Lindy Nolen has built a reputation as an innovative leader in the retail industry, with expertise that bridges design, strategy and sustainability. As director of retail experience at The Bernard Group, she guides the development of dynamic retail solutions that help global brands strengthen customer connections while advancing environmentally responsible practices. Her work is characterized by an ability to balance creativity with business strategy, delivering retail experiences that are both profitable and sustainable. She has led initiatives that rely on groundbreaking materials and resource-conscious processes, setting new standards for how retail environments can meet the needs of both clients and communities.
Ms. Nolen’s academic foundation has been central to her career achievements. She earned a Master of Architecture from the University of Minnesota after completing a Bachelor of Architecture at the same institution. She also holds an associate degree from St. Paul Technical College. Her early studies shaped her design sensibilities and instilled the technical expertise that would support her future career. This comprehensive education allowed her to approach retail design with a blend of artistry and precision, preparing her to meet the demands of a competitive industry and to innovate within it.
Before joining The Bernard Group, Ms. Nolen refined her expertise as design director and senior retail environment designer at PD Instore. In that capacity, she was responsible for developing concepts and environments that redefined customer engagement for well-known brands. Her work not only advanced her own career but also influenced broader industry practices by introducing creative solutions to challenges of space, functionality and brand communication.
A defining moment in her professional journey came earlier in her career when she managed all Benetton stores. This experience represented her first major foray into retail operations and remains a milestone that shaped her approach to design and business. Managing a large portfolio of stores offered her valuable insights into the operational realities of retail, which later informed her ability to develop practical yet forward-thinking retail strategies.
Collaboration has been a central theme throughout Ms. Nolen’s career. She often acknowledges the role of her colleagues and partners in supporting her work and enabling her to achieve ambitious goals. By surrounding herself with talented and motivated individuals, she has fostered a career defined not only by individual accomplishments but also by shared success.
Ms. Nolen’s commitment to professional growth is further reflected in her membership with the American Institute of Graphic Arts, through which she remains engaged in advancing design standards and contributing to dialogue within the creative community. She also extends her talents and energy beyond her professional role through volunteer work at Como Zoo, contributing to community enrichment and demonstrating her dedication to service.
Outside of her career, Ms. Nolen enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, as well as rehabilitating housing properties, a pursuit that allows her to combine design skills with entrepreneurial initiative. These personal interests highlight her ability to merge creativity with practicality in ways that extend beyond her professional focus.
Looking to the future, Ms. Nolen aspires to establish a globally recognized design agency that reimagines the relationship between retailers and customers. With a vision rooted in sustainability, innovation and leadership, she seeks to continue transforming how products and experiences are presented in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Through her leadership, creativity and commitment to sustainability, Ms. Nolen has emerged as a prominent voice in shaping the future of retail environments. Her career reflects a balance of technical knowledge, artistic vision and strategic insight, positioning her as an influential figure in the continued evolution of the industry.