As a Managing Director, Steven leads RYA Design Consultancy's New York Office in creating and managing the planning and design of specialty retail and branded retail environments. As a liaison between the owner and the design team, he provides positioning and creative design leadership to interpret retail strategies into integrated design solutions. Steven's design focus is on creating an overall retail experience that connects with consumers on an emotional level and provides visual cues that stimulate them to buy. In addition to his experience in creative design, Steven has an in-depth knowledge in all categories of the retail market and an expertise in research analysis and strategic planning, which guides and supports the clients' vision and translates it into a successful retail environment.

For over 12 years, Steven has been creating dynamic retail experiences for global consumer brands and specialty retail clients such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Kenneth Cole, Mont Blanc, Cartier, Borders Books, Samsonite, TUMI, and World Duty Free. Since joining RYA, Steven's projects have included the design of a new Calvin Klein Underwear store at NorthPark Center in Dallas and the design of a major expansion and renovation of the London Jewelers Americana Manhasset location in Long Island, New York. In addition, he is currently working with Watches of Switzerland in the design and development of a new prototype on Brompton Road with additional locations on Oxford and Bond Streets in London.

His work has received numerous awards including Chain Store Age's 2004 International Store Design award for HCG Shanghai; Chain Store Age's 2004 Retail Store of the Year award for Samsonite multi-brand store; PAVE's 2004 gold metal for Cartier Fifth Avenue flagship; ISP/VM+SD 2001 Best Specialty Design for World Duty Free; and Proctor & Gamble 2001 and 2002 Award of Excellence.

Before joining RYA, Steven was a Design Associate and Director of Projects at GRID2. After receiving a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Design from Michigan State University and studying Architectural History at the University of London, Steven began his career at Fitzpatrick Design Group.