BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT : Engine7Design

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT :: Engine7Design :: 291 River Street

What does firefighting and design services have in common? Both fields require a service-first approach, the ability to problem solve, quick thinking for alternative solutions and an understanding of the structures of the field. The results of effort invested shows immediately. Tim Nerney applies these values into every aspect of his life, as the owner/operator of Engine7Design and as a volunteer firefighter. Success in either field does not come easy nor without hard work.

Originally from Loudonville, NY, Tim is from a family of career firefighters but was also the “artsy” kid. He excelled in art, in high school, then headed to the former Junior College of Albany (now Russell Sage College) and finishing his degree at The College of Saint Rose. Tim took a wide range of courses at the junior college, including painting, drawing, sculpture and color theory. After his transfer to The College of Saint Rose, he immersed himself in their Graphic Design program, learning about the history and foundation of design from concept to production. While still finishing his studies, he was hired by the small marketing firm Rueckert & Shanley in Colonie. Over the next five years, he moved up into the role of Art Director. From there, Tim spent a few years as an art director in the dot-com world before spending 8 years as an Art Director at Media Logic where he gained valuable big-agency experience.

With the economic downtown of 2008, Tim was on his own. Being a problem solver and having the years of knowledge and tools from well established ad agencies, he took a calculated leap and dispatched his own studio. Engine7Design was born, named in homage to his fire fighting background and family. Because of his previous clients and connections, Tim immediately took on assignments with Albany Medical Center. He owes their trust and those projects in securing the start of his design studio and services. E7 was a home studio in Brunswick for five years, until Tim decided to look for a commercial space. He was familiar with Downtown Troy and saw the potential and creative growth in the area. Six years ago, Engine7Design opened at 291 River St. Although the space is small and tucked away on the third floor, Tim wanted a space that was eclectic and inspiring; a design playground. He created an industrial chic studio space with branded colors, factory lighting and all the cool things you’d expect and maybe not expect in a full-service design studio. His clients are always impressed when they visit.

Engine7Design specializes in branding and design, advertising, websites, interior spaces, packaging and more. E7 works with clients of all sizes, from start-up businesses to large corporations. Tim has also taught at The College of Saint Rose and works as a consult for larger agencies, adding his fresh approach for specific projects. He has brought on interns and former students to give them some of their first work out of school. “Giving my students and interns real-life experience helps prepare them for the mean streets of the creative profession.”, Tim adds.

Engine7Design works with a diverse range of clients in addition to having a style, in what Tim describes as a little edgy, and pushing the boundaries when appropriate. Past favorite projects include the food and beverage industry and related branding and design. Pharmaceutical projects, while interesting, can be a bit more challenging due to various regulations. What is consistent is the knowledge, care and quality of the service. Working as a small design studio, Tim takes great pride in the ability to offer a client his full attention. All clients deserve a proper design process and Engine7Design is excited to provide it.

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