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2008-09 FOUNDERS

Pentagram Design
Smart Design
HOK Architects
Continuum
Teague


Founders Program
There are many companies, organizations and individuals who share the SPARK view that "design is on the rise". They recognize that marketing, design and their disciplines are entwined, and as products increasingly become commodities, design and innovation are the only clear differentiators. They also believe that higher goals and aspirations are a necessary element of design planning. These forward-thinking companies see the need for a serious, digital-age design competition to qualify the finest designs and point the way for designers, manufacturers and the public alike.

Means and Ends
The Spark Founders provide a strong platform for the mission of supporting and promoting designers, creativity and innovation. The Founders Program helps to stabilize the ebb and flow of resources inherent in an annual competition and enable the development of new initiatives. The Founders represent a diverse multi-disciplinary group of design firms, architectural practices, in-house and individual designers and architects. They are distinct from Spark Corporate Sponsors, who provide major funding on a per-event basis, and our media and in-kind partners and sponsors, who achieve promotional impact from their involvement. The Founders concern is "keeping the Spark hot." That is, the sustenance of the basic Spark infrastructure and healthy continuance of the project.

"Pentagram is an international design consultancy founded in 1972. We have five offices (London, New York, San Francisco, Austin, Berlin) with 19 partners and a total support staff of about 225 who handle projects for a broad range of national and international clients. Pentagram offers strategic branding and marketing services, identity and print collateral, packaging, architecture, product design and interactive design expertise as core capabilities."
 

"Smart Design creates informed and inspired design for people, and memorable brands for our clients. Smart Design has been turning insight and innovation into successful consumer experiences for over 25 years. Our strategic approach integrates product and brand to ensure winning solutions. Smart Designís consistent results are delivered by its multi-disciplinary, international staff working in teams across offices in New York, San Francisco and Barcelona."
 

"HOK/San Francisco was established in 1966 and now provides a full range of design services including planning, engineering, building and interior design, and sustainability planning. The office is recognized for its expertise in research laboratories, airport terminals, corporate and commercial office buildings, hospitals, courts and other government projects. The firm has contributed on several Bay Area landmarks including Leviís Plaza, the original George R. Moscone Center, Apple R&D Center, the Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum, and AT&T Park."

 

"Continuum is a design and innovation consultancy that brings ideas to markets. We learn from users and ground ourselves in our client's business to develop solutions that are consumer relevant, fiscally responsible and successful. We create product and service encounters that generate desire, make delight and inspire loyalty. Delivering market innovation through the integration of informed strategy, thoughtful design and solid engineering is a Continuum hallmark. Since 1983, Continuum has created market successes for companies worldwide including; Sprint, Proctor and Gamble, Samsung, J&J and Roche. Continuum has offices in Boston, Los Angeles, Milan and Seoul."
 

"Founded by industrial design icon Walter Dorwin Teague in 1926, Teague is one of the most respected and established design firms in the world. Today we continue to uphold Teague¹s legacy with our commitment to client relationships and an unsurpassed collaborative spirit. Offering design expertise across various design disciplines including aviation, consumer electronics, user interface, consumer lifestyles and strategy we innovate with clients such as Samsung, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, The Boeing Company, LG, Starbucks, Panasonic, Xbox, Nike and Zune among others. For additional info visit www.teague.com."