Partners with world-renowned architect Michael Rotondi and original Apple retail store creative director Jill Savini.
SEATTLE (Dec. 12, 2017) – Diego Pellicer Worldwide, Inc., the premium marijuana brand and retail development company, today announced that it has partnered with world-class architectMichael Rotondi, FAIA, and creative trailblazer Jill Savini to develop retail prototypes and innovative branding for future store locations.
“We’re staying ahead of the curve by developing industry changing scalable and inviting retail environments that will be built to enhance the customer experience, along with a brand that reflects the premium cannabis products sold by our licensed and branded retail tenants,” said Ron Throgmartin, chief executive officer, Diego Pellicer Worldwide, Inc. “By working with Rotondi and Savini, we’re bringing in retail design and branding experts that will set the bar for premium retail cannabis stores. Rotondi and Savini’s experience and progressive thinking will chart the course for Diego Pellicer to accomplish our goals in this relatively new marketplace.”
Proven Track Record of Innovative Thinking, Design for Emerging Markets
From logos to store prototypes, Rotondi and Savini plan to create a cutting-edge branding and architecture system that is adaptable to each market, each footprint and reflects the community in which it operates.
“What fascinates me the most about working with Diego is that while the industry continues to be defined, it’s possible that our work will set a new standard that others will want to emulate,” said Rotondi. “The store concepts that we’re developing will not only make each location look consistent and yet unique, but can be built quickly using current technology and materials.”
Internationally heralded, Michael Rotondi is known for his award-winning projects including: work with famed fashion designers Leon Max and Sonia Rykiel for upscale retail stores on the Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive; re-envisioning the Ibn Batutta Mall, the first mall in Dubai City U.A.E.; and, high-profile, celebrity driven restaurants Nicola, 72 Market Street and Kate Mantilini in California.
Rotondi has made a tremendous impact in the industry as an architecture educator at Arizona State University and the Southern California Institute of Architecture, of which he was a co-founder and later became its second director. Rotondi’s Los Angeles-based firm RoTo Architects is the official architecture agency of record for Diego Pellicer Worldwide, Inc.
Teaming up with Rotondi is creative trailblazer Jill Savini. Savini began her career at Apple working on creative for the first Mac and was the creative director on the original team that developed the Apple retail store. She specializes in working across all mediums on branding, packaging, digital and retail. Savini works with other prominent brands such as DocuSign and Marriott’s Renaissance Hotels as well as fast-growing start-ups including the organic, plant-based food company Forager Project. As head of corporate branding for Diego Pellicer she is responsible for ensuring a consistent look and branding across retail locations.
“Diego Pellicer is a premium brand in an emerging market. Just as with my work with Apple in the early days, we have a phenomenal opportunity to engage customers by creating an approachable, upscale and friendly retail environment,” said Savini. “From the moment a customer enters the store to the minute they make a purchasing decision and beyond, we want to make it an enjoyable and memorable experience that will make them want to return.”
The new branding and retail prototypes are expected to be complete by early 2018.
