BHDP's McQuilkin Among Nation's Elite in Retail Design; Named One of "Luminaries" for 2010

CINCINNATI, OH, October 09, 2010 (Press-News.org) Each year, DDI Magazine, the leading publication for the retail design industry, presents the Portfolio Design Luminaries Award to outstanding individuals who have demonstrated unparalleled creative excellence, exemplary professional leadership and unwavering personal commitment to the retail design industry. In 2010, Andrew McQuilkin, Retail Market Leader for BHDP Architecture, received this prestigious recognition.

In describing the award, the magazine states, "In the retail world, there are icons whose names everyone knows, and whose work and influence is ever admired. These visionaries light the path for others to follow, through their intuitive designs, creative approach and dedication to the retail design craft." The "Luminaries" are recognized for "lighting the way for others and inspiring all with their accomplishments and visionary guidance." McQuilkin is one of three honorees in the nation.

For almost 30 years, McQuilkin has served in key design leadership roles in the retail industry. In his role as Retail Market Leader at BHDP, he is responsible for leading the retail design and architecture expertise in branding, store planning, interior design, merchandising, building architecture and rollout for retail clients. His extensive knowledge and background includes the design and implementation of department stores, vendor shops, specialty stores, large format and discount stores.

McQuilkin and his project teams and retail partners have been awarded more than 50 retail design awards including the prestigious 'Store of the Year' awards for Saks Fifth Avenue in 1995, Richards of Greenwich in 2000, Toys R Us Times Square 2001 and Aveda Tokyo in 2003. DDI Magazine readership has also named Andrew one of the industries "Top 20 Influencer" three out of the last five years. As a retail design expert and advocate for the industry, Andrew is now serving his second term as the International President of the Retail Design Institute and in 2010 he was appointed to "Fellow" status for his dedicated service to the organization.

McQuilkin is committed to the creation of consumer environments that impact loyalty by enriching and aligning the customer experience with the retailer's brand promise. With the nearly hundred BHDP professional architects and designers, his team partners with forward-thinking retailers who are looking to marry world-class experiential architectural building solutions with innovative consumer focused brand strategy, store planning and interior design.

"The projects I am most proud of were those that were extensively collaborative, whether with my team, the client's team or both," McQuilkin says. "That's how you get the highest level of design and business solutions. The solution always pays attention to the people."

"We are proud of Andrew and congratulate him on this tremendous honor that places him in elite company in the retail design industry," said Michael Habel, CEO of BHDP. "His work and contributions represent the kind of world class experience that clients expect and receive from BHDP."

About BHDP Architecture
BHDP Architecture is a national architectural firm with offices in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio and Durham, North Carolina. Focused on creating environments for people that deliver great experiences through an informed design process, BHDP effectively blends the science and the art of architecture. BHDP is committed to market-specific expertise to provide informed strategy and creative intuition in Higher Education, Retail, Science and Workplace categories. BHDP celebrates its recognition as a member of Engineering News-Record's "Top 100 Green Design Firms" and "Top 500" list, Architectural Record's "Top 150 Architecture Firms," and Business First's "Best Places to Work." For more information, visit http://www.bhdp.com.