DALLAS (JULY 20, 2004) --- RYA is pleased to announce that Chris Roberts has been promoted to Partner. Roberts joins Partners Tom Herndon, Mike Wilkins, and Kevin Roche as a member of the Executive Management Team, ensuring the success of the firm's vision and future development through its leadership. "For the past ten years, Chris Roberts has been a key player in leading RYA's success, overseeing every aspect of the firm's business. We are pleased to recognize his contributions through this much-deserved promotion," said Tom Herndon, CEO and Partner.

Joining RYA in 1993 as Controller, Roberts brought his consulting-based business experience to the business of retail design. During his tenure at RYA, Roberts was promoted first to Director of Finance and Administration and then later to Chief Financial Officer, his current position. Along the way, Roberts has continually accumulated responsibilities in addition to his fiscal duties, managing the firm's Administrative and Human Resource departments as well as directing the day-to-day business operations.

As RYA's Chief Financial Officer, Roberts blends his skills in financial analysis and business administration, supporting RYA's project teams in their goal to provide the most productive and cost effective service possible to their clients. Roberts is closely involved in all projects from organizing teams, to coaching in the art of project management, to interacting with clients.

He ensures RYA maintains the financial stability and resources necessary to deliver the highest quality design product in the industry. Roberts received a bachelor's degree in Accounting from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, and received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. He has over 15 years experience as a CPA.

With 40 years of experience in retail design and store planning, RYA has created over 35 million square feet of prime retail space, and continues to focus on delivering high concept and creatively excellent design. The award-winning firm has served many of the finest department and specialty stores worldwide including Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Almacenes Paris, Parkson Group; El Puerto de Liverpool, Hudson's Bay, Holt Renfrew, David Jones, Tiffany & Co., bebe stores, inc., and Fossil. Award-winning projects include CHAIN STORE AGE Retail Store of the Year 2004 First Place and ISP/VM+SD Award of Merit for Bailey Banks & Biddle – Houston, Texas and Almacenes Paris – Santiago, Chile; NASFM and SADI 2004 Outstanding Merit for El Puerto de Liverpool – Guadalajara, Mexico; ISP/VM+SD First Place Specialty Department Store 2001 for Neiman Marcus International Plaza – Tampa, Florida and ISP/VM+SD Store of the Year 2000 and NASFM Grand Prize 2001 for David Jones – Adelaide, South Australia.