It's been a long road.
Jack Dakin is a designer with experience with some of the most recognized hospitality industry developers. His body of work ranges from graphic branding to interior design and architecture coupled with strong knowledge in project coordination and development. His work reflects a clear conceptual approach in tune with market trends and the client’s strategic objectives, resulting in an excellent success ratio. Based in New York since 1995, originally from Northern California, Jack graduated with a BFA from Parson’s School of Design in 1999. During the completion of his degree, he worked under Serge Becker for three years, gaining invaluable insights on the design and operation of premier nightlife venues. He apprenticed during the creation of Joe’s Pub and the now defunct but famous firm Can Resources. Upon graduation, he relocated to Los Angeles and assisted Sean Macpherson in the creation of the Santa Monica branch of the hugely successful Swinger’s Diner among other Macpherson venues. After one year he returned to New York to assist in the construction of Macpherson’s The Park restaurant in Chelsea.
In 2002, Jack began his own work in graphic and interior design, securing a long-term relationship with Svedka Vodka. Here he produced and coordinated the collateral and print campaign, helping Svedka go from start-up brand to one of the countries most ubiquitous Vodkas. Other work in that span included the branding program for new Socal burger joint The Counter, now with over 20 locations worldwide. His first solo project as nightclub master planner with the opening of Duke & Duchess in the fall of 2004, an immediate underground hit on the New York scene. On the heels of that success, he was called upon to invent the look for Fresh, a high-concept healthy fast-food-franchise chain out of Cincinnati. He also went hands-on, designing and building the venerable skate-punk dive bar, SOFI Lounge in Miami Beach.
In 2006, he was given lead creative role as interior architect and project manager for a 4,000- square-foot bi-level space located on 14th Street in Manhattan, christened Dirty Disco. In its opening review, The New York Times concluded with “…so you better look good when you go.” The club attracted high-level patronage at the edge of the fashionable meat-packing district. Later in 2007, Jack joined Rockwell Group fulltime, creating the concept and heading up the design team for Nobu Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. While at Rockwell, he gained invaluable experience working on large-scope contracts such as the Marina Bay Sands Casino in Singapore and the City of Dreams mega-development in Macao.
2009 brought a string of successes for Dakin and his design work, initially with the launch of Philadelphia mixology pioneer Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co. Later in ’09 came the unveiling of Park restaurant in Dallas Texas, a stunning 7000sqr ft. plus mixed use space boasting a garden, patio, bar, dining room and back lounge. 2010 began with the opening of Capdeville in New Orleans, the first of a number of projects to be designed by Jack this coming year in the big easy. Today, Jack brings together knowledge of design, production and concept development, along with industry contacts and cultural awareness to create projects that are viable, profitable and fun. Currently he is working on a range of projects across the country.
