I am a brand strategy analyst and graphic designer with hands-on experience in branding, operating, and scaling a restaurant and cultural space. My work focuses on food and beverage branding, menu design, and spatial experience design informed by architectural training, enabling me to create cohesive brand systems across digital, print, and physical environments.\n\nI collaborate with F&B clients and international teams to develop on-brand creative assets that work within real-world operational constraints. I have a deep understanding of cultural nuances between Eastern and Western markets and a track record of delivering refined, readable brand assets while balancing aesthetics and practicality. I recently founded KIWA Teahouse in Louisville, Kentucky, as a hub for branding, hospitality, and culture, and I am authorized to work in the United States and South Korea.

Soo Young Cho

I am a brand strategy analyst and graphic designer with hands-on experience in branding, operating, and scaling a restaurant and cultural space. My work focuses on food and beverage branding, menu design, and spatial experience design informed by architectural training, enabling me to create cohesive brand systems across digital, print, and physical environments.\n\nI collaborate with F&B clients and international teams to develop on-brand creative assets that work within real-world operational constraints. I have a deep understanding of cultural nuances between Eastern and Western markets and a track record of delivering refined, readable brand assets while balancing aesthetics and practicality. I recently founded KIWA Teahouse in Louisville, Kentucky, as a hub for branding, hospitality, and culture, and I am authorized to work in the United States and South Korea.

Available to hire

I am a brand strategy analyst and graphic designer with hands-on experience in branding, operating, and scaling a restaurant and cultural space. My work focuses on food and beverage branding, menu design, and spatial experience design informed by architectural training, enabling me to create cohesive brand systems across digital, print, and physical environments.\n\nI collaborate with F&B clients and international teams to develop on-brand creative assets that work within real-world operational constraints. I have a deep understanding of cultural nuances between Eastern and Western markets and a track record of delivering refined, readable brand assets while balancing aesthetics and practicality. I recently founded KIWA Teahouse in Louisville, Kentucky, as a hub for branding, hospitality, and culture, and I am authorized to work in the United States and South Korea.

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Work Experience

Founder and Creative Director at The Foreigners LLC (dba KIWA Teahouse)
January 1, 2023 - Present
Founded and operated a tea-focused cafe and cultural space, overseeing brand strategy and all creative outputs. Developed a complete brand identity including logo, typography, color systems, and visual language. Designed all menus, seasonal updates, signage, packaging, and in-store graphics. Created promotional materials for events, pop ups, and brand collaborations. Designed social media and digital assets aligned with brand tone and customer experience. Managed print production and vendor coordination to ensure quality and consistency. Balanced aesthetics with operational needs such as readability, durability, and customer flow.
Operations Manager at Pentatonic LLC
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2021
Supported food focused brand and spatial projects for multiple clients. Contributed to menu design, store layout visuals, packaging, and symbolic design elements. Applied strong spatial awareness to align brand storytelling with physical environments.
Senior Analyst, Real Estate and Infrastructure Advisory at KPMG Korea, Samjong KPMG
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021
Participated in feasibility studies, cash flow analysis, and development strategy for major infrastructure and real estate projects. Collaborated with multinational stakeholders and government related assignments. Supported data driven decision making for large scale developments.
Design Team, Development Support Team at Hanwha Engineering and Construction
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2020
Contributed to early planning and design support for resort and residential projects. Supported design coordination for penthouse units and resort components. Reviewed feasibility, development workflows, and financial modeling.

Education

Master of Architecture at Korea University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2017
Bachelor of Architecture at Korea University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2015

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Real Estate & Construction, Professional Services, Retail, Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality