Patrick Haggerty

Working remotely, I returned to Access TCA to concentrate on developing branded environments. To create experiences based on a solid foundation of communicative goals. Goals which I help establish with the client and the front-end team of account executives and managers. I consider developing an approach and selling strategy as part of the design process. Each client can be as unique as the projects we develop.
As a director, I was responsible for taking the lead on large projects and helping the development of junior designers. Design Directors also met regularly with the VP of Creative Services to help steer company and department processes and design strategies.
In my case, conceptualization starts by listing goals and physical requirements. This leads to careful study and research which flow into sketches that express brand objectives. Sketches transition into a 3D computer model and renderings. Presenting ideas directly to the customer and listening to their critique offers better insight into the client, their brand and allows concepts to evolve more pertinent to subtle changes in project goals.

As Design Director for 12 years, I was often seated at the table with Account Executives, meeting with clients to establish goals and objectives and generate concepts. On larger projects, I was often one of the main points of contact with the client, usually paired with a Project Manager or the company president. I developed both Museum and Trade Show Exhibits. In addition to my design work, I assigned and managed work for a design staff of 6 people and offered creative support when needed. I also had roles in developing marketing strategies, the company website and advertising.

While at Access I honed my creative skills, designing tradeshow exhibits for a variety of clients. I also refined my technical skills in rendering and animation. I regularly traveled with an account executive to review proposals from prospects and to present concepts in for higher profile projects and accounts
As a Team Leader, I was responsible for training newer designers to Access’ processes as well as provide creative support within any point of the design process.

Hadley Exhibits hired inexperienced exhibit designers and started them as detailers. My initial experience as a detailer provided me with a solid understanding of exhibit fabrication which, in turn, allowed me to develop as an exhibit designer, eventually establishing myself as the company’s lead trade show designer.

I “cut my teeth” in the exhibit industry at this small firm, involving myself in as many aspects of the process as possible. In addition to detailing and design, I was involved in estimating materials, and ordering materials, ordering show services, fabrication and billing.

My first job after getting my Master’s Degree was at this small firm. I worked as an Industrial Designer developing new products for a variety of clients. Also developed skills as a Technical Illustrator creating exploded view drawings in AutoCAD for Eastman Kodak.