
John deWolf RGD
Narrative Environments Studio
he/him
President
Member since
October 23, 2017
Contact
5228 South Steet
Suite
B
Halifax
NS
B3J1A4
Canada
Phone:
9028171994
Areas of Specialty
Branding, Exhibit Design, Signage/WayfindingOther Capabilities
Creative Direction, Design Education, Design Management, Strategy, Systems DesignIdentifies as
Living with a Mental Illness
Languages Covered
EnglishInterested in Freelance
YesCompany description
Interdisciplinary designer John deWolf has worked in various mediums including print, interactive, broadcast, exhibition, environmental graphic design, and interior design. John has an extensive background in analyzing and deconstructing complex structures and designing understandable and accessible communication systems, particularly for public audiences. Design—past and present—is considered a product-driven activity. Design however is not merely physical and aesthetic, but also human factor oriented: it is the cognitive nature of designing that is the both the challenge and the reward. John views system, program, story, service, and experience as integral to his interdisciplinary approach to, what is traditionally considered design. Specializing in design of and for the built environment, John believes that design is built on a rhetorical footing, and designing the story—the narrative is part of the human condition—plays a major role in design thinking.
Why am I an RGD?
As a professional, I believe it is critical that I support those organizations that are champions for the industry in which I practice. I am a current member of the GDC, RGD and SEGD, a past member of the UCDA and AIGA, and future member of IDC and IDNS. Quite simply, we should support those organizations that advocate for us. Cost, value and perks should not be part of the equation, rather my decision to join an organziation like the RGD is based on community and advocacy.What is my most memorable RGD moment?
I have been a member since late 2017. That said, being invited to participate as a judge for the So(cial) Good Design Awards was an honour. However, receiving correspondence from staff, the executive director, and committee members tells me that this organization knows of and cares about each of their members. That is memorable.Why am I a designer?
I work to help others. I believe we should leave our environment in a better place than how we found it. I offer my skills as a designer as one way to do this. To help rather than sell; to inform rather than advertise. These are some of the reasons why I am a designer.Why should you hire me?
My career has been concentrated on design of and for the built environment. If you are interested in design for the public good, and see program, story, service, and experience as integral to what you do, then I would be honoured to collaborate with you.Where do I see myself in 5 years?
I believe that design is one part of what I can offer. I hope to write more about design, I wish to be a better mentor, and I hope to be a better educator.