Urban Echo: Sustainability Think Tank

At the Urban Echo Sustainability Think Tank we have been looking at sources of inspiration. One of the areas we are looking into is the art of innovation and design. We found a great video on HULU called Billions in Change. Leading the way to developing for those in need Manoj Bhargava (creator of 5 Hour Energy) and his small team of designers, developers and tinkers are looking to change the world. No area of study is out of their reach. They look to bring electricity to those in darkness, health to those in need of it and water to those who thirst. Though a bit daunting(few people have the bucks they have to bring their designs to fruition), this video is a must see.

Sustainable Archtitecture and Design

Look at this structure. They put the nature right within the building itself. The idea of placing a park right in the midst of an urban setting places this concept on another level.



Small spaces are the rave right now. Their size alone make them incredbly green. They take less energy, less build material and can be placed in small areas.

Some do's:
These are some ideas that really make a difference in design and the feel of a sustainable home.



Heating and cooling are huge parts of sustainable design. Now that fuel is no longer as cheap as it used to be, builders must look to consciously build in ways that conserve energy.Window placement, landscaping wall thickness and building materials make a difference.

The 606 Bridges Communities

Chicago is at it again. The 606 is one of its newest undertaking and it bridges neighborhoods for miles. At one end there is a spiral that marks the solstices. The trail, built on a former train tracks undulates it way through the city. It was the goal of the design team to reuse as much of the materials they could in order to build sustainably.

West of downtown, in a neighborhood that was already walk-able the 606 give people the opportunity to sit, linger and enjoy the space in which they live. The 606's neighborhood is densely populated so it allows for a place to slow oneself, it is a place to breathe.


The greenspace allows for walking, biking, running or just sitting in nature. It is a wonderful addition to the city.

Designing for Children

The most fun and my greatest passion is designing toys and books for kids. It amazes me how much we can use our imaginations in this endeavor. You can literally go anywhere your creativity will take you and try to see if what you imagine is doable. This, to me is living. I have been on this journey towards creating which has brought my to the realization that making up crazy words and crazy looking characters makes me smile and make me extremely happy.

Here are some examples of works I have created or am in the midst of bringing into the world.

Monsters in a Box! Love it!
Stick Puppets

Stories: Said The Fig Tree To The Stream

Creating for kids afford the most use of one's imagination. It really is the best.

Design in a Bottle

Have you seen them, short, squat bottles made of thick glass and sporting a cork stopper? Of course you have. The bottles of which I speak are Patron Tequilla bottles. I love anything that is different. Oddly shapes items catch my eye. As I walk around I see these bottles everwhere. I have a collection of them. I don't know what I will do with them. For now I just like admiring them and wondering how long it took the designers to hit upon the squarish shape as a winner.

 It's a beauty! The soft curves, clean label, even it's size makes this an outstanding bottle. It might seem insane to gush over a bottle but it is an ingenious marketing ploy. Many buy the tequilla because of the bottle. Though they throw it away, it does capture them and get them to buy. It makes them think different is better.

Hispanic Business Expo- Innovation and Digital Branding

In today's marketplace what matters most are innovation and branding. There are many ways to achieve both. Today I had the great fortune of attending the Hispanic Business Expo in Chicago. This fantastic gathering of people from all over the Hispanic world offered lessons in business development and the designing of prosperous endeavors.

When innovating:
1. Remember to do good- involve an aspect in your work that helps society or other people on their journeys

2. Be creative in every aspect of your business

3. Customize your products and make them as interactive as possible

4. Listen closely to what your customer wants and give it to them

Digital Branding:
1. Be consistent with your messaging and marketing materials

2. Be specific about your information

3. Engage: consumers, employees and influencers in your business. People who are excited and engaged will serve as direct marketers.


Business today is about establishing expertise and understanding analytics and innovation.

1960's Graphic design Posters

Some of my favorite posters come from the 60's it was a time of saturated colors, acid based palettes and imaginations that looked to the future. And in instances when muted colors were used, composition took center stage. The sixties was a time filled with great social intensity but also a great deal of hope. Here are some examples of my favorites.