A design firm is only as good as its people; in fact, a dynamic, highly skilled design team is key for developing solid and impactful creative solutions. The energy and passion a great creative team brings to the table is what enables them to take a simple idea to a whole new level and in the process, turn that idea into a top-notch, memorable solution. This is the difference between an individual designer or a mediocre team and a well-matched design team that understands the nature of each project.
Sometimes it starts with a napkin. This isn’t too far from the truth. Designers are capable of doodling on a piece of paper just to get the process started – or the juices flowing if you will; then, run ideas by other members of the team and before you know it, this process turns into a discussion of possible alternatives, exploring various options, mixed with excitement ...and ultimately, arriving with a solution that works.
Here are the key players:
Walter Drexl - Principal + Creative Lead
Walter has been working in the creative industry in various capacities since the mid-80’s. From Austria to Canada, Walter has a history of developing and managing design and branding programs for mid size, national to large, international organizations. He has been instrumental in the creation and development of numerous award winning projects. Each assignment Walter takes on is carefully planned out and executed with precision and attention to detail.
His interest in the business side of the industry and hunger for knowledge about the financial markets, combined with his modern sense for creative and clean designs, are a unique combination and one that surely benefits all of Bausteins’ clients.
Walter refined his design skills for over ten years in Austria before coming to Canada where, in 1995, he joined Mackenzie Investments and rose to the position of Creative Director in due time. He resigned in 2005 to open up his own design and branding agency to provide the same high quality service to a broad range of firms.
His European background is apparent in various aspects of Bausteins’ work. Our designs are modern, clean, organized and linear and as such, are very effective when it comes to communicating information to your customers. Our designers, freelancers, photographers, etc. are carefully selected to be able to live up to – and exceed – our clients’ expectations and deliver on our promise – highest quality solutions and client satisfaction, delivered on time and budget!
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Prasanna Kugananthan (Pras)
Pras is a key member of Baustein’s core creative team. In his position as Design & Technical Director, he takes the lead in the design and development of Interactive and Web based projects for Baustein’s clients. He also maintains a strong presence in print design. Humbly rooted in graphic design for the last ten years, Pras graduated Seneca College with an Advanced Diploma and High Honours in Graphic Design. Since graduating, he has continuously worked and apprenticed with Creative Directors of high calibre: for the creative directors of Azure magazine, Rossignol & Associates and now Baustein Strategic Design Group Inc.
Pras has embraced the modern design aesthetic of corporate design, inherent in all of Baustein’s clients. He has played an integral part in the branding initiative of AFL Investments, enhancing NexGen Financial’s web-based initiatives and brought end-to-end dedication to successful presentations for Bilfinger Berger’s infrastructure investment projects worth several hundred million dollars. Furthermore, it is easy to see hallmarks of today’s design trends and standards compliant solutions practiced in his work. He is continuously learning new software and best-practices to give clients the most creative up-to-date solutions. Further, his past career in the financial sector as a Client Relations Analyst has served him well in understanding the strategies and objectives of our clients.
Pras is also the project manager for ongoing relationships with software companies and programmers who work with Baustein on several web and other screen-based projects such as online calculators, etc.
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Alessandra Cardone
Alessandra brings a broad range of skills as well as international experiences to the team. Over the years, she has worked in the creative industry in numerous capacities all of which directly benefit Baustein’s clients. With a keen interest in business, Alessandra initially attended the Economics and Commerce program at the University of Genova, Italy, before becoming the executive editor and art director for ‘La Dolce Vita’ magazine, where she honed her skills for the following six years. In that role, she learned a great deal about the design industry including project and client management, accounting and – of course – design. In Canada, she attended and graduated with Honours from the Humber College, Media & Information Technology Program with an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design.
Her fine sense for aesthetics and clean, organized approach to layout along with a solid understanding of the business requirements are valuable assets to any of Baustein’s clients. She has been instrumental in the creation of several high-profile marketing and campaign materials. A strong communicator and conceptual thinker, she adds tremendous value to any project and her attention to detail adds refinement to every piece she is working on. In her current role, she is responsible for creating print materials, email blasts and websites.
Alessandra also manages some of our client accounts and deals on a daily basis with several of our client’s in-house marketing teams.
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Audrey Adams
Audrey is the link between your branding and design needs and the pool of services we offer. As Account Manager + Traffic Controller she is responsible for making the initial contact with new clients and providing ongoing support to our existing clients. She is a professional who understands the importance of customer care. Audrey listens to what our clients have to say and determines what sales support or marketing needs they may have and will try her best to answer their questions or connect them to the most appropriate Baustein team member. Audrey is our main client-contact and is responsible for scheduling meetings and making sure all projects are running smoothly and on schedule.
Her friendly, easy-going personality and pleasant telephone manner makes her a favourite among our clients. Please contact her directly at audrey@baustein.ca for any questions you may have.
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