Jun 4, 2024
At Chipman Design Architecture, we are thrilled to announce that Ruben Valenzuela, our esteemed Account Manager, has been honored with the Retail Touchpoints 40 Under 40 Award. Ruben's journey with us over the past 11 years has been nothing short of transformative, impacting the retail industry with his innovative design approach.
Revolutionizing Retail Design
Ruben has partnered with top-tier clients such as Ulta Beauty, Uncommon James, Mejuri, Lolli & Pops, and Fusion Academy, bringing creativity and practicality to each project. His ability to merge functional solutions with artistic flair, even under tight budgets and schedules, has set new standards in the beauty, jewelry, and retail sectors. His work not only ensures the success of projects from due diligence to grand openings but also underscores the importance of sustainable practices. Ruben's dedication to eco-friendly design, focusing on reusing and repurposing materials, highlights his commitment to minimizing environmental impact.
Mentorship and Leadership at CDA
Beyond his design prowess, Ruben is a highly regarded leader within our 140-person firm. He mentors team members at all experience levels, from college interns to seasoned architects with decades of experience. Ruben believes in the fundamental importance of communication and dedicates himself to guiding younger staff, helping them develop not only technical skills but also communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities. His role as a mentor has had a profound impact on the next generation of designers, showcasing his passion for growing others within the field.
Ruben, born in Mexico, is also a strong advocate for diversity at all levels of CDA. He promotes awareness and emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping our firm's future. Additionally, Ruben reflects Chipman Design’s commitment to work/life balance, streamlining processes to ensure team members can leave work after an 8-hour day and focus on their families and self-wellness.
Recent Client Highlights
Mejuri
Ruben recently collaborated with this direct-to-consumer fine jewelry brand to implement their new brand identity in the physical environment. Acting as an extension of their in-house design team, Ruben developed a flexible, safe, and welcoming private piercing studio, ensuring the guest experience was optimized within a 900-sf footprint.
Uncommon James
Ruben and his team took on the challenge of developing a new two-story flagship store for this lifestyle brand by Kristin Cavallari. With an opening date of 2024, the concept and space designed by Ruben’s team will showcase Uncommon James' lifestyle offerings and include an integrated private party room with a wet bar and outdoor patio. This flagship store aims to elevate the customer experience and integrate the brand’s new home line offerings.
Ruben's visionary leadership and dedication to sustainability have not only elevated industry standards but also emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility in design. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and the lasting impact he continues to make at Chipman Design Architecture.
Lauren Chipman, a true multi-disciplinary designer and performing artist, brings a distinct sense of creative leadership to her position as Chief Executive Officer at Chipman Design Architecture. Prior to her work at Chipman, Lauren performed professionally as a string instrumentalist with a resume that includes recording for television, film, and top Billboard artists. Today, Lauren is proud to be part of the third generation to carry on her family’s legacy. Lauren’s unconventional background and innate sense of innovation allow her to bring a fresh perspective to the impact of hospitality, retail, and restaurant spaces. Despite helming a well-established firm that supports national clients like Chick-fil-A, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Ulta Beauty, Marriott, Peet’s Coffee and CVS, Lauren’s entrepreneurial vision often goes beyond traditional industry approaches. From pioneering integration of new technology in the conceptual design process to almost exclusively recruiting multi-hyphenate talent, Lauren directs the company with the future in mind. A holistic leader, Lauren leverages her own experience as an industry outsider to cultivate a unique, forward-thinking environment composed of a team with diverse backgrounds. She pushes the firm to not only solve present design challenges, but also develop foresight into cultural and behavioral changes. This high level of adaptable strategy allows the firm to keep clients ahead of the curve, and nimble in response to industry shifts. Lauren has spoken at numerous conferences, including Globalshop, Google Zeitgeist, design:retail Forum, MUFES, MUFSO and Bitac Luxury. A Professional Affiliate of the AIA, Lauren also holds memberships in such industry organizations as NOMA and RDI and was recently recognized with vmsd’s “40 under 40 award.”
Chipman Design Architecture (WBE) is a people-first, family-owned senior living, retail, and hospitality, architecture firm composed of innovators, architects, and interior designers who love collaborating, breaking boundaries, and creating spaces for tomorrow. For over forty years, the firm has separated themselves with a focus on the future in regard to organizational structure, customer experience and fostering community. With corporate headquarters in Chicago, and five additional national offices, Chipman Design provides interior design, experiential design, and architectural expertise throughout North America. Today, the firm’s Principal team, led by third generation family member, and CEO, Lauren Chipman, offers innovation and professionalism through complete architectural and interior design services. Through membership in the U.S. Green Building Council, the firm’s commitment to sustainability and lowering energy consumption continues to reinforce recognition of the critical role of architects in today’s world.
