Commercial Business

Meet Kevin Kelley at ICSC Las Vegas

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Kevin Kelley’s insights firsthand as he presents alongside Bryan Chandler, TSCG, and Gregg Katz, Esri:

The Power of Place, at 1:00 pm PT on Monday May 19th at the Show Floor Theater, Lower Level, South Hall

Kevin’s innovative approach to perception design and his compelling message about the significance of place will inspire new ways of thinking about retail real estate.

Following the presentation, Kevin will be signing copies of Irreplaceable at the Esri Booth (Lower South Hall: 1825W) from 1:45 pm – 2:15pm PT

Don’t miss your chance to purchase a book and deepen your understanding of how to create environments that truly matter.

Unlocking the Power of Place

When it comes to creating memorable, impactful environments, Kevin Kelley stands out as a visionary in the realm of perception and design. As a principal at Shook Kelley—a strategic firm he co-founded over three decades ago—Kevin has dedicated his career to understanding how physical spaces influence human behavior, perception, and decision-making.

About Kevin Kelley

Kevin Kelley’s journey is steeped in the marriage of architecture, business, and science. With two degrees in architecture from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and over 30 years in the field, Kevin has pioneered a unique approach he calls perception design. This method involves delving into the minds of consumers and users to craft environments that resonate on a subconscious level, fostering engagement and loyalty.

Through his work with iconic brands like Harley-Davidson, Whole Foods, and MoMA, as well as with major cities and urban districts, Kevin has demonstrated how strategic design can elevate brand experiences and shape community identity. His expertise lies in developing immersive spaces that not only attract but also connect people—activating the true potential of place.

“Irreplaceable: How to Create Extraordinary Places That Bring People Together”

Kevin’s influential book, Irreplaceable, emphasizes a profound truth: in a world overwhelmed by digital experiences, physical places remain uniquely powerful. The book explores how the essence of a place—its physicality, its history, its cultural significance—can’t be replicated or substituted. In the context of commercial real estate, this insight is invaluable.

Irreplaceable dives into how meaningful, well-designed environments become anchors for communities, brands, and individuals. Kevin argues that by investing in authentic, engaging, and thoughtfully curated places, developers and investors can foster loyalty, increase foot traffic, and create experiences that stand the test of time.

The Power of Place in Retail Real Estate

In today’s evolving landscape, the role of physical space isn’t just about square footage or location—it’s about creating a sense of belonging, identity, and purpose. Kevin’s work underscores that successful real estate projects do more than provide functional space; they craft compelling stories and foster emotional connections that make a place irreplaceable.

This perspective is crucial for urban planners, developers, and commercial property owners striving to differentiate their offerings in competitive markets. By understanding and applying the principles in Irreplaceable, stakeholders can unlock the true value of their investments—transforming places into landmarks of community, culture, and commerce.

In a world craving authenticity and connection, Kevin Kelley’s work reminds us that a place’s true power lies in its ability to create meaningful experiences. For anyone involved in commercial real estate, understanding and harnessing this power isn’t just desirable—it’s essential. As Kevin’s book Irreplaceable demonstrates, the places we invest in have the potential to become enduring symbols of community and culture when approached with perception, purpose, and passion.

We look forward to seeing you at ICSC Vegas!

About the author

I am a 45 year veteran of the retail industry. My career started in the back room of my father’s shoe store. His advice to me when I went to college, “Don’t go into retail”. After 27 years in executive leadership at Target, I now work for Esri. Here, I get to survey the retail industry holistically. I evangelize location intelligence and help retailers unlock the local insights the need to better engage customers, preform local market analysis and make key decision about store and facility optimization. Everything in retail happens in a specific place for a reason. Location intelligence can help you understand that reason.

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