Neoteric Building

Neoteric is an old word...

... that means comtemporary, new, or modern. It's also a description of our style: we do great work, with honesty and integrity. Our style is clear and jargon free. We help our clients focus on the needs of their customers, as well as clarify the business goals of their projects. We’ve provided web services to businesses and organizations in the Chicagoland area since 1999. We’re a Chicago company, with mid-western values.

Nicholas Gracilla, Principal

Nicholas Gracilla - Principal
Semi-Interesting Facts

I'm a marathoner and half-ironman athlete on my good years

I'm a fairly accomplished cook

I've studied French, German, and currently Spanish

Nick started Neoteric Design in the late 90's: his mission is to improve online user experiences. He serves as lead developer, art director, and project strategist. He continues his professional development through seminars, conferences, and associations, and trains in new web frameworks such as Ruby on Rails. He has had a number of speaking engagements on topics regarding website redesign, usability, and effective marketing copywriting, and is actively engaged in Chicagoland business and entrepreneurial networks. Nick received his Master’s from Northwestern University’s Department of Philosophy after graduating magna cum laude from Denison University, with Batchelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Philosophy.


Edward Blake, Designer

Edward Blake - Designer
Semi-Interesting Facts

I'm planning on cutting my hair for Locks of Love at 10"

I'm a civil war and WWII history buff

My elementary school was "Mount Jumbo" in Montana

Edward has worked as an assistant editor in Los Angeles for a number of television networks including MTV, VH1 and ABC. Before moving to LA, he received his BA from the University of Minnesota in Studio Arts, and his BFA from the Interactive Media Design Program at Illinois Institute of Art Chicago. He is an integral part of Urban Initiatives, a Chicago non-profit outreach program for children in underserved communities.


Travis Mandrell, User Experience Designer

Travis Mandrell - User Experience Designer
Semi-Interesting Facts

I moved from Arizona to Chicago with a 500lb. Hammond B3 Organ

I was married in June of 2007

To me, the difference between vinyl and CDs is clearly audible

Travis is active in many areas of user experience design including client training and support, interface research and implementation, design markup, information architecture, and content management software implementation. Travis received a BA in piano performance from Northern Arizona University and will receive a MS in Human-Computer Interaction from DePaul University in May 2008. In addition to his work at Neoteric, Travis performs regularly with several musical groups and teaches voice and piano at the Paul Green School of Rock Music in Highwood, Illinois.


Sonia Yoon, Designer

Sonia Yoon - Designer
Semi-Interesting Facts

11 years ago, a 2 ton tree fell on my car during a tornado, diverting my west-coast migration.

I wear white shoes all year round.

Once a day, at about 80, I realize I'm counting my steps.

Sonia helps to expand Neoteric’s design reach both on the Internet and in print. Her experience ranges from work on corporate branding and promotional campaigns to limited edition artist books and exhibition catalogs. She received her MFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BFA from The Rhode Island School of Design. She continues to expand her artistic practice through her pursuits in visual arts and music. Outside of Neoteric Design, she manages the Creative Audio Archive at the Experimental Sound Studio and is also a founding member of ThreeWalls, an artist residency program in Chicago.


"As an association with a small staff and a large membership, we have a need to easily communicate with our members. Our new site is our best tool to communicate quickly and effectively."

Heather Imhoff

Executive Director

River North Association

"Neoteric’s design receives constant compliments from visitors. I was impressed by the ease with which we can edit content, and by the friendliness and attention to detail Neoteric's staff puts into the project."

Robbie Zar

Grants Writer

Redmoon Theater