“Working with Xan is so much more than just hiring a designer, you are bringing someone in who is going to own that project for you, and see it right through to the end. It’s more fun to work with someone who shares your vision and energy, someone you get along with. One thing Melissa does great is she brings everyone into the project, as a project leader. People are excited, the hugs go out, everyone is part of the team.”
— Josh Wolkon, Restaurateur
“Melissa’s skills go far beyond Designer. Her knowledge of workflow and operations is exceptional when it comes to integrating functionality into design. Melissa is the type of designer that drives the design and the design language hard so that it is very clear to all people involved in the project – from the architect to the trim carpenter – and she gets the best out of people to execute that design. The creative process with her is also really great because she strikes this balance between integrating owner/client’s vision into what she’s doing and she helps to create a comprehensive look. Also, her knowledge of budgeting and cost is fantastic, it’s almost like having an owner’s rep onsite.
Besides all of that, she’s just fun as hell to have on a job site – she brings a sense of humor and energy that is effervescent.”
—Paul Tamburello
Generator Real Estate & Development
“Given a very aggressive timeframe for the new Einstein Bros Bagels and Caribou Coffee Co-brand concept design, Xan Creative was always dedicated and focused on creating an environment that would represent each brand while constantly pushing our comfort zone as individual brand designers. The end result is a deliberate union of two strong environments (breakfast stop and coffee shop) in a contemporary but warm and inviting new customer experience. I would like to thank Melissa and Dana directly for their incredible design sense, patience and always personable sense of humor that kept the stressful and steadfast process enjoyable from start to finish. The new Coffee & Bagels locations are going to be a huge success and it starts with the strength of the alluring and beautifully smart store design! Thank you!”
— Leslie Haver
Senior Director Store Design, Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bros Bagels
“Calling Melissa just a designer is selling her short. Melissa and the Xan team are the same kind of passionate artisans that we are as cooks. They understand the significance of every detail – they share your passion. Xan becomes a partner who can stand in your shoes but ultimately take the project to a level you can’t achieve on your own. Their experience gives them the depth and expertise to show what you can do and, when necessary, explain why you can’t or shouldn’t do something. From design, digital rendering of the space, materials selection and procurement, to project coordination, permitting oversight, budget management and space branding Xan truly becomes a partner in your total project. Perhaps most importantly, after having built 2 restaurants with Xan – the projects were on budget, on time and our visions became award-winning realities.”
— Keegan Gerhard, Celebrity Chef & Restaurateur
