Richard is a designer, writer, and marketer. Educated in graphic design with a MS degree from Illinois Institute of Technology's, Institute of Design, he began his career at Unimark International in Chicago. An early affiliation with the SWA Group, planners and landscape architects, provided Richard his insight into the world of real estate and professional service firms. The real estate projects found Richard engaged in early signage work. This new interest led to the opportunity to participate in the founding SEGD.
In 1974, Richard founded The GNU Group, a full service communications and design firm. In 1994, Richard passed the leadership of the firm to Philip Murphy and has since been serving his markets and clients as an independent advisor through his firm, GNU2 Consulting, as a consultant with the GNU Group and through affiliations with allied professionals. He is also a member of the PSMJ consulting team.
Throughout his career, Richard has been active in a wide range of professional activities and organizations. As a member of The Urban Land Institute he has served on the Community Development and Recreation Councils. He developed the curriculum for, and teaches ULI’s Real Estate Marketing Workshops. He has also authored a book on marketing professional services firms, The Ultimate A/E/C Marketing Plan. As a founder of SEGD, he served as its President, on its Board of Directors, and in 1987 was named one of the Society's first Fellows. He has been honored with numerous awards for his design and marketing expertise.
