Hi, I’m Bryan Washburn
I am a Senior Industrial Designer with over 15 years of hands-on experience transforming ideas into compelling, functional, and beautifully resolved products. Throughout my career, I’ve worked across a broad spectrum of industries including hand and power tools, outdoor gear, sporting goods, travel mugs, food storage, portable generators, and more. Whether working within large multi-brand corporations, nimble startups, or as an independent contractor, I’ve thrived in cross-functional teams where collaboration and problem-solving are at the heart of the process.
My strengths lie in concept development, complex CAD modeling, and early-stage mechanical exploration — where clear goals and ambiguous constraints push creativity and strategy. I love working on product lines and systems that lay the foundation for a brand’s visual language and future innovation roadmap. Planning for growth, scalability, and design cohesion across a product ecosystem is a challenge I genuinely enjoy. More than anything, I seek out projects that push me to learn something new — whether that's a technical skill, a business insight, or a new way of thinking.
Currently, I’m looking to take the next step in my career — into a role that allows me to expand my involvement in strategy, leadership, and business operations, while still staying hands-on with the design and development of physical products. I’m passionate about mentorship and have experience guiding younger designers, but I don't want to lose my connection to the creative process. Ideally, I’d join a team that values design as a driver of innovation, where I can contribute meaningfully and continue growing as a designer, teammate, and leader.
Those who work with me describe me as technically skilled, reliable, and empathetic — someone who brings professionalism and dedication but also levity and personality to the team. I’m drawn to fast-paced environments full of passionate people, but also appreciate the structure and resources of larger organizations. Regardless of the setting, I value clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared excitement for creating products that solve real-world problems with elegance and intention.
Outside of work, I’m usually spending time with my family — especially my stepdaughter and my newborn son — sketching new ideas, working on my golf swing (chipping remains my arch-nemesis), or exploring the ever-evolving world of design tools and technology, including AI. I’m always seeking new ways to grow and refine my craft — because for me, design isn’t just what I do. It’s how I think, learn, and connect with the world.