PAVE - The Planning and Visual Education Partnership

Hollywood, Fla. (December 12, 2007)—The Planning and Visual Education's Partnership (PAVE) presented its 2007 Rising Star Award to Victor Johnson, director of visual presentation, Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft. The presentation took place Dec. 5, 2007, during the 11th Annual PAVE Gala in New York City.

"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.

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; and Wesley Woelfel, design director, Greneker Solutions.

The following industry professionals served as judges for the 2007 Rising Star Award competition: 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; and Christine Russo, vice president, store design and development, Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.

This year's winners faced a very competitive field as a record-breaking 362 entries were submitted, 249 in the overall store design category and 113 in the visual merchandising category.

Editor's note: High-resolution images of the finalists are available. PAVE can also provide contacts for interviews. Contact Catharine Scott, above, for more information.

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About PAVE
Founded in 1992, The Planning and Visual Education Partnership’s (PAVE) objective is to encourage students to study in the field of retail design and planning and visual merchandising through its annual Student Design Competition. Additionally, PAVE seeks to encourage retail management, store planners, visual merchandisers, architects, and manufacturers to interact with and support design students. This is accomplished through seminars, workshops, and PAVE’s annual fundraising Gala with proceeds dedicated to financial aid and internships for qualified students. PAVE is administered by the Association for Retail Environments (A.R.E.), formerly NASFM.