Tender Creative

After earning dual undergraduate degrees in Engineering, Dean spent several years as a consultant for Andersen Consulting. In 1998, Dean shifted his focus to architecture and received his Master's degree from Columbia University's forward-thinking GSAPP program. His studies allowed him to extensively explore digital media leading to the founding of experimental studio KDLAB. While creating award-winning films, exhibitions, and websites through KDLAB, Dean maintained his connection to academia by holding teaching posts at Yale, Columbia, and University of Pennsylvania. In 2006, Dean transitioned his practice into Tender Creative by joining forces with Adam and Cory. Currently, Dean leads the new business and strategy efforts at Tender, and continues to serve as a speaker and juror for a wide range of creative conferences and competitions.

Adam completed Rhode Island School of Design's Graphic Design BFA with a focus on typography and branding, while gaining experience contracting for various interactive agencies. His added training in fine art also yielded nationally awarded photography and silkscreen works, with showings at the Corcoran Museum of Art and various galleries. Upon graduating, Adam gained further experience from a range of digital agencies, and soon used his growing roster of clients to start his first studio in 2004, The Heft Trade. As the studio gained momentum, Adam joined forces with Dean and Cory to form Tender Creative. Adam now leads agency marketing efforts, and continues to provide his award-winning vision to Tender's work.

With an undergraduate degree in Architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology and graduate degree from Columbia University, Cory has pursued a career bridging technology and design fields. Upon completing his studies in 1997, he worked for an internet startup, rising to Vice President of Technology and managing development for a network of sites reaching millions of users. Cory leveraged this digital experience to start his own consultancy developing software and digital projects with artists and architects. In parallel, he maintained teaching and research positions at Columbia University and the Pratt Institute. His work consulting, as well as his academic research, generated several patents in software and building design. In 2006, Cory merged his consulting business with Dean and Adam to form Tender. Today, Cory continues to steer technology innovation at Tender Creative and oversees Tender's growth through new products and partnerships.

Douglas is responsible for the overall management of Tender, ensuring adherence to the firm’s holistic vision across all departments. Douglas leverages his expertise building business solutions, directing creative, and managing teams large and small to drive success in Tender’s work across a wide variety of industries. Before joining Tender, Douglas was Executive Creative Director at Organic and previously spent 9 years as a faculty member at Parsons School of Design, Columbia University, and Pratt Institute.

Louis heads Tender’s technology team in the pursuit of unique solutions on and offline. His deep experience planning, developing, and managing digital platforms guides and strengthens the creation of custom enterprise-level solutions across channels and devices. Previously, Louis managed digital technology development for Sundance Channel, oversaw technology for multiple eCommerce properties, and was partner at a nonprofit-focused web design studio.

Patrick leads Tender’s account management team, guiding key client engagements with a focus on brand strategy, workflow efficiency, and client satisfaction. Patrick brings a confluence of diverse experience in design, business development, and account management that has helped propel Tender since joining in 2008. Prior to Tender, he led multidisciplinary creative projects for Smart Design, Arnell Group, and designer Harry Allen.

Matt plays a leading role in Tender’s creative and strategic efforts. His expertise in distilling problems down to their most compelling and fundamental solutions has enabled him and the team to create unexpected and brand-elevating experiences for Tender's clients across industries and channels. Previously, Matt served as a creative lead and has run the gamut of agency titles for shops including BEAM Interactive, JWT, Razorfish, and Toth.