The Robert &
Ruth Vogele Collection

In 1958, Vogele opened Robert Vogele Designs. Founded squarely on the belief that good design was good for business, the firm offered a multitude of services including advertising, packaging, branding and industrial design all under one roof. Unlike his contemporaries, the firm was a one-stop-shop for developing corporate identity with an emphasis on business marketing. Creativity flourished in the years that followed, and in 1967, embracing a business-forward approach, the firm officially changed its name to Robert Vogele Incorporated. In 1969, IBM hired RVI to develop the marketing plan for leasing their new (and struggling) building at One IBM Plaza. Instead, Vogele presented a business plan, a risky proposal suggesting that IBM cover design and furnishing costs for tenants, which paid off tenfold and resulted in a lasting partnership. 

In 1982, ready to embark on a new adventure, Vogele laid the foundation for what was to become VSA partners with his son Bruce, Ted Stoik and later Dana Arnet. VSA garnered national attention for their award winning designs and Vogele’s unique management style. Taking a behind-the-scenes approach, Vogele challenged his designers to think creatively and was quick to recognize and nurture talent in his employees. He emphasized working collectively and taking risks, and when a challenge presented itself, he would say “Let’s try it. It may be out on a limb, but we may grow from here.” Vogele retired in 2002, but his impact on design is still felt to this day. Challenging the traditional definition of a designer, Vogele lived by the following adage, “To design a life is to find what you believe in, what you aspire to be and what you want your legacy to be…a life in design.”