DENISE KORN , Founder // Creative Director, Yellow& Partners
Getting to here . . .
My journey has taken me across borders and industries, into sacred corners of many communities and cultures – some around the corner and others around the world. Getting to know amazing people at every turn has been a true joy.
The Work Ahead
I have always felt very lucky. Over the years I have had the honor to work with, and to learn from, some of the very best visionaries, creatives and leaders. Happy to surround myself with young talent, great teams and seasoned wisdom. These relationships make working hard a shared adventure – pushing at the edges and serving others, together.
I was humbled to be honored as an AIGA Fellow in 2012, “recognizing designers who have made a significant contribution to raising the standards of excellence in practice and conduct within their local or regional design community.” Following a personal health crisis, this meaningful award signified a moment to pause and take stock in what it took to reach that milestone. My wonderful partner of 20+ years, Javier Cortés, championed this celebration and gave it a name that I have always loved, he called it “The Work Ahead.” Surrounded by the AIGA Boston community, fellow Fellows, colleagues, friends and family, I raised a glass with appreciation to everyone who contributed to “getting there”with me. I also shared that I was truly just getting started – as there was yet so much more to be done.
My lived experience continues to drive me boldly into new territories and to fuel my imagination. Stripping it all back – hands-on, relationships-first and strategic blue-sky visioning is how I think and love to work, leaving room for genuine collaboration to flourish with clients and colleagues. This is my life, my calling and so I continue – designing the way forward . . .
SNAPSHOT:
Founder + Visionary behind KORN DESIGN (1992 - 2018) Korn Design was an award-winning brand strategy and design firm focused on crafting meaningful brands for a wide range of clients including top-of-class developers, hoteliers, chefs, and entrepreneurs – providing expert consultation and ground-breaking strategic work in the categories of leading hospitality, restaurants, luxury goods, performing arts and in the non-profit sector.
Founder YOUTH DESIGN (2003 - 2017) I have been actively involved in civic engagement both locally and nationally for over 30 years. As a champion of diversifying the creative economy I founded Youth Design in 2003 – taking action and engaging the private sector to mentor the next generation of urban talent – fostering equitable access, on-the-job training, mentoring and career opportunities in design.
Creative Director for Lifestyle Brand at GENSLER (2018 - 2021) My work with the incredible talent across this renowned global design firm was rooted deeply in the realm of Brand Strategy and Brand Design for Hospitality, Lifestyle and Real Estate, strengthening the synergies between brand development, placemaking, architecture and interior design.
IN SERVICE:
Trustee, Massachusetts College of Art & Design (2018 - present)
Senior Fellow, The Institute for Social Innovation, Babson College (2015 - present)
Advisory Council, Cornell University School of AAP (Architecture, Art & Planning)
Diversity in Design Collaborative, Yellow& Partners - Member (since 2022)
Advisory Board, AIGA Boston
