Industrial Designer

Brian Piper

Seattle, WA

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About

I am an inquisitive professional with a passion for creating compelling products. As an experienced industrial designer, product developer, and manager, I've had the opportunity to work on a global scale with customers, factories, and creatives over the last decade.

I'm happiest when solving problems through a holistic approach that considers both near and long term goals. Driven to delight users and exceed organizational objectives, I bring products to fruition through a comprehensive understanding of design research, design for manufacturability, and speed to market.

When not obsessing over bags and gear, I'm usually adventuring in the mountains on a bike or snowboard while envisioning new product concepts.
Education
- Bachelor Industrial Design
  
  Wentworth Institute of Technology
  
  2004 - 2009
  
  Bachelors in Industrial Design. Completed full time internships at PUMA North America and The Dutch Bicycle Co.
Experience
- Design & Development Manager
  
  Pioneer Square Brands
  
  Jan 2019 - Present (5 years 11 months)
  
  • Drive design & development on protective cases and accessories (molded and sewn) for the digital classroom
  • Manage the design team and foster an innovative environment
  • Collaborate with leading technology companies (Apple, Microsoft, etc.) on new product initiatives
  • Travel to China 3-4x/yr to work with factories on test shots/samples and production approvals
  • Perform thorough CAD analysis and tooling approvals in managing tooling schedules
  • Responsible for managing highly competitive go-to-market timelines based on new device launches
  • Lead monthly company-wide R&D meetings
- Product Design & Development Manager
  
  Ricardo Beverly Hills
  
  Kent, WA
  
  Jul 2015 - Nov 2018 (3 years 4 months)
  
  • Created compelling lifestyle travel goods and accessories for Ricardo, Skyway, and other private label brands.
  
  • Managed design processes from concept through production and into market.
  
  • Developed strategic product maps through line plans, design briefs, and timelines.
  
  • Traveled extensively in Asia to work with factories to develop product that ensured price, quality, and launch objectives were met.
  
  • Coordinated cross-functional efforts to ensure synergy between sales, logistics, and marketing teams.
- Industrial Designer
  
  Ricardo Beverly Hills
  
  Kent, WA
  
  Jul 2014 - Jul 2015 (1 year)
  
  • Responsible for >$30M of the company’s highest visibility projects
  • Launched Pendleton licensed product for National Park Centennial celebration
  • Extensive work in China on sourcing and pre-production
  • Helped relocate the company and revamp organization and brand DNA
- Junior Industrial Designer
  
  The Gem Group
  
  Lawrence, MA
  
  Nov 2010 - Jul 2014 (3 years 8 months)
  
  • Bag and pack designer for promotional and private label product
  • Analyzed sales and competitive assortments to map out product line needs
  • Ensured product met stringent target costs and margin objectives
  • Monitored market and fashion trends and delivered sales presentations
  • Traveled 2-4 times per year to Asia to work directly with sample room
  • Utilized lean continuous improvement strategies to streamline work flows
- Designer
  
  The Dutch Bicycle CO.
  
  Somerville, MA
  
  May 2008 - Nov 2010 (2 years 6 months)
  
  Designed a line of domestically manufactured bicycles and worked with local suppliers. Established the groundwork for an intern program with Wentworth Institute of Technology and helped to mentor junior designers. Helped the company transform its business from importation and distribution, to custom design and manufacturing.
- Athlete + Consultant
  
  e13 Components
  
  May 2003 - Apr 2010 (6 years 11 months)
  
  Competed as a professional level downhill mountain bike racer. Provided technical support at events to local and world class athletes alike. Assisted in product development, graphic and apparel design.
- SMU Footwear Intern
  
  Puma
  
  Jan 2008 - May 2008 (4 months)
  
  Worked on 'fast strike' footwear for key account requests. Collaborated with an international team in a fast paced environment. Responsible for trend research, color strategy, and material selection.
Awards

Feature story in WIT magazine:

http://issuu.com/pip3rb/docs/articlecombined/2
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Elsewhere on the Web
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On Coroflot

@bpiper, member since 2007
- Following 24
- Followers 13

Brian Piper

Associate Gear Designer

Letter and Script Engraver (Banknote) Apprentice