I’m Griffin Kirby.

While enrolled in school, I worked full-time at two design studios. After graduating, I started a gritty, shoestring design consultancy in Providence, RI. With a small team we tackled projects that were often well beyond our capabilities, yet we consistently prevailed. Recently, I had the privilege of selling that studio, and now I'm looking to leverage my entrepreneurial skill set in a corporate setting.

Throughout my journey, I've learned countless lessons, but I find the following to be the most important:

1. How to Lead and Be Collaborative:
Effective leadership involves fostering collaboration. The ability to work cross-functionally and communicate clearly with different departments is vital. Moreover, mentoring others and nurturing their creativity is essential for driving a successful team.

2. Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving:
A designer must have a deep understanding of how design influences overall product strategy, profitability, and brand identity. Designers should think on their feet and provide innovative yet practical solutions to complex challenges that arise.

3. Mastery of Tools and Processes:
Proficiency in the necessary tools and processes is a fundamental aspect of design work. Staying current with industry standards and best practices ensures that a design team remains competitive and efficient.

These lessons have shaped my approach and will serve as a solid foundation as I transition into a corporate environment.

Wentworth IT / BS. IND

I graduated in Industrial Design with a minor in mechanical engineering, with a distinction in drawing. Achievements include:

• Ambassador for IND program

• Worked with BCBS MA to run Design Thinking workshops and implement new healthcare software for millennials

• Member of the Wentworth Design Collaborative

Lead designer in charge of translating client requests into high-fidelity designs that solve unique problems and adhere to business goals.

• Led the design and development of 20+ unique products and brand solutions, including illustrations to demonstrate physical products, material studies for presentations. Driving $1.5 million in total revenue with a 19% annual growth rate.

• Implemented a user-centered approach to translate consumer insights into meaningful product solutions to meet client needs, contributing to a notable 50% increase in client retention.

• Coached designers, setting clear expectations and deliverables throughout the entire design and development process.

• Developed effective NPI and ECN procedures, ensuring seamless integration of design changes and efficient production workflows achieving cost savings of over $75,000 per year by reducing redesigns.

Spearheaded the strategic planning for an architectural design team, conducting brainstorming sessions and design reviews. Driving innovative approaches through emerging trends and new technologies. (Full Time in School)

• Managed the full lifecycle of a high-value project, overseeing all phases from conceptualization to successful completion, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to budget, resulting in a 10% revenue increase for the client.

• Worked closely with Creative Directors and design teams to brainstorm and develop strategic concepts. Acted as a mentor to junior designers, sharing expertise and fostering growth within the team. Facilitated effective collaboration with cross-functional peers and clients to achieve shared goals.

• Contributed to a 17% revenue increase by delivering clean, well-built CAD packages to Engineering and Architecture resulting in unique visually compelling designs and pitches.

Managed fabrication projects, oversaw coordination among clients and contractors, and execution of exhibits and the Design & Play book. (Full Time in School)

• Leveraged computer-aided design (CAD) software proficiently to craft intricate scale models, facilitating clear and compelling communication of design visions

• Led a team that performed extensive research on target demographics, industry dynamics, and cutting-edge technologies to drive the creation of interactive exhibit experiences and write the Design & Play book.