Design (Product)
My expertise is in projects with some form of textile element. Can cut patterns and personally fabricate samples
and prototypes. I sew. Have travelled the world (physically and virtually) to source materials and components.
Possess a good working knowledge of the characteristics of most synthetics and natural materials. Even know
what a Pantone colour fan is, and how to specify lab dips for custom dyeing. I can ably sketch to indicate
product function and construction methods, tho' am less adept at pretty pictures for story-boards. Completion of
a Bill of Materials is second nature. As is working with factory staff to ensure the more efficient production
methods and workflow can be attained. Though a little rusty, my knowledge of carpentry and metal work is well
rounded and helps when considering the engineering of products. More on some of my original designs can be
found here.
Design (Communication)
InDesign, FileMaker Pro, Photoshop, Keynote, QuarkXpress, PageMaker, Freehand, and Canvas, are all
applications that I've used extensively to create materials for customers and employers. Have owned a
Macintosh since 1991, when I first studied CAD and computer graphics. But good graphic design is not solely
about one's tools. It also requires one to understand that the message being conveyed is ultimately more
important than any clever visual trickery. I therefore think more about the communication result rather than just
the graphics. That said I've designed award winning catalogues, as well as logos, newspaper and magazine
adverts, brochures, posters, CD-ROMs, display stands and more. See my resumé for graphic design awards.
Research
I'm innately curious. An attribute that makes snuffling out hard to find information a pleasure. CSIRO
developed a new wool-based cloth called 'Sportwool' and engaged INOV8 for the market research to gauge
worldwide potential. A New Zealand food product needed customer feedback on what was thought of their
packaged meals — I stood in shops to find out. Greenpeace spearheaded the push for the Sydney 2000
Olympics to be 'green' and then wished to quantify what successes had been achieved — INOV8 researched two
of the seven issues that concerned them. The Centre for Design at RMIT put together Australia's first
comprehensive guide to environmentally responsible building materials, and I was the research manager that
coordinated the team to complete that project. At Paddy Pallin I commissioned laboratory tests to confirm the
performance of selected materials.
Present
My working life began as an outdoor pursuits instructor, where people's well-being rested on my ability to
transfer succinct, actionable knowledge. And many similar gigs have followed. I have lectured in sustainable
design (product, interior, textile) to five tertiary institutes in Sydney. The Textile Institute, the NSW Education
Department, and the Institute for Sustainable Futures, amongst others, have asked me to guest present. The
Centre for Design at RMIT invited me to be a EcoRedesign workshop facilitator. I avoid reliance on both
'Powerpoint' style presentations, use of microphones, preferring to use 3D examples, and speak with my
audience, rather than at them. Often I invite early questions, to drive the presentation or lecture, audiences are
more engaged when active, not passive. Click for a list of presentations.
Write
Commercial writing evolved from the product design. Desperate to ensure salepersons and end users understood
the reasons for labouring day and night over designs, I wrote staff training manuals and 'copy' for catalogues.
Amazingly this led to awards for excellence in copywriting. Magazine writing followed and editor positions,
such with Environ (eco-architecture magazine) and Greenpeace (How Green the Games? publication). I have a
tendency to write as I might speak, as if the reader is in the room with me. Some find this approach a bit casual,
but most comment that they find it more approachable, which is as I like it. At time of writing I have contributed
over 1100 stories on eco-design to treehugger.com, a modern+green lifestyle website, a finalist in the 2005
Weblog of the Year Awards, and often ranked in the top 100 of linked weblogs.
Photograph
I'm constantly in awe of the beauty that surrounds us every day, especially that of the natural world. I've tried to
capture just a glimpse of that, to share with those not so fortunate to have seen the sights I've witnessed. My
brother is the professional photographer, not me. But I do seem to have a practised eye for seeing moments, that
if photographed can convey a 'sense of place.' My photography has been praised both at both a personal and
professional level. Images I've taken have been used commercially since 1988, in both local and international
product catalogues, and well as many outdoors magazines. My collection includes 25 years worth of
transparencies, and is now increasingly comprised of digital pictures. Examples of some of these images maybe
seen online here.
Manage
Still wet behind the ears, at age 23, I was managing adventure camps of over 60 people, responsible for
accommodation, catering, transport, timetabling, and more. Since then I have found myself in many other
managerial positions. Like a retail floor manager, managing cash takings, staff rosters, stock control,
merchandising and the like. Or as Regional Manager for Conservation Volunteers Australia in charge of the
vehicles, tools, and projects for about 120 staff, volunteers and participants, in both field and office activities.
With responsibility for staff morale, participant discipline, matching project income to budgets, liaison with
external project partners. Later in a National Program Manager position, I set up the reporting processes for a
wetlands restoration program worth over 1.5 Million AUD. At the Bower Reuse Centre (in a job share role), I
manage staff, budgets, funding proposals, hiring/firing, retail computer systems, OH&S policy, stock control,
marketing, etc.
Lead
One of my strongest beliefs is that people learn skills by doing, not simply by observing. I lead from the rear. I
guide, nudge, enthuse and occasionally cajole, but rarely stand up front, calling "follow me". I agree with the
adage that the most successful team is one that at the conclusion of project thinks " we did this ourselves". Yet
there are times when someone needs to step forward, take charge and be responsible. I have no issue with
performing this latter role, though prefer the former. I have led many teams, of both young people and adults, in
the unpredictable outdoors. I've dug and slept in snow caves beside commercial clients that discovered they
were claustrophobic. Allowed groups to be 'lost' in the bush for hours, so they'd learn the art of navigation the
hard way. Engendered teenagers with lateral thinking, and respect for others, whilst on Green Corps field
conservation projects.