Joseph T. Connell

If you grew up in Rockford, IL in the 1970’s and 80’s, chances are someone you knew designed or made industrial tools. This prevalence of drafters, designers, and industrial workers led Joe to receive some old triangles and a T-square from a neighbor, and he spent many hours of his youth drafting in his basement. All this practice allowed him to hone his skills from an early age, leading to a professional internship in high school.

This firm where he interned specialized in designing places of worship, which formed the basis for his human-centric design philosophy. He learned that design encompasses an expansive definition beyond aesthetics, most notably how space and structures can reflect the activity and aspirations of users. It is here that Joe learned how to create spaces that resonate.

Today, Joe knows every environment – whether an office space, hospital, or school – must honor and dignify its users.