A virtual collaborative, Surface is made of designers, product developers, merchandisers, artists, marketers and digital media people. We work in small project teams customized to your needs.
Mary Ellen Putignano
Founder, Multi-Disciplinary Designer
Mary Ellen is a designer and ideologist. Curious by nature, she has a thirst for knowledge, a wide-range of interests and a passion for observing the world around her. She has a desire to contribute to make everyday life fun, engaging and filled with beauty. A prolific designer, she has worked within a broad range of disciplines, across multiple industries.
As a graphic designer, she has created everything from brand identities, advertising and promotional collateral to catalogues, packaging, and environmental designs. She started designing product in the 80’s for modern home retailer, Conrans. As a product designer, she has designed and developed textiles, housewares, fashion, paper goods and youth toys. As an entrepreneur and brand visionary, she has conceived and designed innovative, multi-channeled brand concepts from overall strategic brand positioning and business plan creation to the design, development and marketing of product.
Prior to founding Surface, she was a design leader at Crate and Barrel for 13 years working within the graphic and product development departments. As the first design hire, she established the design department with V.P. Creative Director, Alessandro Franchini, and was instrumental in helping build this highly successful home brand and sister brand, CB2.
1978-80 School of Visual Arts, 1980-82 Syracuse University. BFA
Publications: Print Magazine 1984 Design Award Annual, Metropolis Magazine Dec. 1985 Issue, Graphis Issue 354
Our sister company in Chicago.
Carole Cousin
Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, Trends
A leader in merchandising and management at Crate and Barrel for three decades, Cousin was an integral part of the company's growth and strategic direction. Her critical eye, design aesthetic and keen awareness of trends, competition and the customer were instrumental in constantly moving Crate and Barrel's product forward. Her strengths as a retailer, buyer and merchant are matched by her expertise in product development and sourcing, and maintaining strategic vendor relationships worldwide.
From finding unique housewares product in Europe, Asia and India, to providing advice for product merchandising strategy across multiple channels, she ensures her clients product opportunities are identified, developed and executed — all while taking into account the
related elements of design, customer experience, pricing and margins to achieve category growth. Carole has been selected to the list of “Leading Housewares Executives” in multiple years, and her home has been featured and recognized for design in Chicago Home and Gardens magazine, CS: Chicago Social magazine and Trends magazine.
Innovation happens at the intersection of disciplines” Unknown
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