Whitman Emorson is a Toronto-based design studio. We solve complex problems with a human touch. Clients become partners – creative collaborators in a process rooted in research, strategy and critical thinking. We’re a team of designers, strategists, writers, editors and creative thinkers bound by the desire to produce thoughtful and responsive work. We work across sectors and geographies to deliver innovative solutions; communication strategies, brand and visual identities, packaging, signage, books, magazines, exhibitions and more.

  • Yasemin Emory & Whitney Geller Yasemin Emory & Whitney Geller Partners

  • Whitman Emorson was founded by Whitney and Yasemin – long time friends and creative collaborators – in New York in 2011. As entrepreneurial self-starters, they’re driven by the idea that design should support a multiplicity of voices and set out to create a studio to pursue projects of value. Their desire to produce good work and create meaning in the world underpins the studio’s approach and collaborative culture.

  • Jacqueline Lane Jacqueline Lane Executive Creative Director

    Jacqueline brings nearly two decades of experience to Whitman Emorson as Creative Director. She’s worked at some of Canada’s most renowned agencies, including john st., Bruce Mau Design, Jackman and Public Address where she fostered strong relationships working with global brands like GE, Netflix, MGM Studios and SONOS. Her work has been recognized nationally and internationally by D&AD, ADCC, Communication Arts and Applied Arts, and has won Strategy’s AOY. A design educator at heart, Jacqueline teaches at Miami Ad School, where she nurtures the next generation of creatives and brings her infectious enthusiasm and ingenuity to every interaction and project.

  • Hannah Siklos Hannah Siklos Business Director

    A force of positivity and creativity, Hannah brings a proven track record of success and nearly a decade of experience collaborating with leading global brands including Netflix, FIFA, EJ Gallo Wines, and Proctor and Gamble. As Whitman Emorson’s Account Director, Hannah leads complex projects and oversees client services with the personal attention they require. Emboldened by the groundswell of social movements, Hannah is a motivated activist who aims to bring social and environmental consciousness to her work.

  • Emily Charles Emily Charles Director of Finance

    After leaving a career in public accounting, Emily jumped headfirst into the retail world. She ran and operated her own store for over ten years and launched Fashion Truck Canada, the first mobile retail store in Canada. She brings her strategic approach and wealth of knowledge and experience around all things brand and finance to WE, overseeing financial reporting and strategy, as well as internal controls. When Emily’s not problem-solving for us, she’s likely obsessing over a true-crime podcast or kickin’ it with her family.

  • Kristina Ljubanovic Kristina Ljubanovic Strategy Director

    A longtime Whitman Emorson collaborator, focusing on everything from brand visions to wayfinding to magazine writing, Kristina joined as strategy director in 2018. Guided by empathy and her journalistic instincts, she leads the studio’s strategic approach to problem solving. Kristina trained as an architect and journalist, and she continues to teach at George Brown College’s School of Design and write for The Globe and Mail, where she contributed a weekly interior design column for several years.

  • Helaena Pezzano Helaena Pezzano Senior Design Strategist

    Helaena is an experienced strategist driven by solving complex problems through human-centred design. She holds a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Design Strategy and brings a breadth of experience working with some of Canada’s most trusted brands. At Whitman Emorson, Helaena approaches each project as a challenge, thoughtfully weaving research, intuition and storytelling to build meaningful brands and drive their success.

  • Hilary Riem Hilary Riem Account Manager

    With a background in visual arts and a BFA in photography from OCAD University, Hilary’s journey from the gallery halls of Cooper Cole to managing bold creative placemaking projects at MASSIVart has shaped her unique perspective on the commercial art world. She brings this creative sensibility to her role, expertly managing multifaceted projects and client relationships to deliver exceptional results. Hilary is also WE’s resident botanist and Director of New Growth—a title earned by nurturing both the studio’s thriving plant collection and its culture.

  • Grant Irving Grant Irving Senior Designer

    Grant is a senior designer and creative problem solver who has worked at design studios and creative agencies, as an in-house designer and a freelancer. This diverse background enables him to bring tested processes and fresh perspective to a range of design challenges. His belief is that honest collaboration with clients and colleagues is crucial to developing successful solutions that are strategic and on target.

  • Lisa Qin Lisa Qin Senior Designer

    Lisa is a designer who blends visual storytelling with strategic thinking. With a deep curiosity about the people and places around her, she draws inspiration from a wide range of creative mediums and perspectives. She believes in the potential of design to make meaningful impact, and brings an optimistic, thoughtful approach to every project. When she's not designing, she's travelling around the world and seeking out new experiences.

  • Aisling Gogan Aisling Gogan Designer

    Aisling’s experience encompasses artist management and content production across both editorial and commercial projects. Having worked on the client-facing and creative sides of the industry, she brings a well-rounded perspective to design challenges—balancing strategic goals with the creative process. Passionate about the environment and the rhythms of the natural world, she draws inspiration from her surroundings to create thoughtful, intentional work.