ChrisWendel

Bank of America’s NEW Heritage Center in Charlotte, NC is a 4,000 sq. ft. installation that illustrates the importance banking has played in the financing of the United States of America. Historical artifacts dating from the 18th century are on display along with video & motion activated audio that explain the historical links between government and banking.

Bank of America’s 2nd Heritage Center in Wilmington, DE is a 6,400 sq. ft. installation that illustrates the importance banking and credit has played in the financing of the United States of America. Historical artifacts dating from the 18th century are on display along with interactive video displays that explain and illustrate the historical links between government and banking.

Bank of America’s 3rd Heritage Center in Boston, MA is a 2,600 sq. ft. installation that illustrates the importance banking has played in the financing of the United States of America. Historical artifacts dating from the 18th century are on display along with interactive video displays that explain and illustrate the historical links between government and banking. Silverware hand-crafted by Paul Revere, original bank ledgers signed by John Adams and muskets used by American revolutionaries to counter British advances are among the historical artifacts on display.

Bank of America's 4th Heritage Center in San Francisco is a 2,300 sq. ft. space dedicated to Bank of America's roots in SF.  In 1904 A.P.Giannini founded the Bank of Italy in SF - later renaming it the Bank of America.

Bank of America's 5th Heritage Center in Los Angeles is a 980 sq. ft. space that focuses on the roll Bank of America has played in helping establish Hollywood as the home to the movie industry as well as driving local community development.

Bank of America’s global corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and consumer banking business occupy roughly half of the new 2.1 million square foot Bank of America Tower in NYC.

Corporate branding throughout the 945-foot-high crystalline skyscraper includes 1st floor lobby ID, elevator lobbies, trader floors, and reception lobbies.

Bridging the Tower's office area and the ground floor retail bank is the Portal, an area designed to communicate the Bank of America’s Community Outreach. Magnetically applied graphics allow for easy change-outs/updates.

The 2017 World Science Forum (WSF) was held in Jordan, I was commissioned by Thinc Design (Tom Hennes) to design and develop the general session theater stage and set along with design concepts for the event’s breakout sessions. One of Jordan’s top scientists had recently developed a new molecule (MOF-200) with the potential to absorb and capture carbon dioxide (CO2) at a higher rate than any previously known substance. The molecular structure of the MOF-200 molecule was the inspiration for the set design. We modeled the 3D molecular structure and then had the structures scaled up and 3D printed for the general session set architecture.

Echelon Design commissioned me to design this new exhibit for Accenture. A semi-enclosed theater/presentation area along with meeting pods and interactive stations were created to facilitate client meetings and service demos -

This NYC showroom was designed to provide Sales & Marketing with an architectural 3D model and digital display of new properties built and managed by Tishman Speyer. I was commissioned by Squint Opera (a digital experience agency) to design, layout and manage the production/installation of this space.

Bloomberg's new offices on 59th & Lexington in NYC are home to Bloomberg Television.  The new studios surround a 2-story news center atrium.  I project managed and lead the design activities for this phenomenal broadcast center during the 2 year construction phase.

The 2-story news center is surrounded by three studios that offer stunning camera sightlines into the atrium area.  Catwalks surrounding and crossing the news center offer additional reporting and camera positions.

Rockefeller Center in New York City was transformed into Democracy Plaza for the ‘04 Presidential Election.

NBC delivered live broadcasts and over 2.5 million people came to see and witness the unfolding of American Citizenship in action.  The public exhibition included historic artifacts acquired by the American History Workshop & Bank of America.  Visitors engaged a story on American Democracy often taken for granted.  Five noteworthy presidential elections were showcased with photos, mementos and historic artifacts.

Inspiring exhibits created an interactive forum where the public could explore issues of American democracy.  Roosevelt's whistle-stop campaign was showcased with this vintage caboose brought in from Pennsylvania

Deutsche Bank’s VIP reception tent was created to provide a comfortable/relaxing atmosphere for guests attending New York’s premier international art fair. Portraits from the Bank’s corporate collection graced the interior walls.

von Hagen Design’s 2023 EuroShop exhibit was inspired by the close and longtime friendship between Axel von Hagen and Ernst-F. Drewes a German Contemporary Artist. Ernst had a stroke and could no longer recall how he had been creating his 3D wall sculptures. Axel wanted to honor Ernst by taking inspiration from Ernst’s work and realizing it in his company’s EuroShop tradeshow exhibit. Ernst’s work had consisted of various shapes, colors and production processes for realizing his artistic visions. Several examples of Ernst’s work were selected to be reinterpreted for the von Hagen EuroShop 2023 exhibit. By leveraging 3D modeling/3D printing along with LED displays and lightweight mylar mirrored surfaces we designed an exciting and transformative tradeshow environment.

von Hagen Design’s 2020 EuroShop exhibit was inspired by Axel von Hagen’s trip to Nepal. I was asked to create an environment where the exhibit echoed the emotion and natural wonder of the Nepalese landscapes. LED pillars travel up and across carrying the company’s corporate colors: orange, magenta and red. Two suspended “steel” beams provide counter-like surfaces for meeting and discussion.

von Hagen Design’s 2017 EuroShop exhibit was designed to provide a respite from the mind-jarring activity of the “show floor”. A set of stair risers inside the “white box” provided a casual conversation area along with refreshments and jazzy live music.

vonHagen & ICT’s unique co-marketing experience in a 7.5m x 14.5m peninsula exhibit at EuroShop generated both interest and business opportunity for these two firms through the compelling design & engaging product displays.

Projected light & shadows of attendees on the front scrim provided an ever-changing kaleidoscope of human shapes integrating with each other and with marketing content.

HP's acquisition of Compaq was one of the industry's most anticipated.  COMDEX 2002 was the debut for the NEW HP.  A simple, direct architecture was established from which HP's bold new advertising images could be displayed.  5 stories that exemplified HP's enterprise wide technology solutions were presented.  Mega-sized graphics banners drove the simple/direct message home that HP is unparalleled in it's enterprise IT solutions.  Workstations allowed for hands-on access to HP's latest innovations in consumer products

This 40’ x 50’ island exhibit for Daiichi-Sankyo’s ASCO exhibit was designed to provide an engaging immersive experience for guests.

UPenn's campus in Philadelphia, PA was transformed with hundreds of multi-colored kites and signage recognizing each of the Universities Schools.

The $3.5 billion "Time to Shine" fund raising campaign culminated with a campus-wide event recognizing the thousands of contributors and the historic accomplishment.

Re-imagining the format for Deutsche Bank’s US Markets strategy meetings were the task where we introduced tiered seating around the curved speakers/discussion platform and rear-projection screen.

A simple brand-driven cyc was hung providing a focus for the discussion topics.

The $400M makeover of Daytona's Speedway included branding opportunities for each of the "Injector" entries.

The entrance to the Florida Hospital injector features a flowing waterfall that represents life and vitality.  This natural motif reoccurs throughout the 20,000 square feet of space, which is themed after the CREATION Health concept.  CREATION Health is an acronym that is centered on eight principles – Choice, Rest, Environment, Activity, Trust in God, Interpersonal relationships, Outlook, and Nutrition – and was created to help people improve their overall well-being and ultimately live a full and complete life.

Once visitors have ascended the stairs or escalator, they are greeted by an overhead tree canopy that transforms the concrete and steel into a truly unique and inviting environment.  The overhead canopy takes fans through each of the four seasons, as well as a starry night sky.

The Florida Hospital injector also features fun and engaging interactive displays in addition to a mist wall to cool fans on warmer days.  Featured in the interactive displays is NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and Florida Hospital ambassador Jamie McMurray.  At the very top of the injector, guests can relax in comfortable seating on a grassy lawn that gives a birds-eye view of the city.

Novo Nordisk's annual IM meeting was held at their North American headquarters in Princeton, NJ.  General sessions as well as breakout sessions and an evening awards dinner were designed, produced and installed.

NBC’s Upfront for the 2012 London Summer Olympics required a transformation of the SNL Studio 8H into a London themed event for 200+ guests.

A 68’ x 20’h. hand painted London city-scape, London street signs, union-jack umbrellas, palace guards, a red carpet entry and London Underground signage were employed to generate a memorable corporate marketing event that exceeded client expectations.

Novo Nordisk's POA II in Copenhagen, Denmark encompassed over 300,000 sq. ft. at the Copenhagen Bella Center.

Interactive sales training activities were developed for each of the five branded and color-coded product environments.  Multiple forms of engagement took place in the dynamic, fluid and open environments.

...this 20' inline exhibit for Jack Morton  presented the unique services and capabilities Jack Morton can deliver through twin vertical plasma displays

Eat, Inc developed Canita, an authentic-natural Aguas Frescas bottled soft drink.  This 10' inline exhibit was created to promote Canita's flavorful taste and refreshing cultural packaging.

Bold graphics drove this design concept as well as the inclusion of a cultural cart that was used to store a cooler and serve refreshing Canita.

Johnson & Johnson's Worldwide Management Conference occupied over 106,000 sq. ft.

The Opening Night reception was immersed in a deep-blue and violet hue with over 30 star-spheres filling the overhead space.  1000 senior managers from over 200 worldwide J&J companies meet for 5 days in Orlando.

- white tension fabric structures were dramatically illuminated with overhead theatrical lighting allowing for an ever evolving interactive atmosphere.

- J&J's business credo was prominently displayed in the center of the Connecting Space.

- a 25' diameter globe and reflecting pool distinguished the space.

- IdeaPods were used for breakout meetings and interactive discussions with over 200 different guest speakers over the 5-day event.  Small, intimate meeting areas were defined to allow for casual conversations and one-on-one meetings.  Meeting content was broken into 4 different business imperatives, each driven by both internal/external speakers and display elements.

- over 3 miles of cable, 1 mile of truss, 240 overhead motors, 400 moving lights, 1000 fixed lights, 36 video projectors, 50 electricians, and 120 stage-hands were required to produce this incredible event that changed J&J's business paradigm.

EDPA (Exhibit Designers & Producers Association) exhibit at the Exhibitor Show focused on the winners of the Student Design Competition held and sponsored by EDPA.  Large arrows directed visitors to the (5) winners of EDPA's '01 Student Design Competition.

Graphic panels promoted EDPA as the industry source for mutual cooperation and promotion.  Cast concrete blocks were used as panel bases contrasting with the graphic panel's finished surface.  Winning student entries were viewable through 9" x 9" square peek-holes.

Trees were a symbolic metaphor for industry grow through mutual cooperation.  Leaf-tags were utilized in place of literature distribution to reduce waste & cost while promoting the use of electronic data transfer.

Confederate Motor's strong visual identity was brought forward at the NY Auto Show.  Three stunning bikes were displayed on recycled tire rubber tiles.

Simple, Bold, Powerful...

Confederate Motor's presence at the LA AutoShow was the first showing of the new retail properties designed by ChrisWendel.  Caravaggio's Renaissance image of David holding the severed head of Goliath floats above a 20' diameter inlay of recycled tire tiles.  Large photo murals provided context and details.

Confederate's new line of clothing and helmets were featured for the first time along with the stunning bikes.

David meets Goliath...

The Exhibitor Show in Las Vegas showcased the latest in display and event technology, as well as innovative new design concepts for tomorrow’s marketing events.

21 event sponsors provided everything from food & drink service to video projection and custom motorcycles for the enjoyment of over 1400 guests in the 18,000 sq. ft. ballroom at Mandalay Bay.

Found playing in a NY subway, Gonzalo Silva's electric bass and vocals provided the perfect atmosphere for musical enjoyment and professional networking.  Rhythm Extreme provided an intense rhythmic interlude that punctuated a terrific 90 minute evening event

Mr. Steam's '04 exhibit at the International Home Builder's Show was punctuated with this BOLD 30' high graphic image and headline.  Steam, sauna & warm towels were displayed in a contemporary spa designed and assembled on site in Las Vegas.  A rich material selection including natural maple, sisal, gray river stones, iridescent glass tile, tempered glass & Ralph Lauren latex paint were used to showcase Mr. Steam's line of fine bathroom products.  A 200 sq. ft. Roman mural punctuated the environment by showcasing the historical use of steam for healing, well-being and relaxation.

Mr. Steam’s 10’ x 20’ inline exhibit at New York’s ICFF show was a hit with its “steamy” HD front projection video and new product displays. A simple/clean display that focuses on the home spa environment.

- maple plywood and 1" diameter dowels hide the projection system

- maple pedestals provide display surfaces for product displays.

The Saphris Launch introduced the medical community to a new antipsychotic medication.  Saphris is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression) in adults, and for bipolar disorder in pediatric patients.

This "connecting area" was designed to educate on the medical history of antipsychotic medications.

Zurich North America was first licensed in the United States on Dec. 17, 1912, becoming one of the first continental European casualty insurers in the United States.

Over the last 100 years in the U.S., Zurich has kept that promise by supporting America in some of its largest endeavors, from insuring the construction of Chicago's Soldier Field in 1924, the first section of the Chicago subway in 1930 and Chicago's 1933 World's Fair to providing the largest portion of insurance for the construction of the Hoover Dam from 1931 to 1936.

To commemorate this 100 year anniversary Zurich NA's corporate headquarters in Schaumburg, IL was re-envisioned to recognize and commemorate this event.

In concert with the Johnson & Johnson Annual Meeting several corporate office graphic installations were installed.

EMAX was the 1st in a family of NEW products that revolutionized the exhibition industry through the use of lightweight alternative materials and manufacturing processes.

I designed a patented fastening system that utilized VELCRO to allow for VERY simple, FAST assembly.  Reducing assembly times by as much as 60%.

The weight of EMAX component parts was reduced by over 50% generating significant savings in shipping, handling, and drayage costs.

- design recognition was received from both IDSA & iF

- the fastening system received both US and International patents

The patented use of a simple right triangle module was KEY in the design of DEXZ allowing for multiple configurations to be assembled from only a few basic components.  To speed field assembly and facilitate cost reduction a system of fastening structural beams to columns was employed that eliminated the use of nuts, bolts, and washers.

... only 1 tool is required to assemble DEXZ, a simple allen wrench

... an aluminum honeycomb stress-skin floor was used to eliminate the need for floor joists and allowed assembly time to be reduced by as much as 60%

DEXZ was designed and developed to exploit the market's desire for a low cost alternative to the use of custom double decks used in tradeshows.  Structural load specs were exceeded by 15% providing a safe, sound, and stable structure.  DEXZ reduced the weight of a comparable deck by 50%, reduced the number of loose part and pieces by 80%, and reduced assembly time by 40% - 60%.  DEXZ consistently generated 65% gross margins.

The challenge: create a 2.5", double-sided, UL approved graphic light panel that would integrate with the EMAX display system.

Delivered - Patented - Success!!