People ask if I see myself as more of a creative designer or a technical developer.

I am both! 

As a designer, I also have the technical knowledge and skills to create shoes that are realistically feasible, that fit and perform well, and that are achievable at the target cost. A deep understanding of materials and processes allows me to effectively push the limits of design and make breakthroughs in innovation.

As a product developer, I am able to finesse the details in a way that preserves the original design intent but also ensures the shoe achieves the quality and performance characteristics needed for success. 

I was first able to merge my two skillsets in the corporate world during my time at Cole Haan. I started out on the design team. Design for the sake of design was rewarding, but the finished shoes often missed the mark in terms of design intent and were lacking in quality and proper fit. In production, the details of the shoes would be changed considerably in order to cut costs and streamline production.  It was disappointing to see the disconnect between the design vision and the finished product. I volunteered to move onto the product development team.  My design peers were thrilled that one of their own would be on the factory side to make sure the shoes more closely represented the design vision. I was trusted to make the adjustments needed for great looking shoes that also fit, performed, and cost what they needed to. The synergy between design and PD really improved, as did the profits and success of the brand. 

Since then, I’ve found myself with a foot in both worlds in the roles I’ve held at various shoe companies – Creative and Technical. I thrive on both and am happiest and most impactful when I have the opportunity to engage with both. With that said, I am able to do whatever is needed to achieve success and move a brand forward. I am comfortable and capable anywhere in footwear creation cycle.