We recently had the chance to connect with Richard Riley and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Richard, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, something that’s been bringing me a lot of joy outside of work is diving deeper into recording and music composition. It’s been a rewarding creative outlet where I can really lose track of time and experiment with new sounds and ideas. On top of that, Jennie has started working at the beautiful Des Moines Art Center, which has added a whole new layer of inspiration to our lives. Her wok at the gallery and the incredible art she’s surrounded by every day often spark new design ideas for us both, making it a pretty exciting and fulfilling time for both of us.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Jennie and I are design consultants and co-founders of Arc Media, an environmental graphic design firm (signage, sculpture, landmarks) and architectural rendering. We focus on connecting people to the places they inhabit in meaningful and visually engaging ways. At Arc Media, we blend the disciplines of architecture, landscape, and graphic design to shape experiences that are both functional and emotionally resonant. Whether it’s through wayfinding systems, sculptural elements, or landmark signage, our work helps tell the story of a place while guiding and informing those who move through it.
What makes Arc Media unique is our deeply collaborative approach. We work closely with architects, landscape architects, and other creatives throughout the design process, helping to visualize and communicate the shared vision. Our role often involves illustrating complex ideas and bringing them to life in a way that is accessible, impactful, and rooted in the identity of the space. Right now, we’re involved in a range of exciting projects that allow us to explore the intersection of storytelling and place-making, and we’re always looking for new opportunities to create environments that leave a lasting impression.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was an artist and a musician. Like most kids, I started out creative—but unlike many, I never really let it go. My family didn’t place much value on creativity, so it wasn’t exactly encouraged. But I vividly remember a babysitter we had when I was five or six who brought over an acoustic guitar and played folk songs for my siblings and me. That moment stuck with me. I knew I wanted to make music. I asked for a guitar that Christmas, and while I was crushed to receive a toy version that didn’t even play, the desire never left me. Music became a core part of who I was.
Jennie grew up in Iowa and was always drawn to fashion and design. Her dream from a young age was to move to California to pursue a life in the arts. She’s stayed true to that vision—today she’s not only a talented jewelry designer but also works at the beautiful Des Moines Art Center, continuing to be inspired by the creative world around her. Together, we’ve built a life and a business rooted in the creative passions we’ve carried with us since childhood.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: don’t be so hard on yourself. Set goals, dream big, but give yourself the time and space to grow into who you’re meant to be. When Jennie and I were growing up, we weren’t any good at sports—a common measure of worth in school—and that often made us feel like we didn’t quite fit in. But looking back, I’d tell my younger self that it’s okay not to be good at everything. In fact, not excelling at sports was probably a blessing in disguise—it pushed us toward more creative paths, where we found our true passions and purpose.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Jennie and I are deeply committed to Christianity. God is the ultimate creator and inspiration for creative work
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I feel I understand the creative process in a way that many people overlook (including creatives)—not as something we fully control, but as something larger than ourselves that we tap into. To me, creativity is less about forcing ideas and more about opening ourselves to receive them, as if they already exist out in the world, waiting to be noticed. I see us as conduits, channels through which inspiration flows when we’re willing to listen, observe, and trust the process. This perspective transforms creativity from a struggle into a kind of mystery—an interplay between discipline and surrender—that allows unexpected insights and connections to emerge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arcmediadesign.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-riley-37bb9ab5/
Image Credits
NA. All my personal photos
