University of Cincinnati, College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning

Partner, Alternatives 2D/3D

- Industrial designer, inventor, entrepreneur and partner at Alternatives, NYC •Mark graduated from the five-year co-op program of the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Design.Two years after graduation, Mark joined his graphic designer wife, Julie Koch-Beinke, in starting an agency called Alternatives and working with companies to maximize their brand image across all forms of media. Alternatives’ work has encompassed award winning and business building projects ranging from branding programs for some of the most successful U.S. and International companies, to designing exhibitions, websites, multi-media projects, advertising, publications, commercial interiors and products. Current clients include companies as diverse as the American Red Cross, DrPepper Snapple Group, the Internal Revenue Service, Kiss My Face, the BBC and many others.In addition owning Alternatives, Mark and Julie have had entrepreneurial experiences that include starting a jewelry business selling to high-end fashion stores and museums, a fashion company promoting social and environmental responsibility in the surf, skate and snowboard market, a sports eyewear accessory business, an eyewear design and manufacturing company which sold to Neiman Marcus and high-end optical stores and a real estate investment company. They also have developed, patented and manufactured products for companies including the Gap and Old Navy as well as on-going projects in healthcare and other fields.Mark holds 5 U.S. patents, has served on the Board of Directors and as a Trustee of the Life Sciences Foundation and on the Board of Directors and as a Trustee of the Asperger Foundation International and is a member of the Dean’s Leadership Committee at the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning.

Mark Koch