Deborah Sussman, a great pioneer in our field just passed away yesterday, August 19, 2014. I was first introduced to the work of Sussman/Prejza in college, and was immediately obsessed! Their worked was consistently referenced by many of my design professors. They are most famously known for their colorful branding and environmental design work for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Other works I’m sure you’ve all seen is the branding for the City of Santa Monica and the Culver City bus systems. And a more recent work of theirs is the yummy green and pink signage and redesign for Grand Park in downtown. Deborah was also one of the original founders of the Los Angeles AIGA chapter, continuing to inspire and mentor others in the field.

I moved out to Los Angeles the summer of 2001. Sussman/Prejza was the first phone call I made as soon as I got out here. I begged and begged for them to interview me or give me a portfolio review even though they had no job openings at the time. I was no where near qualified to work there straight after graduating, and clearly had no environmental design experience under my belt, but the agency was kind enough to give me a portfolio review. Appointment made, palms sweaty, and Deborah walked into the room. My mouth hit the floor. I will never ever forget meeting her.

Thank you, Deborah, for giving me my first professional portfolio review after graduating. I will always be truly grateful. To learn more about her, click here.