G&A Continues Expansion with Key Leadership Additions to Design and Media Teams

Jun. 03, 2024

Following the recent expansion of its design leadership team, interdisciplinary experience design studio G&A welcomes Senior Exhibit Design Director Juanita Wichienkuer, Director of Film and Linear Media Jason Salo and Director of Media Production Ashley Phillips. With experience ranging from sustainable design to production and film, each will play an important role in furthering G&A’s unwavering commitment to craft – designing transformative experiences for museums, brands and cultural attractions.

Juanita is an award-winning architect and exhibit designer with broad experience in sustainability as well as building and construction project management. She has worked for well-known firms like Ralph Appelbaum Associates – leading exhibit design for the History Galleries at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture – and most recently as the Head of Exhibit Design for Smithsonian Exhibits. Juanita has also applied her skills in the hospitality space as the Director of Architecture & Interiors for Atelier Ace / Ace Hotel. At G&A, this unique perspective will be invaluable in understanding changing visitor needs and evolving the studio's use of materiality and composition within exhibits.

Meanwhile, Jason brings 20 years of experience in creative production, working on national and international campaigns for renowned companies like The Mill. With experience in broadcast, commercial, experiential, episodic and social content creation and production, Jason provides G&A with a hands-on Creative Director and mentor who can concept films and develop ambitious creative ideas, shepherding them into reality. Most notably, this was integral to his work for Microsoft – leading hardware and software systems, team planning and creative direction, as well as client management and growth.

Lastly, Ashley is a dynamic producer with a background spanning experiential marketing, interactive production, live events, motion graphics and VFX. Previously, she spearheaded the expansion of Australia-based technology studio Zebrar into the United States and global markets, optimized post-production processes across VFX and experiential at The Mill, and produced award-winning AI activations for IBM at the US Open. At G&A, she will champion their creative approach, inspiring passion and empowering teams toward shared objectives.

Each will work hand-in-hand with G&A’s Josh Gallagher, who has also been promoted to Managing Director, further strengthening the focus on the connection between the craft of design and the business of design.

For G&A, each new addition represents a continued refinement of their capabilities and ambitions.

G&A CEO Scott Wickstrom explained:

"Our purpose is to create experiences that transform lives and Juanita, Jason and Ashley all have strong visions of how to execute on that purpose. These are creative leaders that also possess a growth mindset, built on the foundation of personal humility and curiosity. That makes me very excited for G&A's future."