As HDG President and CEO, I am constantly inspired by how our work transcends traditional design — it becomes a powerful medium for community storytelling. In our view, “storytelling at scale” means creating environments that are not just visually appealing, but also serve as dynamic canvases where communities can share, celebrate, and evolve their unique narratives.
Every community, whether an entire city, a playground or multifamily development has its own rich tapestry of history, culture, and dreams. When we design a park, a public square, or a revitalized urban space, we aren’t simply constructing a physical area; we are setting the stage for life’s myriad moments to unfold. I firmly believe that every bench, pathway, and green space can become a catalyst for conversation—a place where stories are both remembered and created.
One of our most fulfilling projects would have to be The Children’s Garden of The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. Now celebrating their 20th year, this vibrant, four-acre outdoor play space has invited children and their families to explore, imagine, and connect with nature through hands-on play that fosters a lifelong love of the outdoors. From design development to construction documentation, our objective was to provide a place for shared experiences and memory-making through interaction with the natural world. Now, some of the children who played in the garden when it was new bring their own kids. We can only imagine the wealth of family and community stories that have been come to life as a result of these experiences.
I firmly believe that every bench, pathway, and green space can become a catalyst for conversation — a place where stories are both remembered and created.
Sustainability is another pillar that supports our storytelling philosophy. In our projects, ecological stewardship goes hand in hand with narrative creation. By preserving natural elements and incorporating green infrastructure, we honor the story of the land itself — a story that spans generations and connects us to a larger natural heritage. Whether it’s a native garden that highlights native planings or water features that mirror a region’s historical relationship with nature, every design choice contributes to an overarching narrative of respect, resilience, and renewal.
In today’s digital age, the physical spaces where community stories are told may seem undervalued. However, I believe that real-world interactions are irreplaceable. The landscapes we create offer more than just aesthetic value, they provide an enduring stage for the evolving stories of everyday life. As residents gather, interact, and celebrate within these thoughtfully designed spaces, they contribute to an ongoing, communal narrative that no online platform can replicate.
I am immensely proud of our firm’s commitment to this vision. Each project we undertake is an opportunity to empower communities, to give them a tangible backdrop against which their lives unfold. Storytelling at Scale is not merely a slogan — It is our commitment to nurturing environments where the voices of communities can be heard, celebrated, and carried forward into the future. In every project, I see the potential for a new chapter in the collective story of our society — a story that is as enduring as the landscapes we create.
If you’re looking for a partner who can help set the stage for your community’s story — at any scale — we’d love to connect.
Bill Inman | President & CEO
Bill Inman has been a driving force at Hitchcock Design Group for 35 years. Since late 2018, Bill has been at the helm of Hitchcock Design Group as its second-generation President, CEO, and Board Chair. As President, Bill is responsible for the oversight of the Corporate Team, including HDG’s Corporate Controller & Business Manager, Corporate Vice President, Operations Vice President and Human Resources Specialist, in addition to the day-to-day general management of the firm’s operations. As CEO, Bill is responsible for creating, navigating and executing the firm’s strategic trajectory, crafting and executing the firm’s annual business plans and corporate budgets, and forming and communicating corporate policies. As Board Chair, Bill manages corporate governance, Board operations, committee appointments and Shareholder matters.
