Plantronics 2009-2012

I was fortunate to have the experience of working as an industrial designer for the audio communications company Plantronics. Collaborating with the multi-disciplinary team to develop wearable electronic devices of superior quality within parameters of corporate identity, cost and overseas manufacturing was a fascinating challenge!

Below are a few snapshots of various projects throughout different stages of development. Unfortunately my more recent work cannot be disclosed at this time.

Hand-built mechanical model for user interface development

Headset design concept

The Voyager Legend, "world's smartest headset!"

Telephones 2009

The design of mobile phones remains largely disproportionate to our increasing dependency on these devices. Through refined innovation of form, this investigation attempts to introduce warmth and quality to these sterile yet intimate tools of modern life.

The box of telephones pictured below is a small selection of the many prototypes created during this process of exploration and discovery, resulting in two tangible concepts and many new ideas for telephones to come.

Shoebox containing dozens of prototypes!

Touch-screen concept with a unique, freestanding form.

Multiple units sharing media, creating a single large video screen.

"Basic" concept with ergonomically improved keypad

Organic geometry creates a rigid aluminum body that is smooth to touch.

Plywood Table 2008

Celebrating generic materials such as plywood and galvanized hardware, beauty is revealed through honesty rather than disguise. Similarly, fundamentals such as joinery, edge, proportion, and structure become the stage for interest and refinement.

To be practical this table disassembles, flat-packs and is designed to be lightweight.

Dimensions: 60" x 30" x 29" (152 x 76 x 74cm)

Paper Mache Chairs 2007

A simple molding process transforms recycled newspaper into a very lightweight, hollow and surprisingly rigid chair! Using glue as a binding agent the newspaper is layered over molds which are removed once the material has hardned. The components are then assembled, further layered to the thickness of a quarter inch and coated in resin to increase strength and weather resistance. While the molds ensure the uniform dimensions required for stacking, as a handmade object each chair has a wonderful character of its own.

Dimensions: 20" x 20" x 35" (51 x 51 x 76cm)

Cast Iron 2008

Although cast iron drinking cups seem a bit obscure, the weight, thermal and nutritional properties of this material create a novel experience and presented the challenge of engineering a thin-walled casting.

Working in partnership with a local production foundry to understand the limitations of this manufacturing technique, forms were arrived at which are extremely efficient to produce and celebrate the process in which they were created. The molds were hand-built taking into account realities such as draft, parting line, iron flow and shrinkage.

A group of cups enjoying a sunny day at the beach!

Referred to as "patterns," these wooden molds create an impression into a dense sand compound into which the molten iron is poured.

Three designs shaped by the physics of the manufacturing process.

Calculator 2007

Attempting to introduce fun into mathematics, the design of this "children's calculator" arose from rejecting the "push-button" interface that has become default in electronics -- searching for new input methods that are stimulating, intuitive and native to the task.

Via a row of ten sensors, the desired number is entered by sliding one's finger over the corresponding number of points (and into the screen) -physically touching the numerical value of the digit that is to be input. Although place-marks are found at points 1, 5 and 9, printed numerals are not provided -- the slight challenge yielding mental stimulation and satisfaction through acquired mastery of use. An accelerometer chip further animates the experience allowing the calculator to be "woken up" or the screen to be cleared by shaking the device.

As form follows function, the shape of this calculator embodies it's unique interface.

PLU Marketing 2007

Designed to lure young consumers away from unhealthy snack foods, PLU (Price Look-Up) stickers provide a contextually clever and powerful marketing medium.

"Coincidentally" these stickers tap into the sexual connotations associated with these phallic fruits

Photography

These images span various subjects, locations and years yet are united by their peculiar resonance.
All photographs are available for purchase. Please contact me to discuss sizing, mounting options and pricing.

Untitled / Death Valley, CA / 2013

Untitled / Death Valley, CA / 2013

Untitled / Above the Pacific Ocean / 2012

Untitled / Santa Cruz, CA / 2012

Untitled / London, UK / 2012

Untitled / London, UK / 2012

Untitled / London, UK / 2012

Untitled / London, UK / 2012

Untitled / London, UK / 2012

Untitled / London, UK / 2012

Untitled / Sacramento, CA / 2012

Untitled / Providence, RI / 2009

Untitled / Providence, RI / 2009

Untitled / Providence, RI / 2009

Untitled / Providence, RI / 2009

Untitled / Providence, RI / 2009

Untitled / Providence, RI / 2009

Untitled / Providence, RI / 2009

Untitled / Providence, RI / 2009

Untitled / Providence, RI / 2009

Untitled / Providence, RI / 2009

Untitled / Providence, RI / 2009

Untitled / Providence, RI / 2009

Untitled / Paris, France / 2008

Untitled / Agra, India / 2007

Limited, Limitless (Under Development)

This form is the blending between an infinite two-dimensional plane and a one-dimensional axis. It can therefore only exist as a fragment confined by the material limitations of our reality. The semi-translucent material enhances this effect.
This sculpture is currently under development and will require some initial tooling costs to be realized. If you are interested in this project and would like to contribute, you can own one (and even pick the color)! Please contact me for further details.

Computer-generated image, sculpture is under development.

Surface Tension 2012

This wall mounted sculpture is a thin membrane of elastic fabric which has been aggressively stretched and frozen into position using a unique molding process. The tiny holes are where the "needles" of the mold made contact with the surface. The undulations are the result of natural forces and therefore bare an eerie resemblance to geometries found in plants and animals. The lighter areas between the points are bubbles which formed between the layers of fabric, further adding spontaneity and depth to the experience. These sculptures are for sale and can be produced from your desired color of fabric. Please contact me for further details.

Dimensions: 22" x 22" x 2" (56 x 56 x 5cm)

Snapshots of the construction process

Closeup

Mask 2008

Mahogany, with sad eyes and a long nose.

Copy 2007

Printed, crumpled office paper.

Thank you for your interest in viewing my website!

For all of my life, fun has always coincided with making things. I studied industrial design at the Rhode Island School of Design where I graduated with honors in 2009. Although my formal education and professional experiences have been in design, my interests are expanding into fine art and other areas as I mature. Whether an industrially produced object, photograph or sculpture, the prevailing theme of all my work stems from a deep sense of awe towards the profound reality we inhabit and the desire to create works in which nature does all the talking. I am currently living in Oakland, California and would love to work with you wherever you are!

I welcome any feedback, suggestions and opportunities to become engaged in a creative effort.