Kim Ziereis Email & Phone Number

Greater Denver Area

Après Creative Group is a team of innovative thinkers with a pragmatic approach who believe in the world of possibility for each project and client.With 13 years of in-house design agency management tucked under my belt, Après Creative Group is the next phase on my creative path.

Greater Denver Area

Focus on process, strategy and leadership.PROCESSEstablished creative brief process tailored to the multi-family industry to generate alignment with geographically disparate marketing teams. Championed the creative process with senior management.Implemented time tracking system to improve project scheduling and provide cost/benefit analysis to senior management.Introduced Account Management function for Creative and Marketing Teams.Developed and documented Standard Operating Procedures for key projects.STRATEGYDeveloped and directed national network of architectural photographers improving quality and alignment to brand strategy.Lead engagement with outside agency to develop branding strategy for the New York City portfolioClose partnership with VPs of Marketing to develop and align marketing strategy with branding and visual design.Developed collateral programs to leveraged technology solutions at the communities.Created collaborative relationships with IT teams to influence software design and align products with brand voice and visual design.LEADERSHIPExpanded design team to internalize all community brochure design work, saving $100K annuallyShifted perspective of creative team from fulfillment services to strategic partner.Worked across boundaries to create collaborative relationships with Regional Marketing and Operations Teams.In-house design team consistently created value through brand knowledge, high quality of work and quick turn times. Broke down cubical walls and challenged traditional corporate seating structures to create collaborative office space for design team.

Greater Denver Area

Focus on brand evolution, brand integration and building an in-house agency.SERVICE OFFERINGSExpanded staff and internalized majority of design work, eliminating 75% of the need for outside agency.Introduced value of professional design to corporate departments including Recruiting and Benefits.Developed Environmental Design skill set.BRAND INTEGRATIONIntegrated Charles E Smith brand into the process and structure of Archstone brand management.Upon privatization of the Archstone in 2007, responsible for re-branding the Charles E. Smith assets with the Archstone name.BRAND EVOLUTIONEstablished brand standards to unify the two brands (Archstone and Charles E. Smith) with one consistent look and feel. Re-evaluated Archstone’s traditional brand standards and shifted strategy from less templates to more customization and tailored story of each property .Participated in IDEO engagement to design the “Leasing Office of the Future” and applied research to brand design.Lead the visual design for consumer facing website, ArchstoneApartments.com.

Greater Denver Area

Focus on brand standards and presentations (aka, getting my feet wet)Learned and applied brand standards to all collateral.Designed trade shows and presentation materials for Investor Relations Team.Supported Corporate Communications with quarterly newsletters and various communication pieces.Created campaigns for annual Habitat for Humanity philanthropy program.Designed all collateral for merger of Archstone and Charles E. Smith.Video editing and trade show booth design for company-wide annual meetings.Began to internalized design functions for Marketing group including direct mail, banners, signage and ads.Developed and managed online ordering system, the Solution Center, to allow regional teams to submit a request for marketing collateral.

Bachelors Of Art, Speech Communication

Activities and Societies: Sigma Kappa, Golden Key Honor SocietyStudied Speech Communications

Associate'S Degree, Advanced Graphic Design