ABOUT
ABOUT NAPLES DESIGN DISTRICT
OUR HISTORY & FUTURE
The Naples Design District, Southwest Florida’s premier creative quarter, was officially created on March 15, 2018 by founding directors and a steering committee of member businesses. It is defined as the area in Naples, Florida located between 5th Avenue South to 7th Avenue North and the Eastside of US 41 to Goodlette-Frank Road.
With the support of the local government and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which oversees and helps guide private and public initiatives for creating economic development, physical characteristic improvements and investment within the designated CRA districts, the NDD is working towards several initiatives including 1) increased parking and accessibility to businesses 2) district wide beautification and infrastructure efforts geared towards a pedestrian-friendly experience and 3) district signage and identification.
The NDD will continue to evolve with the addition of like minded businesses and residential developments. Guests and residents in the area can visit, shop and dine at a variety of creative businesses ranging from art galleries, consignment shops, restaurants, to interior design shops, floral stores, pet services and hair salons. The NDD is also a hub for people in the design industry to shop for clients at the myriad of home, lighting, furnishing, art and décor showrooms.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
ELIZABETH KURTZ ISBELL
Kurtz Homes Naples / The Collective
Elizabeth Kurtz Isbell, a native Naples resident, gained her Business degree from the University of Central Florida. While working in the Orlando nonprofit sector, she gained experience in building relations and connecting resources to the community and has brought these skills to the Naples area. Elizabeth works for her family business, Kurtz Homes Naples and also serves as a representative of The Collective Naples, a high-end design center in the Naples Design District.
DREW TOWNSEND
Owner, The Naples Studio
Drew is a dynamic leader and visionary, currently serving as the Executive Director and CEO of The Naples Studio. Starting as an intern in 1997, Drew’s dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence led him to acquire the company in 2011. Over the years, Drew has worn many hats within The Naples Studio. From director to producer, executive producer, and even encompassing responsibilities like set design, graphics, and janitorial tasks. Under Drew’s leadership, The Naples Studio has achieved remarkable milestones, including numerous prestigious Telly Awards. His latest triumph includes securing a coveted Gold Telly Award!
Beyond his professional endeavors, Drew finds joy and fulfillment in his personal life. His journey of love and partnership began in 2004 when he married his beloved wife Tammy, who is a respected educator in Collier County. Together, they are the proud parents of two sets of twin boys. Drew’s inquisitive and creative mind doesn’t rest even outside of work. He finds inspiration in tending to their three dogs and engaging in various home projects. From 3D printing to CNC and laser cutting, Drew’s passion for innovation extends far beyond his professional commitments.
RACHAEL D'ERAMO
Rachael brings more than a decade of experience in marketing and development, primarily within the nonprofit sector. Her background includes branding, graphic design and fundraising, with a passion for creating well-organized designs. While Naples, Florida will always be home, she now resides in South Carolina and leads her own creative company.
JACOB KUCINSKI
AC Hotel Marriott
Jacob Kucinski is a recent arrival to Naples. He moved here in June of 2023 to open AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue – and fell right in love with the city that already feels like home.
A decade of hospitality success led Jacob to his current role as opening general manager of Naples’ newest lifestyle hotel. He previously served as general manager of AC Hotel Spartanburg in Upstate South Carolina, where he led a team that consistently ranked in the Top 3 in guest satisfaction scores across the entire AC Hotels brand.
Jacob came into his hospitality career by happy accident. He was working in graphic design but at the behest of a friend took on a part-time job at the front desk of a small hotel. Before long, Jacob had his sights set on becoming general manager by age 30 – a goal ultimately achieved five years early as his initial earn-extra-cash role evolved into positions of increasing responsibility.
Along the way, Jacob has enjoyed recognition ranging from Rookie of the Year while at JHM Hotels to Service Champion of the Year – twice – while with OTO Development (the company that owns/operates AC Hotel Naples).
Away from work, Jacob spends as much time as possible at the beach. He also loves checking out new restaurants, consuming all forms of media, and obsessing over Taylor Swift. He is eager to add the Naples Design District to his list of community service.
OUR GROWTH
MASTER PLAN
To create a blueprint for reimagining this area, Miami-based DPZ CoDesign and the City of Naples’ Community Redevelopment Agency spearheaded a series of charrette sessions in Fall 2021 with residents, retailers, restaurateurs, property owners and other stakeholders.
The Naples Design District has been fully invested in the Master Plan and has communicated our main priorities for our area:
- Maintain the historical/charm of the Naples Design District
- Supportive environment for local businesses
- New policies and incentives to encourage property owners to invest
- While avoiding box stores, banks, national brands