The team at Griflan officially joined the Architect ranks back in March of this year. Hailing from Philly, PA, Griflan is a lean yet well-rounded collective of design and development dynamite. As a newer addition to the Architect community, I wanted to know more about their formation, beer palette, and process. This was the result:
How was Griflan formed and what was the inspiration behind doing so?
Griflan was formed when two designers, Ari Kaplan and Ron Griffel, broke off from the traditional agency setting to venture out on their own. Ari and Ron created Griflan in 2012 and formally incorporated in 2013, quickly adding to the team Justin Lerner (Interactive), Alex Mazzucca (Interactive) and Kristin Byers (Sales).
The inspiration to form Griflan stemmed from the belief that more rewarding work could be achieved when designers have direct access to clients and vice versa, rather than the traditional project management system.
Can you expand on your design process? How does the team collaborate?
Our design process is simple. First, we ask. We listen. We survey the landscape, deliberately seeking inspiration, and gathering data. At the intersection of inspiration, innovation, and research, we draw up blueprints. Joining our plans with your input, we refine our formula: isolate the essentials and amplify.
Whatever the medium or format, we always forge a structure that brings our work's caliber and integrity to light. After careful review and testing, we give flight to your project and introduce it to the world. Then, we shake hands and celebrate a job well done. Cheers for beers!
Speaking of "Cheers for Beers!", any favorite brews among the crew?
The Griflan team can appreciate beers in all categories from a rich Belgian Duval to the run-of-the-mill Budweiser.
What is the most interesting project you've done to date?
We created a compelling infographic for Google Fiber to bring valuable information to millions of people and, ultimately, to explain why Atlanta should gain access to the ultra-fast broadband service. Our infographic went viral within days, being reposted to over 25 sites.
What is Griflan, collectively, passionate about?
Our passion lies in the design, from websites and apps to traditional branding and marketing. Design is a users first impression and first impressions are imperative in markets where you have 3 seconds to win over a client or customer.
Sketch or Photoshop?
Photoshop all the way. It’s simple and beautiful.
