The Planning and Visual Education's Partnership's (PAVE's) 2007 Rising Star Award was presented on Dec. 5, 2007, during the 11th Annual PAVE Gala. PAVE awarded this new award to Victor Johnson, director visual presentation for Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft.

Retailers and retail design firms were invited to nominate an individual who works in retail design, visual presentation, or contract design who is a proven innovator and leader among his or her peers. The three finalists were:

	Victor Johnson, director, visual presentation, Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft
	Vicki Spielmann, visual manager, Apple
	Wesley Woelfel, design director, Greneker Solutions

“PAVE believes that it is important to recognize the achievements of individuals who have demonstrated talent, vision, and implementation in the retail environment,” said Nancy Jackson, PAVE Vice President and Gala Chair and president of Architectural Systems Inc.

Victor Johnson says, “Since retail branding is increasingly dependent on advertising campaigns, store architecture, standardized merchandising, marketing initiatives, and internet strategies, I think it's crucial to defend some personal, human touch in merchandise presentation at the store level.” He says that detailed and creative product styling will always connect to consumers in a way that other popular forms of contemporary display—such as video and large-scale signage—cannot. “If I can impact the future of retail design by ensuring that merchandise showmanship continues to be relevant, I'll be very happy,” he says.

Says Linda Lombardi, vice president of store design and planning for Ann Taylor, “Victor has completely elevated the window and interior presentation for Ann Taylor Stores and Ann Taylor Loft to a level of the highest standard of taste and style that allows Ann Taylor Stores to compete with the best of the best in window theme and store environments.”

2007 Rising Star Award Judges
Jack Hruska, executive vice president, store planning, Bloomingdale's
Kristin Godsey, Associate Publisher/Executive Editor, VM+SD Magazine
Nancy Jackson, president, Architectural Systems Inc.
Kathleen Jordan, principal, Gensler
Christine Russo, vice president, store design and development, Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.

In keeping with the Planning and Visual Education Partnership's (PAVE) mission of nurturing and encouraging young talented individuals to ensure the future of the retail design and visual industry, PAVE developed the new award to recognize the achievements of individuals who have demonstrated talent, vision, and implementation in the retail environment.