Visionaries
Wheelhouse
In the hands of Chief Creative Officer Ambert Rodriguez and the team at digital design agency Wheelhouse, creativity transcends mere design; it becomes a force for transformation and innovation. From a creative ethos that rewards curiosity, to embracing cutting edge tools to support their workflow, Wheelhouse pushes the boundaries of what’s possible for small shops. At Wheelhouse, creative success is more than just a deliverable; it’s a transformative journey– that often ends in a Davey Award or two (or 15). Read on to learn how this small but mighty agency is leading the way forward as a Davey Visionary.
The Creative at Wheelhouse
Ambert Rodriguez
Chief Creative Officer,
Wheelhouse
Ambert co-founded design studio Wheelhouse, leveraging over 25 years of expertise in minimalist branding and user experience design. His diverse portfolio covers startups, sports, technology, and hospitality brands, with his designs gaining recognition in multiple publications. He founded Paradox, a design agency that was acquired by Wheelhouse in 2019. An enthusiastic cyclist, Ambert resides in South Florida with his family.
The Creative Ethos at Wheelhouse
For Ambert and the Wheelhouse team, creative success is more than just a deliverable; it’s a transformative journey. At the heart of their ethos lies a commitment to solving client problems with efficiency and effectiveness. At the end of every project, Ambert always asks, “Did we deliver an effective and efficient solution that directly addresses the client’s core needs?” Success is measured in client growth and the enjoyment derived from the creative process itself.
The creative standards at Wheelhouse are as rigorous as they are innovative. Ambert outlines five core values that underpin their work: courage, curiosity, candor, constancy, and a deliberate avoidance of complacency. “We believe complacency and satisfaction stifle exceptional creativity,” he asserts. Each value fuels a culture of exploration, honest communication, and relentless improvement, ensuring that every project pushes boundaries and exceeds expectations.
At Wheelhouse, ideas are not born in a vacuum but nurtured through curiosity and exploration. Ambert emphasizes the importance of maintaining a hunger for learning and embracing accidental creativity. “Curiosity is key,” he explains, highlighting the role of constant exploration in uncovering unexpected inspiration and insights. This deliberate approach, combined with structured processes rooted in deep client understanding, drives the generation of innovative solutions.
The Creative Future at Wheelhouse
Looking ahead, Ambert envisions Wheelhouse as a driving force in shaping the future of branding and design. “We want to be the wheel in the cog that helps craft that momentum,” he says. Beyond traditional avenues, he sees potential in exploring new territories such as developing proprietary intellectual property at the intersection of design and technology. This forward-thinking approach not only leverages their expertise but also fosters internal collaboration and potential profitability for their small agency.
In the quest for innovation, Ambert embraces emerging technologies as essential tools in the creative arsenal. From AI-driven research to cutting-edge design and development platforms like Webflow and Framer, Wheelhouse stays at the forefront of industry trends. “AI facilitates research and strengthens the ideation process,” Ambert explains. By integrating these tools seamlessly into their workflow, Wheelhouse ensures that they stay ahead of the curve while delivering exceptional results for their clients.
In the visionary hands of Ambert Rodriguez, creativity transcends mere design; it becomes a force for transformation and innovation. We want to thank Ambert and the Wheelhouse team for being a Davey Visionary and continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible for small shops.
Are you a visionary creator like Ambert Rodriguez? Enter your projects before the Early Entry Deadline on May 31st, 2024 to receive preferred entry pricing.
Featured Davey Award-Winning Projects
PDL Club by Wheelhouse
2023 Best in Show: Mobile Apps & Sites – Fitness
2023 Gold: Mobile Apps & Sites – Best User Interface
2023 Gold: Mobile Apps & Sites – Best Visual Design, Aesthetic
Shepherd Therapeutics by Wheelhouse
2023 Gold: Websites – Biotechnology
2023 Gold: Websites – Features: Best Use of Animation or Illustration
2023 Gold: Website – Features: Best Web Graphics
2023 Silver: Websites – Pharmaceuticals
2023 Silver: Website – Features: Best Visual Appeal, Aesthetic
F&S Contracting by Wheelhouse
2023 Gold: Websites – Features: Website Redesign