I WENT FROM DESIGNING BUILDINGS TO DESIGNING BRANDS.
I went from designing buildings to designing brands. Husband, father, designer, illustrator, brand strategist, cancer survivor. Originally I was an architect, but somewhere along the line I fell in love with helping companies tell a better story and stand out from their competition. I’ve been in the branding and design business for over 33 years.
I began my career as an architect. I founded Paradigm in 1992 while I was still practicing architecture. What started as an extension of design thinking became a calling.
I’m a husband, father, designer, illustrator, photographer, brand strategist, and cancer survivor. Architecture taught me to think strategically. To connect dots that seem unrelated to others. To press into the why and the how before touching the what. Clients do not just need creativity. They need clarity anchored in reason.
Over time, I found myself drawn less to steel and concrete and more to positioning and perception. I love bringing disparate pieces together into a brand that tells a coherent story with real impact. A well designed building shapes the people who move through it. A well designed brand shapes how a company is understood, trusted, and chosen. The principle is the same.
Today at Paradigm Marketing & Creative in Memphis, I lead brand strategy and creative direction for organizations across real estate, finance, nonprofits, healthcare, consumer goods, hospitality, and more. We do not chase trends. We build strategic foundations that align teams, sharpen differentiation, and move markets.
Outside the firm, I serve as an elder at Mission Church, mentor young leaders, and support nonprofits in our community. When I am not working, I am with my family, traveling, backpacking, or watching the Dodgers, Louisiana Tech, or LSU. Usually with gluten free pizza nearby.
Strategy first. Story with substance. Impact that lasts.
ORGANIZATIONS
Mission Church
Elder / Volunteer / Small Group Leader
Serve as chairman of Elder Board. Lead 2 small groups, often lead in Marriage Prep class, serve on Steering Team, disciple 4 other men, and volunteer for various needs in the church and community. Also served on the Leadership Advisory Team to establish a new governance and find the senior pastor in 2018.
American Advertising Federation
Member (Memphis Chapter) 2006- Present
Addy Judge 2008 (Destin, FL)
Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts
Member · 2004 - Present
Davy Awards
Judge · 2004 - Present
Silver Telly Council
Judge · 2004 - Present
W3 Awards
Judge · 2004 - Present
Memphis Thunder Aquatic Swim
Volunteer - official time/score · 2010 - 2018
Christian Psychological Center
Board of Directors · 2009 - 2014
Leadership Memphis - Executive Class 2014
2013 - 2014
Uganda Bible Institute
International Board of Trustees · 2001 - 2012
Urban Land Institute
Member · 2008 - 2010
American Institute of Architects
Member · 1992 - 2002
Illustration Work Showcased In:
The Architecture of North Louisiana - River Parishes
The Architecure of North Louisiana - Hill Parishes
The Best of 3D Graphics
Numerous national/local magazines and newspapers
Project Architect - Notable Projects:
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
Memphis Botanic Gardens - Visitors Center / Hardin Hall (Memphis and TN AIA Awards)
Lichterman Nature Center - Vistors Center (TN AIA Award)
Burch Porter & Johnson Law Offices - Addition to the Old TN Club Building (Brick Masonry Inst. Award)
Comprehensive Plan for Somerville, TN (TN State Planning Assoc. Award)
Ronald McDonald House - Memphis
Numerous Awards:
Addys
Tellys
Davys
AIA
AT PARADIGM:
We are a full-service branding, marketing, creative, and advertising agency with a personalized, boutique feel. Our passion is to provide clients with integrated marketing strategies infused with creative solutions. This translates into everything we do, including branding, messaging, design, advertising, and digital media. Everyone at Paradigm firmly believes that creativity and strategy go hand in hand in order to deliver results and provide clients with customized solutions to meet their needs.
Clients have included Buff City Soap, Pyros Pizza, Hookpoint Brewing, Bella Vita, TraVure, Allure Bridal, Brother International, Reinhart Law, The Watertower District (Boyle), The Citizen, and a variety of startups to century old businesses.
MY BOOK:
In 2014 I was diagnosed with ampullary adenocarcinoma - cancer in my upper intestine pressing against my pancreas. This is the story of my journey from then through the next 5 years - the ups and downs physically, mentally and spiritually. It was a horribly frightening journey, but one that God used to grow my faith and my relationships. It is my hope that this book will help others in some small way. There is hope! Romans 12:12