About Me

My name is Vicki Johnston and I'm a freelance Multifamily Product Strategist and Creative Director. I'm passionate about creating places people love, connect with, and are drawn to over the competition.

I founded Bartok Johnston, LLC to provide data-driven creative leadership that bridges the gap between design and strategy. By aligning strategic goals with creative efforts we improve the marketability and performance of our assets.

My methods are grounded in research, allowing me to craft a vision that aligns with the needs of the end user, the surrounding community, and market realities, while always maintaining focus on investor expectations.

Just as a coxswain steers the boat and guides the crew, I steer the efforts of architecture, interior design, landscape, marketing, and leasing teams to ensure every aspect of a project stays aligned with the vision we developed together, so we can:

Create Places People Love.

Why Me?

With a unique blend of expertise in marketing, sales, and real estate development, combined with a strong belief in the power of strategic design to drive financial success, I offer a balanced, full lifecycle perspective that guides projects confidently from conception to completion.

Proactive risk management is at the core of my approach. Aligning the built environment with a narrative that resonates with the target audience makes a project inherently more marketable, in any conditions, giving it the best possible chance of meeting or exceeding investor expectations. And, because a clear team focus simplifies decision-making and gets the job done faster and more accurately the first time, you will ultimately save both time and money.

The case is clear: "Aligned Design" results in increased investor interest, improved return potential, and reduced risk due to enhanced project marketability, and that fosters long-term success, in even the most competitive markets.

Close-Up Of Balls Balancing Against White Background

What I Do

Business Consulting Concept

Set the Strategy

  • Market and Target Audience Research
  • Core Concept Development and Presentation
  • Lead Creative Brainstorming Kick-Off Meeting
  • Issue Clear Team Direction to begin SD
Black chess king piece with a red crown in front of a mirror reflecting a white king piece.

Reflect the Strategy

  • Advise on Unit Mix, Size and Floor Plans
  • Amenity Planning, Tour Path and Models
  • Unit Finishes, Interior Fit-Out and FF&E
  • Develop Creative Briefs for Marketing
rain drop umbrella isolated

Protect the Strategy

  • SD/DD Plan Set Review in BlueBeam 
  • Project Logo and Signage Review
  • Assist with VE Decisions
  • Marketing Strategy and Materials Review
  • Leasing Agent Training
  • Progress Monitoring During Lease Up

Chart the Journey

Step 1:    Conduct a thorough market and competitive analysis to uncover actionable insights that will shape your project’s success from the very start.

Step 2:    Develop a vision tailored to market demands, setting your project apart. This includes creating a draft name and logo to guide the brand identity.

Step 3:    You can take it from here, or I can facilitate a collaborative brainstorming session to ensure all teams are aligned and focused on executing the vision. Together, we refine the direction, securing commitment to the concept and sharpening focus for higher-quality results.

Afterward, we can move to a retainer or project fee to complete any tasks in the Reflect and Protect phases.

Key Takeaway: By maintaining alignment across all teams, the vision is consistently communicated and experienced in the built environment, resonating with end users and driving leasing success.

Traveler woman sitting on canoe with aurora borealis over Spirit Island in Maligne lake at Jasper national park

Course Correct

Stalled Lease Up or Underperforming Asset?

If you're an asset manager or property manager, I’m here to help. I’ll evaluate your current situation, clarify your goal, and provide targeted recommendations to get you back on course. My approach is always mindful of budgetary and operational constraints, ensuring that my solutions are both practical and effective.

Investor Guidance:   

If you’re an investor seeking additional strategic guidance in assessing potential projects or optimizing your next investment, I can assist in evaluating new opportunities and provide strategic guidance to your project developers and their design team partners. This ensures that the development is maximizing its potential and positioned for market success.

Strategic Freelance Support:   

If you're an architect or interior designer, I can step in as an adjunct team member during peak periods or critical phases. My involvement will enhance your efforts by aligning them with a clear strategic vision. I’m flexible and can engage when and how it best supports your team’s needs, ensuring that together we deliver a cohesive and successful project.

Billing Recommendation:
For streamlined budgeting, I recommend billing my services under the architect of record, the marketing budget, and the start-up leasing budget as appropriate.

INTEGRITY 

I say what I mean, mean what I say, and do what I promise.

My work is built on trust and grounded in data, logic, and clear communication.You’ll always know where I stand, and I'm always open to listening and collaboration in order to achieve the best outcomes.

It’s not about who’s right, but what’s right for the project. 

PROJECT PARTNERS

Capital City Real Estate