J2 Design Partnership and ex;it Design Strategy (Philadelphia) will be honored with a Creative Economy Award for Distinction in a For-Profit Creative Field by the Arts & Business Council of Greater Philadelphia at an awards celebration on May 13.

As founder of both firms, Alan Jacobson helps organizations of diverse disciplines define their vision and design strategies for growth. Organizational brand strategy, experience design, and placemaking have been the focus of Alan’s research and design passion, applied in areas of education, healthcare, arts, science and technology, development, tourism, and public space.

J2 helps organizations design their next chapter and craft their stories. Strategies define the essence of clients’ brands: who they are and what they stand for. Messaging and communication tools are designed to inform and educate the public and gain support. Brian Jacobson partners as a principal and creative director of J2.

Clients include Brandywine Realty Trust, PHLCVB, Drexel University, Mural Arts Program, Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, Congresso, University of Pennsylvania, Village of Arts and Humanities, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Rutgers University, George Washington University, Independence Visitors Center, University City Science Center, and Memorial Sloane Kettering.

2012 was the inaugural year for the Arts & Business Council’s Creative Economy Award for Distinction in a For-Profit Creative Field. This award strives to recognize a successful business having strong ties to Philadelphia’s creative sector and a unique positioning at the intersection between the arts and business.