About — Strong Cohen LLC

About Us

Marjorie Cohen Gordon and Tom Strong, founders

Founded in New Haven in 1968 by Tom Strong and Marjorie Cohen, Strong Cohen is a graphic design firm with its main focus on the design of architectural signage, evacuation maps, donor signage, ADA and code required signs, and other custom signage for colleges and universities.

In 1990, Strong Cohen was asked by the Office of the Secretary to establish standards for interior signage at Yale. Strong Cohen presented typefaces and colors to a committee who selected the preferred typeface and colors for interior signage for future buildings and renovations. Since then, Strong Cohen has applied the new standard to custom signage for more than 75 new or renovated buildings at Yale.

Tom Strong, a native New Hampshirite, moved to New Haven to finish his graduate work at the Yale School of Art and Architecture. Unlike his classmates, Tom stayed to work for New Haven architect Charles Moore of MLTW. Shortly thereafter, Tom was offered the job as part time designer at Yale University Press. The balance of Tom’s time was spent developing Strong Cohen with his co-founder Marjorie Cohen, and the rest is history.When he’s not designing or installing signs around New Haven, Tom has spent much of the past 20 years revitalizing the neighborhood where he works. He sits on the board of commissioners for a specially designated district called Chapel West. Additionally, Tom has amassed a collection of Swiss posters, HO scale model trains of Swiss and German types, Braun products (radios, shavers, lighters, small home appliances), National Park Service folders (template by Vignelli), posters designed for Yale and Otl Aicher’s Olympic 1972 posters.Tom’s photography and poster design work portfolio can be viewed here. — Tom Strong, a native New Hampshirite, moved to New Haven to finish his graduate work at the Yale School of Art and Architecture. Unlike his classmates, Tom stayed to work for New Haven architect Charles Moore of MLTW. Shortly thereafter, Tom was offered the job as part time designer at Yale University Press. The balance of Tom’s time was spent developing Strong Cohen with his co-founder Marjorie Cohen, and the rest is history.
When he’s not designing or installing signs around New Haven, Tom has spent much of the past 20 years revitalizing the neighborhood where he works. He sits on the board of commissioners for a specially designated district called Chapel West. Additionally, Tom has amassed a collection of Swiss posters, HO scale model trains of Swiss and German types, Braun products (radios, shavers, lighters, small home appliances), National Park Service folders (template by Vignelli), posters designed for Yale and Otl Aicher’s Olympic 1972 posters.
Tom’s photography and poster design work portfolio can be viewed here.

Daniela Gordon, a New Haven native, migrated south for her undergraduate and graduate work. After eight years practicing business law in South Florida, Daniela returned to Connecticut to assume the role of 50% partner of Strong Cohen to carry on the… — Daniela Gordon, a New Haven native, migrated south for her undergraduate and graduate work. After eight years practicing business law in South Florida, Daniela returned to Connecticut to assume the role of 50% partner of Strong Cohen to carry on the legacy that Marjorie and Tom had built. Daniela brings her business acumen, organization skills, and attention to detail to help ensure the client’s needs and wants of each project are delivered completely and on time.
When not in front of the computer, Daniela is an avid endurance athlete, competing in marathons, half marathons, and triathlons. She also dedicates two weeks per year volunteering for Experience Camps, a free bereavement camp for children.

Margaret Watkins has been graphic designer with Strong Cohen since 2013. Margaret’s eye for detail and love for visual design aid in her responsibilities which include updating designs and developing new designs for signage jobs, such as ADA complia… — Margaret Watkins has been graphic designer with Strong Cohen since 2013. Margaret’s eye for detail and love for visual design aid in her responsibilities which include updating designs and developing new designs for signage jobs, such as ADA compliant and other architectural signs, as well as working to produce promotional material and other design projects for various clients and businesses, majorly within Yale University and the New Haven area. Other work duties include attending and assisting in on-site preparation and installation of final signage products, maintaining communication with and working directly with clients, and managing project schedules to ensure timely deliverables through project completion.
When not at the office, Margaret enjoys drawing, antiquing, and keeping her houseplants alive.