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.

www.2dimes.com

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