Studio
An independent design house, building experiences brands can feel.
Founded in 1989 by Denny Gerdeman and Elle Chute in Westerville, Ohio. Thirty-plus years and 200-plus awards later, we still design like a studio that answers only to the work.
Independent
Founder-led and self-directed. While peers were absorbed into holding groups, we kept our point of view.
Specialist
Three decades focused on one thing: physical experiences for retail and restaurant brands.
End to end
We own the whole experience, from the first insight to the final fixture across every market.
Leadership
Meet the teamAdam Limbach
Chief Executive Officer
Wendy Johnson
Chief Creative Officer
Brian Shafley
Strategy Principal
Now part of ASG.
We joined Asset Strategies Group in 2024, gaining scale while keeping the independent, specialist voice our clients hire us for.
Frequently asked questions
What does Chute Gerdeman do?
Chute Gerdeman is a retail and restaurant experience-design firm. It designs physical brand experiences and store environments, covering brand strategy, environmental branding, store and restaurant design, wayfinding and signage, and rollout across multiple locations.
Where is Chute Gerdeman based?
Chute Gerdeman is based in Westerville, Ohio, in the Columbus metro area, at 501 West Schrock Rd, Ste 201. It works with clients across the United States.
How long has Chute Gerdeman been in business?
Chute Gerdeman was founded in 1989 by Denny Gerdeman and Elle Chute. It has been an independent, founder-led studio for more than 30 years.
What industries does Chute Gerdeman design for?
Chute Gerdeman designs for retail, restaurant, grocery and convenience brands, plus flagship and brand environments. Clients have included Verizon, FAO Schwarz, M&M’s World, Wendy’s, Krispy Kreme and Lilly Pulitzer.
Is Chute Gerdeman independent?
Yes. Chute Gerdeman is independent and founder-led. While many design peers were absorbed into holding companies, Chute Gerdeman has remained self-directed.