In trying to find someone to assist him in designing elements evocative of the University of Oregon, Bohannon canvassed a lot of experts. He spoke to University professors, students and graduates. He dialoged with the membership of the Portland AIA and AGIA. He tracked over 100 leads. After much deliberation, Bohannon decided on Portland designer Alicia Mickes, a 2002 graduate of the University of Oregon.
After much discussion about the concept, Alicia was turned loose to create her vision of the University of Oregon Homage. The design went through many iterations, until reaching something that Alicia felt was eminently creative and would connect with anyone familiar with University. The design was, and is, excellent.
Now came the task of taking a two-dimensional design brimming with the spirit of the University, and turning that into a three-dimensional marvel of engineering that would be recognized as collectible in the demanding world of luxury timepieces.