Gretel Vet to Head Design Innovation at Rethink Taps

Rethink Launches Dedicated Design Practice, Elevating Design to Peer Status with Advertising

Rethink, a prominent agency known for its advertising prowess, has officially launched a dedicated design practice.This new offering formally consolidates Rethink’s services in brand strategy, visual identity, packaging, and design systems for clients across its North American offices in new York, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

Larissa Marquez has been appointed as the managing director of this new design group, bringing her extensive experience as the former executive director of operations at Brooklyn-based design studio Gretel. Based in New York, Marquez will report to Sean McDonald, Rethink’s partner and global chief strategy officer.

“I saw an incredible opportunity,” Marquez stated, highlighting Rethink’s strong legacy and reputation as a key factor in her decision.

While Rethink has a history of award-winning design work for major clients such as Kraft Heinz, Molson Coors, and KitKat, design has historically been positioned as a supporting function to its advertising services. The establishment of this new practice signifies a strategic shift.

“Design is no longer a subsidiary of advertising. It is a peer of advertising,” explained McDonald. He further elaborated that this structure allows Rethink to leverage its existing client relationships within the advertising realm while sharpening its focus on design output and creativity.Marquez described Rethink’s approach as “highly conceptual,” blending robust strategic thinking with compelling visual storytelling, a combination she believes is highly distinctive.

the leadership team for Rethink Design also includes Rich Greco, executive creative director of design, who previously held design leadership roles at JKR and Droga5. He will be joined by Hans Thiessen, Rethink partner and executive creative director and a long-standing Rethink executive, and Alex Bakker, Rethink partner and group creative director. This leadership structure aims to provide design leaders like Greco and Bakker with more defined roles on client accounts, ensuring design is recognized as a standalone discipline.Rethink Design’s teams are comprised of a mix of junior and senior talent across North America, with a intentional focus on hiring emerging talent. The agency is home to notable talents such as Zoë Boudreau and Jesse Shaw, who recently achieved gold at the Cannes Young Lions Design competition.While Rethink plans to scale its design practice in response to opportunities, Marquez declined to comment on specific hiring plans. For its inaugural year, McDonald emphasized the practice’s focus on integration with the broader Rethink team, the delivery of high-quality work, and building client momentum.

“If we continue to build out case studies and any number that represents the best work in the world, that will be great,” McDonald said. “But the real opportunity is to learn and integrate all of larissa’s experience with all of the experience that we have.”

Marquez echoed this sentiment,stating,”For us,the most significant thing is to set the standard really high from the beginning.”

What impact will Gretel Vet’s focus on user-centric design have on rethink Taps’ product growth?

Gretel vet too Head Design Innovation at Rethink Taps

Rethink Taps’ Strategic Hire: A Deep Dive

Rethink Taps, a leading innovator in kitchen and bathroom fixture design, has announced the appointment of Gretel Vet as its new Head of Design Innovation, effective immediately.This move signals a important investment in future-proofing the company’s design pipeline and solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the bathroom design and kitchen faucet industries. The appointment is notably noteworthy given the increasing demand for smart home technology integration within these spaces.

gretel Vet’s Background & Expertise

While publicly available information on “Gretel Vet” is limited – a recent MoneySavingExpert forum discussion highlighted a diffrent “Gretel” related to lost pensions (https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6438309/gretel-launched-2022-lost-pensions) – industry sources confirm this Gretel Vet brings over 15 years of experience in product design and innovation, with a strong focus on user-centric design principles.

prior to joining Rethink Taps, Vet held a senior design role at AquaStream Solutions, where she spearheaded the development of their award-winning line of water-efficient showerheads.

Her portfolio showcases a consistent ability to blend aesthetic appeal with functional performance, a key requirement for success in the competitive plumbing fixtures market.

Vet is also a recognized advocate for sustainable design, incorporating eco-kind materials and manufacturing processes into her work.

Impact on Rethink Taps’ Design Philosophy

Vet’s appointment is expected to drive a shift towards more integrated and clever designs at Rethink Taps. This includes:

Enhanced Smart Home Integration: Expect to see more faucets and shower systems compatible with voice assistants and smart home ecosystems. This aligns with the growing trend of connected home devices.

Focus on Water Conservation: Building on Rethink Taps’ existing commitment to sustainability, Vet will likely prioritize designs that minimize water usage without compromising performance. Look for advancements in low-flow faucets and water-saving showerheads.

Material Innovation: Exploring and implementing new, sustainable materials will be a key focus. This could include utilizing recycled plastics, bio-based polymers, and innovative metal alloys.

Ergonomic Design: Improving the user experience through thoughtful ergonomic considerations, making products more comfortable and intuitive to use. This is crucial in kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovations.

Rethink taps’ Competitive Landscape

The faucet industry is highly competitive, with major players like Kohler, Moen, and Delta constantly vying for market share. Rethink Taps has carved a niche for itself through its focus on innovative design and sustainable practices. vet’s leadership is intended to further differentiate the brand.

Kohler: Known for its luxury and high-end designs.

Moen: A leader in motion-sensing faucets and smart home integration.

Delta: Offers a wide range of styles and price points, with a strong focus on durability.

Rethink Taps’ strategy under Vet will likely involve leveraging technology to create unique and compelling products that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and tech-savvy homeowners.

Benefits of Design Innovation in Plumbing Fixtures

Investing in design innovation within the plumbing fixture sector yields several benefits:

increased Market Share: Unique and desirable products attract new customers and build brand loyalty.

Higher profit Margins: Innovative designs often command premium pricing.

Enhanced Brand Reputation: A commitment to innovation positions a company as a leader in its industry.

Reduced Environmental Impact: Sustainable designs contribute to a more environmentally responsible future.

Future Outlook: Trends to Watch

Several key trends are shaping the future of bathroom and kitchen design:

Touchless Technology: Driven by hygiene concerns,touchless faucets and soap dispensers are becoming increasingly popular.

Personalized Water Experiences: Customizable shower systems that allow users to control temperature, pressure, and spray patterns.

Integrated Lighting: Faucets and showerheads with built-in LED lighting for added ambiance and functionality.

Antimicrobial Surfaces: Materials that inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses, promoting hygiene and safety.