I’m Griffin Kirby.

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.

Education

Wentworth Institute of Technology

BS. Industrial Design / M.E. Minor

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

I work closely with clients to align design strategies with their business goals, ensuring brand consistency and impactful results.

• Designed ad campaigns, brand identities, and pitch decks for clients in real estate, wellness, and finance, contributing to increased engagement and conversion rates.

• Leveraged AI tools to automate workflows, enhance creative output, and streamline design processes, reducing project turnaround times by up to 40%.

• Developed data-driven marketing materials and presentations that helped clients secure funding, partnerships, and new business opportunities.

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align design strategies with business objectives, driving brand consistency and market growth.

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.