DIRECTOR OF DESIGN AND INNOVATION Klim, Rigby, ID. 2014- Present
Identify and develop talent with the purpose of creating and maintaining a world class design department. Inspire the team to be their best through inspiration trips and accountability. Foster a creative and productive work environment. Pull together the work of internal and freelance designers to create cohesive collections. Manage budget and focus on calendar adherence to improve bottom line. Manage multiple brands and their sub-categories for Klim and Polaris in both domestic and European markets. Collaborate with Designers, Product Line Managers, Marketing, and Sales. Decide seasonal color direction, fabric stories, and trim packages. Lead the team to find innovative fabrics, stay abreast of fashion trends, and develop cutting edge innovation to enhance the consumer experience. Establish a consumer insight procedure to gain relative perspective and validate future concepts.
SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER Under Armour, Baltimore, MD. 2010-2014
Managed internal and freelance designers for Men’s and Women’s Hunt/ Fish, Youth, Tactical, and Outdoor Accessories. Responsible for seasonal trend research, creative direction, fabrics, samples, and fit sessions. Created and maintained aesthetic guardrails that defined Under Armour’s Outdoor signature. Initiated conceptualization, research, and development of seasonal themes, color pallets, and direction. Helped to grow Outdoor business by improving product relevance and targeting specific end users. Leveraged athlete knowledge and experience. Managed the concept and design of a number of notable projects including: 2014 Canada Snow Olympic uniforms and accessories, athlete special make projects, advanced limited run hunting collection. Teamed with innovation to use high-speed cameras to study garments while in motion which resulted in new fit blocks for all fishing product; devised tech pack standardization which was utilized throughout company; and initiated sound testing for hunting garments.
SENIOR DESIGNER Under Armour, Baltimore, MD. 2008-2010
Established best practices and processes for the Design team. Responsible for the design of Men’s Hunt/ Fish, Action Sports, Tactical, and Accessories. Created the Under Armour aesthetic in the assigned categories. Managed design team. Set seasonal creative direction, advanced ideation, seasonal color stories, and fit blocks. Defined core feature sets for each collection. Worked with Fabrics and Trims to develop seasonal fabric and trim stories. Worked with Innovation to construct proof of concept mockups. Collaborated with athletes to validate functional concepts and authenticity. Conducted trend research and planned inspiration trips. Collaborated with Merchants to refine line plans and design briefs.
DESIGN MANAGER Klim, Rigby, ID. 2004-2008
Responsible for managing the design, development, and line plans of all product categories, which included technical outerwear, lifestyle, footwear, bags, and accessories. Created and implemented standard operating principles for design and development teams. Built the design and development team. Created the KLIM aesthetic and solidified brand DNA. Followed industry trends and successfully drove growth thru improved product relevance and functionality. Directed design and execution of trade show booth, packaging, website, POP imagery, and in store displays.
DESIGN FOR HIRE ate9, Rigby, ID. 2004-Present
Provided conceptual direction, product design, brand building,and marketing. Client list included SHIFT, HarleyDavidson, Scorpion EXO, Griffs, and Corvo Industries.
SENIOR DESIGNER Alpinestars, Los Angeles, CA. 2002-2004
Relocated to the United States to be part of the Advanced R&D office. Expanded product category responsibilities to include technical outerwear and bags. Worked with professional athletes for custom products and advanced concepts.
DESIGNER Alpinestars, Asolo, TV, Italy. 1999-2002
Responsible for design of gloves and leather suits. Redefined industry standard of racing gloves with the design of the GP Tech glove. Revolutionized leather suits with the introduction of external molded impact protection. Consolidated component trim manufacture to improve efficiencies and lower costing. Designed Air Bag Jacket, working directly with engineering firm.