International architecture and planning firm RDC has named Yu Wang D’Arcy as Retail Design Director of its Store Planning work group, enhancing the firm’s capabilities in store design, architectural strategy, and global retail projects, according to a citybiz report.

D’Arcy will oversee design methodology for RDC’s retail clients, guiding the development of in-store experiences, customer journey mapping, and visual communication strategies across multiple locations. The Store Planning work group currently has 15 members and is led by Virginia Maggiore, AIA, Principal-in-Charge.

“With the evolution of retail, brands are looking for more focused on customer experience, sensory elements and operations,” said Maggiore. “Yu will be a valuable team member to our team in providing guidance to our clients around the world. Additionally, she will help us navigate and embrace our client’s use of AI in the design process.”

D’Arcy commented on her appointment, saying, “My fluency in brand identity and merchandising-driven spatial design offers clients insight into store performance and customer experience. I spearhead an interdisciplinary approach to design, celebrating context while navigating the nuances of art, culture, and evolving global trends. These concepts are extremely important for e-commerce companies expanding into traditional brick-and-mortar retail growth.”

D’Arcy brings over a decade of experience in luxury retail design and development, including roles as Associate at Montalba Architects and Design Director at LVMH’s DFS Group. 

Her portfolio spans landmark projects such as Fondaco Galleria in Venice and the La Samaritaine redevelopment in Paris. 

She holds a Master of Architecture from Yale University, a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Michigan.

Explore the full story on Yu Wang D’Arcy’s appointment for further details on RDC’s global retail design strategy and upcoming store planning initiatives.