Blog Detail
Blog Detail
Blog Detail
Blog Detail
Blog Detail
Blog Detail
Blog Detail
Blog Detail
Blog Detail
May 20, 2026 | By Cateline Quinn
Custom for You – From the
Desk of a Chippenhook
Designer
Every week at Chippenhook, we’re tasked with everything from designing in-case displays for new store openings to creating eye-catching signage that communicates clearly with your customers. No matter the scope, we approach every project with meticulous care and attention to detail. Today, I want to walk you through how our projects move from concept to completion.
As with any project, communication is key. We typically begin with a conference call to align on goals, answer questions, and set the foundation for the process. Most often, we’re provided with brand guidelines that include visual identity, overall aesthetic, and PMS color standards. We’re also usually given inspiration imagery—
anything from a stained glass window that caught a client’s eye to retail layouts they admire. All inspiration is welcome. As a team of creatives, we thrive on using our expertise to bring your vision to life.
After that initial call, we often leave brimming with ideas. Many of us start by sketching concepts to quickly capture those early thoughts for reference. With the growing role of AI in the creative workspace, we may also use it as a brainstorming tool to spark additional ideas. However, we treat it strictly as a conceptual aid—never as a final design solution.
When it’s time to design and engineer our displays and fixtures, we use a 3D modeling program called Autodesk Inventor. This allows us to bring ideas to life while applying our deep knowledge of manufacturing standards and best practices. For example, we follow proven dimensions for ring slots, earring holes, bracelet bars, and even optimal spacing for eyewear displays.
As we prepare designs for presentation, we collaborate closely with our sales and manufacturing teams to select materials from our in-house library. These materials are then replicated in our rendering software, KeyShot, to create highly realistic visuals. At the same time, we send physical material samples to our clients. This ensures that when reviewing renders, they
can also see and feel the true color, texture, and finish in person. While our renderings are highly accurate, viewing conditions can vary greatly between screens and formats, so having tangible samples helps eliminate any uncertainty.
Every design we create is fully custom and tailored to each client. After presenting initial renders, we welcome all feedback. Whether it’s small adjustments, layout changes, or exploring different color options, collaboration is key. As designers, we often say, “You can’t offend us—please share anything you’d like to change.” Your complete satisfaction is always our goal.
Once the design direction is finalized, we move into technical development. We create detailed CAD drawings for our costing team to generate quotes, and then proceed to prototyping. Our in-house project management team works closely with our factories, maintaining constant communication to ensure every detail is executed flawlessly. This includes reviewing prototype photos and addressing any questions before samples are shipped.
Seeing prototypes in person is one of the most exciting parts of the process. There’s something incredibly rewarding about holding a design you’ve developed from concept to reality. We send prototypes to our clients as quickly as possible for review, make any necessary refinements, and then move into full production.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a designer in this industry is seeing your work “in the wild.” Sometimes it happens unexpectedly. I still remember the first time it happened to me—I was on a cruise ship, walked past a shop, and suddenly stopped in my tracks. There it was: a floor-standing watch display I had designed early in my career at Chippenhook. It was a proud moment then, and even after 12 years, that feeling hasn’t faded.
Need a Display?
We specialize in custom retail solutions that drive sales.
