Ciara Cronin

About Ciara Cronin

The world of communications and storytelling is an incredible source of inspiration to me. Working with talented teams to weave visuals and narratives into compelling stories that connect and engage is tremendously rewarding.\"I\'m a brand architect and communications strategist with two decades of experience building narratives for global design and architecture firms. As Director of Public Relations & Communications at Olson Kundig, I lead strategic communications and brand development—overseeing integrated marketing communications, media relations, content strategy, and digital engagement to translate the firm\'s design ethos into stories that expand recognition, strengthen market position, and support business development.My background spans world-class design brands including innovative Danish furniture brand BoConcept, where I led national marketing strategies, and NYC-based textile design pioneer Chilewich, where I spearheaded global PR and digital campaigns. This breadth of experience—combined with living in Ireland, Germany, London, and New York—gives me a global perspective on brand building and cultural storytelling.I\'m driven by growth and the desire to constantly level up, both for the brands I represent and the teams I lead. Curiosity is at the core of how I approach challenges: I ask questions, explore new strategies, and push beyond what\'s comfortable because stagnation is my worst state. My leadership philosophy centers on building trust, fostering creativity and creating environments where people are empowered to learn, collaborate, and advance their careers.Beyond executing communications strategy, I partner with executive leadership on organizational development, long-term strategic planning, and cross-functional initiatives that strengthen culture and drive business growth. I believe communications leaders must go beyond their function to shape culture, develop high-performing and fulfilled teams, and drive organizational success.Mentorship, Community & Advocacy:I\'m a dedicated mentor through Dublin City University\'s Career Mentoring Program (Mentor of the Year, 2020/21) and serve on DCU\'s Alumni Council and Women\'s Impact Network, supporting next-generation professionals, fellow mentors, and international alumni.As Advisor and National Council member for Madame Architect, I champion women in architecture and design, advocating for diverse, dynamic career paths in our industry.When not working, I volunteer with Seattle Animal Shelter and Best Friends Animal Society—animal advocacy and rescue are causes close to my heart.

Experience

1. Director of Public Relations & Communications

   Olson Kundig

   Feb 2020 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Lead and direct the global communications strategy for the firm, staff, and projects— Collaborate with leadership and external agencies to develop a branding strategy and implementation process. — Create and guide communications content for press releases, media decks, stakeholder interviews, presentations, newsletters, website, and social media— Establish and maintain relationships with media, clients, collaborators, and public relations’ representatives. Act as the primary liaison for firm media inquiries— Develop strategies to secure media coverage and broaden awareness across print, digital, and broadcast media outlets. — Plan and execute significant communications announcements, including project openings, commission wins, book launches, media tours, awards, and more. — Monitor industry trends to modify and reposition communications strategy. — Responsible for the visual documentation of projects comprising over fifty photo and video shoots annually across residential, commercial, cultural, hospitality, and developer markets— Direct written collateral for the firm\'s projects, staff, and culture— Oversee social media strategy to generate compelling stories representing the firm’s work, practice, people, culture, and more— Track engagement across platforms and implement data-driven content tactics accordingly— Manage marketing budget and create in-depth marketing reports for internal stakeholders. — Support staff engagement in industry events, juries, lectures, and panels— Advance a team culture of creativity, collaboration, learning, and mentorship. — Contribute to overall firm leadership through cross-disciplinary initiatives with owners, principals, directors and associates to support the firm’s culture, establish long-term goals and strategies, and create pathways for team growth and career development.

Education

• altMBA

  altMBA

• Dublin City University

  BA, International Business with Languages (German and French)

Skills

• Product Placement
• Market Research
• Linkedin Marketing
• Visual Communication
• B2b
• Twitter
• E-Communications
• Facebook Marketing
• Advertising
• Website Copy
• Hubspot
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Social Media
• Marketing Strategy
• Marketing Photography
• Media List Building
• Product Marketing
• Publicity
• Social Media Marketing
• SEO
• Burrellesluce
• Pinterest Marketing
• Press Releases
• Promotions
• Creative Writing
• Instagram
• Cision
• Architectural Photography
• Marketing Copy
• Management
• Marketing Communications
• Facebook
• Cisionpoint
• Ecommunications
• Haro
• Pinterest
• Press
• Trade Shows
• Webmaster Services