Gary Radin, 52, is the principal of the experience design company GMRdesign. He's based in Philadelphia.
How I got here:
My design interests started at a very early age when I began building elaborate dimensional streetscapes out of cardboard boxes recycled from a family business warehouse. At age 10, I helped design our family's custom home and began to spend endless hours working on sets for the local theater. My first paying job was at age 13, working for a recognized architectural model maker and then progressing with many other creative adventures prior to any formal design education.
I went on to receive a Bachelor of Interior Design degree with a concentration in architecture from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. The bridge to my professional career was an invitation to be the creative director for an international cosmetic company. I guided the brand through marketing campaigns, international conventions, and special events.
My experiential design focus continued to expand with specialties in production design, art direction, interior design, theater, and graphics, playing integral roles in the management and successful growth of three creative service companies. My project work is diverse and includes hundreds of creative solutions for television commercials, cable network shows, corporate meeting and video sets, exhibits, live event staging, and interiors.
Over the years, I have embraced creative and technical roles that range from independent source to contributing partner. This led me to be principal designer for my company, GMRdesign. Members of my teams include colleagues, staff, and professional peers, all very important and recognizable as part of my success. We don't improve, advance, and reach milestones without the help and support of others.
Greatest career accomplishment:
For a 15-year run and counting, working on a world-class event with an amazing team to produce the Philadelphia Flower Show, an international event now in its 194th consecutive year. I’ve enjoyed the privilege of being a lead design partner, bringing innovative ideas and expanding artful practices to elevate the guest experience of this unique and prestigious horticultural, public event. It is attended annually by 250,000 people.
Elaborate garden and floral design environments, along with activations and immersive, theatrical features, have won more than 100 awards. The show is twice recognized as "Best Event in the World" by the International Festival and Events Association as well as "Best of the Decade" by BizBash for two unique years. It is very exciting and nourishing to have the opportunity year after year to grow with a project and evolve the approach to design.
A specific improvement I’ve made:
Someone once said to me, “Sharing is caring.” I am a big believer in sharing knowledge and ideas. My designs are just that—ideas [with] no one winning solution in the work. Being open to others—listening, engaging, and helping—brings rich rewards to all.
I’ve had countless conversations mentoring artists and designers who are trying to find their own way and make a life, and a living, in creative endeavors. Not everyone has a business brain to match their creative one. I am fortunate to have this balance, and always share all that I know about "making it" in a creative industry.
The biggest change I've observed in the industry:
Technology! Over the past three decades, I have witnessed a number of shifts in how we create events and experiences related to all types of production design. These changes are evident in the way we design and visualize as well as build and execute. What was once a business driven by hard scenery and very elaborate structures that could fill many tractor-trailers, has scaled back and morphed into smaller footprints of modern technology.
Projection, lighting, and printed soft goods have dominated in recent years to [have] a smaller carbon footprint and be a more economical approach to versatility. The tools we use to design have also advanced from hand drawing to sophisticated computer modeling.
And, of course, the pandemic has just made a huge impact on entertainment and events. We are now evolving to a new future that we can revisit in some years to come.
What I do outside of work:
I’ve enjoyed being a guest speaker and critic at numerous design schools. Philanthropic support and volunteer projects with community impact have given me a meaningful work-life balance. I am the founder of a nonprofit and author/editor of two books.
Travel and the arts are also my passions and feed my soul. I take every chance I get to experience a world of culture, cuisine, and creativity. Resting and recharging, along with family and friends, is a top priority—[but] having fun plans or a new experience scheduled on my calendar always gives me something to look forward to.
My No. 1 piece of career advice I'd give my younger self:
No idea is too big. Don’t hold back, and don’t wait. Time marches on, and life does not wait for us—so there is no time to waste. Our humanity and inner voice of fear often stop us by quietly whispering that we may not be good enough or have what it takes. Live every day unabashedly, and take the risk. It surprisingly will pay off!
Connect with Radin on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
Connect x BizBash 15 Over 50 is sponsored by Zoom Events, a comprehensive virtual event platform with the power to create hybrid and virtual event experiences attendees will love. Learn more at events.zoom.us.
