Strategic Design Company GRID2 International Announces New Partners; Moves Headquarters

Furniture World Magazine

Leading strategic design company GRID2 International is pleased to announce Marcelo Albertal and Dimitri Vermès have been named partners. Albertal and Vermès join GRID2’s Martin Roberts, Betty Chow and Akka Ma in leadership roles as the award-winning firm expands in response to growing demand for its services. In addition, GRID2 announces the grand opening of its new US headquarters located in the heart of New York City’s fashion and interiors district at 37 18th Street, near Union Square. The new offices will accommodate the company’s enlarged staff and project scope. “This is a critical time for both domestic and global development for our company,” says Martin Roberts, President and Principal at GRID2 International. “The expansion into our new headquarters is indicative of this, as well as the introduction of our new partners who will allow us to remain at the forefront of US and international retail design.” Albertal Leads Development of Latin American Markets: Albertal, 46, is responsible for GRID2's architectural design area, specializing in the development of Latin American markets. A native of Brazil, Albertal received his Bachelor of Architecture and Urbanism degree from the Faculae Intergrades Bennett. There, he served as Founder and President of the Brazil-based firm, Graphite Escritoire de Acquitter, designing numerous shopping centers and retail spaces throughout the region. In 1989, he moved to New York City to design theaters for the Roger Morgan Studio. Albertal is a professional member of Credited Registered Engineers & Architects (CREA) of Brazil, International Store Planners (ISP), and USA. Vermès’ Innovative Marketing Leadership Grows Business: Since 1998, Vermès, 31, has been a creative force in leading GRID2’s success, overseeing the marketing and account management departments as well as GRID2’s proprietary consumer research unit. With his extensive experience working with Fortune 500 clients in both the service and consumer products sectors, Vermès excels in strategic positioning and branding efforts. Past clients include Allied Domecq, Arby’s, Bacardi, Borders Books, Cartier, Freshgo, HDS Relay North America, Pathmark, Procter and Gamble, Progressive Insurance, L'Oreal, and Saatchi & Saatchi. His projects have won awards from VM+SD, ISP, DDI and Chain Store Age. “Marcelo and I have worked together for over 10 years and I have seen first hand the level of energy, expertise and creativity he applies to all he does,” says Roberts. “Opening up and expanding the Latin American markets for us is a challenge that I know Marcelo accepts with great gusto.” He adds, “Dimitri has been a key player in leading GRID2’s success with his innovative strategic marketing and consumer research leadership. We are pleased to recognize his contributions through this much-deserved promotion.” New Headquarters Reflect Global Image, Design Versatility and Excellence: Betty Chow, Partner and Principal at GRID2 International, says, “In addition to welcoming two exceptional partners, the relocation of our US headquarters to larger offices near Union Square affirms our commitment to our existing and future clients.” The 7,500 square-foot facility includes state of the art communications systems and interior designs by GRID2. “We wanted the space to be our own and to represent the versatility and skill of our design team,” explains Akka Ma, Principal and Partner who also heads the firm’s Shanghai office. “Our approach to consulting, graphics and design is heavily built around integration, exploration, and openness. This new space physically represents our approach and successfully embodies the creative spirit of GRID2 International.” ABOUT GRID2 INTERNATIONAL: New York City-based GRID2 is an award-winning team of retail consultants, architects, and interior and graphic designers whose primary mission is to help clients in every consumer segment maximize profits through innovative design solutions. For more information about GRID2 and to review the client list, please visit www.GRID2.com Martin Roberts is president of GRID2 and a design industry veteran of over 40 years. Among his commercial successes, Roberts’ most respected work is included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. New Address: GRID2 International 37 E. 18th Street 8th floor NY, NY 10003 212-432-4800