apartments Website Redesign
Shea Apartments, a recognized leader in premier apartment homes in Southern and Northern California and now Denver Colorado has awarded LJG to help with their new online brand by redesigning their current website.
We’ll keep you informed as work gets underway.
What’s The Deal With Apple’s iCloud?
In case you didn’t know…
Apple’s new iCloud, coming out this fall, will store all your content and push it to all of your devices. What does this mean for you and your business?
iCloud is a hosted storage service that works by pushing copies of files stored on Apple’s servers (ie: music, documents, apps, contacts, and email) to multiple devices registered to a single Apple ID.
Businesses that use Macs will likely benefit, but larger organizations may encounter obstacles preventing them from adopting iCloud, unless they’re able to address the following concerns:
-There’s no service level agreement
-Lack of clarity about encryption and security
-Free storage only up to 5GB
Consumers Spend More Time on Apps Than Web – Should You Go Mobile?
A recent study indicates consumers spend more time on mobile apps than they are browsing the web. Eighty one minutes on average, to be exact. The shift comes as combined tablet and smartphone shipments are surpassing those of desktops for the first time. While an app is not always the answer, it’s worth contemplating for many businesses.
You wake up and check email on your iPad App. While you drink your morning coffee, you browse Facebook, Twitter and CNN. Three more apps. At work, you have Skype conversations and read RSS feeds. Two more apps.
Consumers are increasingly choosing to use apps – semiclosed platforms that use the internet for transport but not the browser for display – because thy often just work better or fit better into their lives. The screen comes to them, rather than them searching for it.
So, how should you decide if your business or organization would benefit from a mobile app?
First, decide what your goals are. An app is a marketing tactic, a way of communicating with consumers in an uncluttered way.
Next, determine the kind of experience you want to provide for your customers. Apps provide a feature rich user experience, so you must consider how you’d like the consumer to interact with your brand.
Finally, your app should be focused on one of three things: utility, content or entertainment. If you can’t decide on one of these options, an app might not be the best way to meet your goals.
Need help determining if an app is right for your business or developing an app? Email us!
3D Visualization for Campus Expansion Plan Proves Invaluable for Scripps Health
For Scripps Health, 3D visualization with LJG’s help brought much better depth and clarity to their latest hospital campus expansion projects in La Jolla and Encinitas.
Both San Diego locations will be undergoing extensive expansion over the coming years, and the architect’s “flat” site plan drawings of each construction phase were difficult to follow and comprehend for the wide range of intended audiences.
Working in the 3D realm gave photorealistic depictions of the proposed development plans while also offering other benefits to our client. 3D visualization simplifies architectural and site design plans which greatly improves the understanding of the overall project. Scripps and their project design consultants were also able to preview the complex development plans phase by phase, and clarify any necessary design details.
Have questions about 3D modeling and animation? Email us!
Written by Tom Greer
NAP Shines at ICSC Conference with iPad and Interactive Displays
National commercial real estate developer, North American Properties (NAP) needed to innovatively showcase its newest project, Atlantic Station, at the 2011 ICSC Conference in Las Vegas and approached the team of LJG Partners and Janis Brown & Associates for help.
Our goal was to create a hi-def touchscreen application for the interactive displays and then release a handheld version via the iPad. This multi-platform approach allowed the touchscreen piece to attract visitors to the booth, while NAP staff walked the floor with the iPad presentation to connect one-on-one with potential tenants.
We chose a web-based platform to keep production time low and portability high. The interactive touchscreens were developed using HTML, CSS and Javascript, providing a base application to easily translate to the iPad. Janis Brown & Associates created the content and design for the presentations.
Unique, personal presentations at the conference weren’t the only benefit of the iPad application. Even more importantly, it gave NAP an engaging sales and marketing tool they can continue to use beyond the conference.
With LJG’s help, NAP was able to both attract conference participants with the interactive touchscreen, and develop lasting connections with potential clients using the iPad application-an overall success. Way to go, NAP!
Do you need help developing a multi-platform application? Email us!
Written by Donny Hansen & Ben Brock
Shea Properties: The Collection at River Park Website
We’ve been working closely with Greenhaus and Shea Properties for the past several months to create the brand and interactive marketing tools (website, Facebook and Twitter pages) for their newest center, The Collection at River Park – just in time for ICSC 2011. GO SHEA!
Click the image below to see the site:
Cohn & Wolfe: Print Piece to Help a Worthy Cause
We were asked to design a print piece for a pro bono program called Project Kaisei that Cohn & Wolfe is operating worldwide. Project Kaisei is a mission to study and clean up the debris and garbage trapped in the Pacific Ocean. Cohn & Wolfe is using the piece to seek donations for Project Kaisei.
For more information about this project, click here.
Outstanding Employees at Cohn & Wolfe Receive Award & Trophy
Cohn & Wolfe, one of the world’s largest public relations companies (and a client of LJG for over ten years) asked us to create a recognition award for outstanding employees. These accomplished employees now receive a drink coaster and a full-size origami wolf to be used as a trophy. What a cool idea! Check out the coaster that we created.
Sempra LNG: New Website Coming Soon!
We’ve been working on the Sempra LNG website, an exciting project set to launch in early summer 2011! The original site was created over five years ago and it was time to rethink the objective, content, organization and interface for this very important division of Sempra Energy. We can’t wait to unveil the new site!
Pardee Homes: The New Hampton Lane Landing Page Goes Live
Pardee Homes needed a unique and more robust landing page for Hampton Lane, a new neighborhood in north San Diego county. The page needed to live within the framework of the Pardee Homes website, but offer a unique, high-end look with added video and imagery.
Pardee Homes: LivingSmart® Section Redesign
In collaboration with Greenhaus, we recently completed the new and improved LivingSmart® section of the Pardee Homes website. Sustainability has always been a valued component in the construction of every Pardee home, and they now have a site that demonstrates these environmentally-conscious values.
Creating Digital Visuals for JMB’s Newest Century City Project
JMB Realty is seeking to change the zoning of a large parcel of property that they own in Century City. Currently the site is zoned for mixed-use, residential and retail and they would like to change that zoning to office. They see the need for more upscale offices in the area and will target primarily high-end entertainment industry tenants.
LJG Partners is teaming up with Garvey Communications, JMB Realty’s communications consultant, to create a laptop presentation and website addressing the rezoning project which will be targeted to city/government officials and concerned citizens.
LBA Realty Set to Showcase Their New Online Brand
LBA Realty will launch their new online brand this June (www.lbarealty.com).
LBA Realty (LBA) is a full-service real estate investment and management company founded in 1991. With its corporate office in Irvine and regional offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix and Seattle, LBA has established itself as one of the leading real estate investment companies in the Western United States. The foundation of LBA’s success is a strong, continued commitment to its most important asset – its tenants.
LJG is Asked to Redesign Web Presence for One of Orange County’s Premier Hotel Destinations
LJG was awarded the commission to redo one of Orange County’s premier hotel destinations. The redesigned website will showcase the hotel as a AAA FIve Diamond hotel. Located in the heart of Newport Beach, CA the hotel is one of the premier business hotels in the region. It is a leisure and family getaway during the weekends and year-round, it is a place for affluent locals to come and dine, enjoy the spa and pool amenities and unique retail offerings.
One of the Nation’s Largest Commercial Real Estate Developers Awards LJG Major Online Branding Project
LJG has been awarded the job to redesign major Commercial Real Estate Developer’s website. More to follow…
Major Homebuilder Asks LJG to Create Interactive, Database-driven, Touchscreen Kiosk
LJG has been working with one of California’s largest and most respected homebuilders on a critical interactive sales tool that will help to display and sell the homes within each of their new neighborhoods. The core kiosk is designed to be a comprehensive, database-driven, hi-definition touchscreen system. The system is fully expandable to include all current and future homes and neighborhoods built by them. Real-time sales information, including pricing and availability are fed to the system from the corporate database. The new kiosks will be a tool that they can use for as long as it sells homes.
LJG Prepares Major Holiday Campaign/Website for Children’s Cancer Research Fund
The Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF), founded in 1987, is a non-profit organization dedicated to two important goals: to provide support on a national level for clinical research in pediatric cancer and to improve the medical environment for all children.
In years past, CCRF held a fundraiser called “Light Up Our Nation For The Joy And Future Of Our Children” which transformed L.A. Live into a winter wonderland of trains, conductor bears, candy canes, etc. and where people and companies are encouraged to make a donation. Donors names go on ornaments, gift boxes, bears and even on the train. Then, there is a tree/menorah lighting where everyone comes and watches.
To date, the event has focused on the LA area but now, the vision is to take it to a national level by creating a website that will replicate the holiday / L.A. Live event. $50.00 donations will be accepted on the site. The donation purchases two extra plush, stuffed teddy bears; one for the donor and one for a child cancer patient.
LJG is thrilled to be part of such a wonderful cause. We are creating the website and creating and implementing an outreach campaign (including Facebook site, Facebook ads, blogging, email campaign, public relations effort) to gain awareness for the effort and to obtain as many $50 donations as possible.
LJG’s Digital Presentation Educates Community at Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is looking to improve their Malibu campus with new and upgraded athletic, recreation, parking, and student residential facilities. This project, known as The Campus Life Project, proposes to develop and redevelop property within the existing campus to enhance the existing environment and improve the overall campus life experience for students.
LJG is creating a laptop presentation which will be targeted to county officials and concerned citizens and will include a variety of images, photos, animated diagrams and other graphics designed to tell the clearest and most compelling story behind each improvement Pepperdine is planning to undertake.
3D Renderings & Animations for the Meritage Resort & Spa
LJG has been working with Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley and their ad agency, Augustine & Associates in creating a series of 3D still renderings and a virtual 3D “fly-through/around” of key areas under development at the Meritage Resort including their new lobby, conference center, ballroom and presidential suite. The 3D and hi-def video will give Resort staff an exciting and highly visually tool explain the changes that are taking place on the property.
Digital, Interactive, Online Marketing and Social Media Resources for Atlantic Station
LJG Partners, with Janis Brown & Associates, have been working on a variety of “new media, interactive and online” services to help make Atlantic Station, (located in Atlanta, Georgia) one of the industry’s most cutting-edge campaigns and the perfect backdrop for the project’s “renaissance.” Some of the projects include the creation of a touchscreen and iPad leasing APP, looping Blu-ray video, email campaigns and website. Everything will debut at this years International Council of Shopping Centers Conference in Las Vegas.
Tens of Thousands Visit the New ArchitypeReview Suite of Sites
ArchitypeReview is leading the industry in online architectural design publications. Visit the current issue “Art Museums” or browse through other “architype” issues ranging from the Shanghai World Expo to Retail, Schools, Libraries, Performing Arts Centers and more.
http://www.architypereview.com/
NOW HIRING DEVELOPERS!
We are in search of three mid to high-level developers to join our team ASAP. For a full job description or to apply, please email: holly.flakus@ljg.com
San Diegans 4 Great Schools and LJG Team to Help Kids!
San Diego public schools are failing, with less than half of students performing at grade level, and 80% of minority students failing to perform at grade level. Spending more money is not the answer. Even with significant budget cutbacks, district spending per student has increased substantially in recent years while student performance has not.
Thanks to a growing number of concerned San Diegans, this is about to change. San Diegans 4 Great Schools is working hard to implement new measures to make a difference in the way our schools perform. LJG is helping to spread the word through a new website for the organization. Anticipated launch is February, 2011.
Atlantic Station Asks LJG to Completely Rethink Its Digital DNA
Altantic Station, a landmark in Midtown Atlanta, is under new ownership and has announced a new strategic plan to enhance and evolve all of the components of the community and make it “the destination” place. North American Properties (NAP) and CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) have teamed up to re-merchandise Atlantic Station. Located at the 6th busiest interchange in the United States, Atlantic Station features a mixed-use community including national and local retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues, office space, residential units, and hotels. It has been named a creative class mecca and is one of the top three areas to live amongst Generation Y.
Working closely with NAP, CBRE and Janis Brown & Associates, LJG Partners has been asked to completely re-think the design and development of Atlantic Station’s website, the laptop/iPad leasing presentation, consult and assist in executing the social media strategy and create the email outreach campaign. The intent of the overall outreach is to utilize digital media whenever and wherever possible, ensuring that this will be one of the industry’s most cutting-edge campaigns.
ArchitypeReview, Source and Connect to Go Live February 18th. Here’s a Preview…
After nearly 18 months of strategy, design, development and testing, the new ArchitypeReview will go live tomorrow. A major redevelopment of an already successful global, online publication for architects, consultants, material suppliers and anyone interested in the international design and construction industry. Working together with RSM Design, ArchitypeReview represents one of the most significant undertakings in the online architectural/design space.
Within ArchitypeReview, subscribers will be able to view the latest architectural designs around the world based on architectural “architypes.” Architects submit their best work within an architype and ArchitypeReview reviews and showcases the best examples. Others that meet certain criteria are archived in ArchitypeSource. ArchitypeSource is an expansive database of projects, architects, consultants and material vendors. Through links that pull together the people, design and materials based on unique projects, subscribers are able to comprehensively understand the make-up of many of the world’s greatest projects.
ArchitypeConnect is a central gathering area for professionals to read the latest industry news, search for jobs and ultimately search for new design projects
Shea Launches the First Site for The Collection
The Collection at RiverPark will be a totally new shopping experience for the North Los Angeles/Santa Barbara Coastal Region. A 600,000 sq. ft. lifestyle center featuring Whole Foods, REI, Century Theaters, Target, a myriad of specialty dining and entertainment venues. There is even a public outdoor amphitheater and a public art program. Shopping has never been so NEW. LJG and Greenhaus are working with Shea Properties to create its web and social media presence. Look for more to come in 2011.
The Island Hotel’s New Website Will Be The Best Among Business Travel Sites
The owners of The Island Hotel in Newport Beach, CA, have asked LJG to rethink and redesign the website. One of the most sought-after upscale business destinations in Coastal Southern California, The Island Hotel recently went through a significant rebranding and now it’s time to take the hotel’s website to the next level. All facets of the user experience are being reviewed, including navigation, functionality, features and aesthetics. Look for the new site to launch later in 2011.
Sempra Energy and LJG Team Again to Create New Website for LNG
Sempra LNG selected LJG to redesign its website, sempralng.com. LJG created the original site over five years ago and will now be working with Sempra to completely rethink the objectives, content, organization and interface for this very important division of Sempra Energy.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been supercooled to minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 162 degrees Celcius). At that temperature, natural gas condenses into a liquid. When in liquid form, natural gas takes up to 600 times less space than in its gaseous state, which makes it feasible to transport over long distances. In the form of LNG, natural gas can be shipped from the parts of the world where it is abundant to where it is in demand. LNG is an energy source that has much lower air emissions than other fossil fuels, such as oil or coal.
Sempra LNG is a leader in this industry and LJG is excited to help bring their new site to the global energy market.
Meritage Resort in Napa Valley is Expanding
The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley is undergoing an expansion and, along with the Resort’s ad agency, Augustine & Associates, has asked LJG Partners to create 3D visualizations of their new lobby and conference center.
Over the past 17 years, LJG has worked with several resort, hotel and commercial property owners using 3D renderings and animation to describe the benefits of new construction and renovation. This investment has proven to be invaluable for pre-booking meetings and events to clients as well as to explain to guests why certain aspects of the property are undergoing renovation.
We’re looking forward to virtually visiting Napa Valley!
LJG’s 12 Days of Christmas
ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS,
A little birdie told me,
Record listening for Brian (Brian Lamb) keeps him turning
Give Carie (Carie James Bates) Speedball Kits for screen printing,
Evan (Evan Klein) longs for ipod blasting,
Lomography for the siblings (Tom Greer, John Greer),
G (Gina Von Der Kret) adores Star Wars anything,
Chris (Chris Lawrence) could use some stress relieving,
Jess (Jessica Huang) loves PacMan spokes a-spinning,
Conference in San Fran for Ben (Ben Brock) & Donny (Donny Hansen),
Hipstamatic app for Holly (Holly Flakus),
Kelly (Kelly Rose) likes to draw,
Pete (Pete Certain) needs a drive,
And Cam (Cameron Okamoto) wants a vacation in Waikiki.
ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS,
A little birdie told me,
Give Carie (Carie James Bates) Speedball Kits for screen printing
Evan (Evan Klein) longs for ipod blasting,
Lomography for the siblings (Tom Greer, John Greer),
G (Gina Von Der Kret) adores Star Wars anything,
Chris (Chris Lawrence) could use some stress relieving,
Jess (Jessica Huang) loves PacMan spokes a-spinning,
Conference in San Fran for Ben (Ben Brock) & Donny (Donny Hansen),
Hipstamatic app for Holly (Holly Flakus),
Kelly (Kelly Rose) likes to draw,
Pete (Pete Certain) needs a drive,
And Cam (Cameron Okamoto) wants a vacation in Waikiki.
ON THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS,
A little birdie told me,
Evan (Evan Klein) longs for ipod blasting
Lomography for the siblings (Tom Greer, John Greer),
G (Gina Von Der Kret) adores Star Wars anything,
Chris (Chris Lawrence) could use some stress relieving,
Jess (Jessica Huang) loves PacMan spokes a-spinning,
Conference in San Fran for Ben (Ben Brock) & Donny (Donny Hansen),
Hipstamatic app for Holly (Holly Flakus),
Kelly (Kelly Rose) likes to draw,
Pete (Pete Certain) needs a drive,
And Cam (Cameron Okamoto) wants a vacation in Waikiki.
ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS,
A little birdie told me,
Lomography for the siblings (Tom Greer, John Greer)
G (Gina Von Der Kret) adores Star Wars anything,
Chris (Chris Lawrence) could use some stress relieving,
Jess (Jessica Huang) loves PacMan spokes a-spinning,
Conference in San Fran for Ben (Ben Brock) & Donny (Donny Hansen),
Hipstamatic app for Holly (Holly Flakus),
Kelly (Kelly Rose) likes to draw,
Pete (Pete Certain) needs a drive,
And Cam (Cameron Okamoto) wants a vacation in Waikiki.
ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS,
A little birdie told me,
G (Gina Von Der Kret) adores Star Wars anything
Chris (Chris Lawrence) could use some stress relieving,
Jess (Jessica Huang) loves PacMan spokes a-spinning,
Conference in San Fran for Ben (Ben Brock) & Donny (Donny Hansen),
Hipstamatic app for Holly (Holly Flakus),
Kelly (Kelly Rose) likes to draw,
Pete (Pete Certain) needs a drive,
And Cam (Cameron Okamoto) wants a vacation in Waikiki.
ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS,
A little birdie told me,
Chris (Chris Lawrence) could use some stress relieving,
Jess (Jessica Huang) loves PacMan spokes a-spinning,
Conference in San Fran for Ben (Ben Brock) & Donny (Donny Hansen),
Hipstamatic app for Holly (Holly Flakus),
Kelly (Kelly Rose) likes to draw,
Pete (Pete Certain) needs a drive,
And Cam (Cameron Okamoto) wants a vacation in Waikiki.
ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS,
A little birdie told me,
Jess (Jessica Huang) loves PacMan spokes a-spinning,
Conference in San Fran for Ben (Ben Brock) & Donny (Donny Hansen),
Hipstamatic app for Holly (Holly Flakus),
Kelly (Kelly Rose) likes to draw,
Pete (Pete Certain) needs a drive,
And Cam (Cameron Okamoto) wants a vacation in Waikiki.
ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS,
A little birdie told me,
Conference in San Fran for Ben (Ben Brock) & Donny (Donny Hansen),
Hipstamatic app for Holly (Holly Flakus),
Kelly (Kelly Rose) likes to draw,
Pete (Pete Certain) needs a drive,
And Cam (Cameron Okamoto) wants a vacation in Waikiki.
ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS,
A little birdie told me,
Hipstamatic app for Holly (Holly Flakus),
Kelly (Kelly Rose) likes to draw,
Pete (Pete Certain) needs a drive,
And Cam (Cameron Okamoto) wants a vacation in Waikiki.
ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS,
A little birdie told me,
Kelly (Kelly Rose) likes to draw,
Pete (Pete Certain) needs a drive,
And Cam (Cameron Okamoto) wants a vacation in Waikiki.
ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS,
A little birdie told me,
Pete (Pete Certain) needs a drive,
And Cam (Cameron Okamoto) wants a vacation in Waikiki.
ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS,
A little birdie told me,
Cam (Cameron Okamoto) wants a vacation in Waikiki.
IIDA Southern California Chapter Website is now live
In September, LJG won the project to redesign the IIDA’s Southern California Chapter Website. We are pleased to announce that the site is now live at www.iida-socal.org. The IIDA (International Interior Design Association) presents the industry’s premier awards for design excellence. The Southern California Chapter is one of the largest chapters in the organization with members throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Santa Barbara and the Inland and Desert Empire area.
Take a moment to check out the new site.
LJG is Thrilled to Announce that the Groundwater Replenshment System Site has Launched
LJG was selected to develop the brand, logo and new website for the Orange County Groundwater Replenishment System. The GWR System is the world’s largest indirect potable water recycling facility and is a vital part of the communication process with visitors who cannot see the system in person. The intended goal of this website was to provide visitors with background and instructional information, ongoing news, and provide a method for requesting more detailed information, locating media stories, photography, technical reports and scheduling tours of the GWR System facility. The site now has global appeal and functionality and speaks to the GWR System reputation as an award-winning global water reuse project.
LJG Launches NBC Universal’s Environmental Review
LJG has been working with NBC Universal on the Evolution plan for nearly a decade. With a final completion date of 2030, NBC Universal’s planned overhaul of its Universal City complex will add residential units, a hotel, and studio and office space on the nearly 400 acre-campus. And despite other large-scale projects being placed on hold, with the help of LJG, this one looks like it’s going forward. The draft environmental impact report was released earlier this month – and it’s a whopping 39,000 pages. In conjunction with Garvey Communications, LJG was able to boil down the behemoth report to a concise and comprehensive web page and community presentation. Both the web page and presentation will serve as vital additions to the existing website and presentation that LJG launched in 2008. We’re excited to see NBCU reach this major milestone!
The World’s Best Touchscreen? Microsoft’s Surface Blows Us Away
This new multi-touch computer lets you grab digital content with your hands and move information with a simple gesture or touch. Surface also sees and interacts with real world objects placed on the screen. The orientation can either be a table-top or wall/poll mount.
Surface is helping people interact with digital content in a simple way and is being used today around the world. From hotel lobbies, to sales centers to retail merchandising environments, to television news, etc. It’s a fun and exciting computing experience.
Great News for Real Estate Developers: Finally, Real-time, 3D Fly-throughs
The recent release of Unity 3 allows real estate developers and product manufactures the ability to take existing 3D content and upload it to a real-time render engine.
Unity is the #1 game development platform on the market now available for companies seeking to create an immersive, real-time, virtual tour of its’ real estate projects. Just like moving through a scene in your favorite (or your kid’s favorite) video game, you will be able to walk around and into your building.
And the best part–Unity 3 can be viewed on an array of devices and platforms such as the web, iPhone, iPad, Wii, and XBox 360. Marketing your development will never be the same.
Retailers Love the Mobile iPad (What’s Not To Love for Every Business?)
Mobile is becoming an increasingly key focus for retailers due to tablet computers. Three million Apple iPads have been sold in less than three months on the market. The Android-based Galaxy Tab from Samsung is due out this month and a half dozen models from other manufacturers including Blackberry-maker Research in Motion are due out in the first quarter of 2011. It is predicted that the tablets will outsell notebooks by 2012 and by 2013 600 million tablets will be sold.
Research is seeing a shift away from apps toward mobile sites. Retailers seem much more focused on optimizing their web sites for mobile. The number of web retailers with mobile-specific sites has tripled in the last year but only 12% of the top 500 internet retailers had sites optimized for mobile phones.
Advertisers and retailers are already encouraged by what they’ve seen with the iPad usage. IPad owners are more receptive than owners of other connected devices to advertising, and more likely to make a purchase after seeing ads because of the larger screens.
Retailers may benefit indirectly from a few new initiatives aimed at increasing mobile commerce. Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile are testing technology that allows mobile users to pay for products by swiping their handsets at checkout rather than a credit card. And PayPal is now allowing users to cash checks in their accounts simply by taking a photo of a check with their mobile phone.
Despite the economy, online retailers are experiencing steady growth due to convenience, selection and value.
Cool Things to Watch Out For
Do You Give Laptop Presentations?
Take a Look at Touch Projection
A go-anywhere touchscreen called Light Touch Optics. The Light Touch Optics uses a holographic light projection which no other display technology can do. This means any presenter can now interact with the projected screen.
By 2020, Tablets will be Foldable, Pocket-sized Devices
Google Goggles
The next-gen app that will actually recognize what you’re looking at. If you see one of your friends on the street, you’ll see their Facebook status, latest tweets and photos. Or if you just bought a car, this app can provide information on each part in the engine or each control on the dash as you pass the camera over it.
LJG Continues Work with the Hotel Del Coronado
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UPDATE: California Coastal Commission Approves Project
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With the Hotel Del Coronado’s successful completion of their new exclusive Beach Village residences, LJG was asked to provide additional 3D studies and hi-res graphics for the next phase in the Master Plan build-out of the historic San Diego oceanfront property.
Capturing key photographs from the pedestrian’s vantage point, LJG composited a series of before/after “photosims” to show the City of Coronado, California Coastal Commission and neighboring residents how the proposed new conference center and guestroom design will enhance current viewsheds.
This latest project marks our 10th year of working on the historic “Grand Dame” of San Diego hotels.
LJG Welcomes its Newest Developer — Donny Hansen
With seven years of web design and development experience in XHTML, CSS, PHP, MXML, Wordpress, Flash/Actionscript and Custom Logos, Donny, LJG’s newest Developer, continually astonishes and inspires others by integrating his extensive knowledge of the web environment with his artistic creativity. When Donny isn’t hard at work you can find him creating digital paintings, on the paintball field or spending time with his wife.
Meet LJG’s Newest Assistant Project Mananger — Pete Certain
Graduating from Point Loma Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Pete works directly with clients while managing the intricate world of web content as LJG’s newest Assistant Project Manager. Exposed to every aspect of a project, Pete loves working with clients to help them achieve their business goals. When Pete isn’t at LJG you can find him hanging out with friends, watching movies and battling it out on the paintball field.
LJG Welcomes its Newest Intern — Kelly Casassa
Hitting the books to receive a Bachelor of the Arts in Art History and a minor in Business, Kelly is currently integrating her artistic and marketing skills in the office as LJG’s newest intern. When she’s not at LJG you can find her shooting photography with her Leica M5, playing beach volleyball or competing in collegiate waterski tournaments.
