Emma Segal

Background

About Emma Segal

Across a career of designing and producing international manufactured consumer goods, I have two decades of experience in design, sustainability, research and organizational change. The intersection of these areas are central to my focus while designing, consulting, writing, teaching and public speaking. Topics encompass how we create and produce consumer objects, how to fit them into sustainable and circular systems, and the power of the design industry in doing so. My experiences are further enhanced with a Masters Degree in sustainable design, and now working on a PhD. With a focus on the product design industry, my research into sustainable design policies for governments and corporations work towards models that more effectively facilitate transitions to circular products, services, and business transformations. I have always been deeply involved in every aspect of the design process from creative ideation, art direction, brand, product and concept development, strategy, sales, manufacturing, forecasting, illustration, packaging, editorial, textile, retail, product and photoshoot production, mentoring, consulting, high level budget and team management. This full spectrum view allows deeper insights into how things are made, from conception to real world impacts. My experience is global, working in number of cultural contexts and countries throughout North America, Europe, China, India and broader South East Asia. From metals to fabric to beer to digital, my practical skills are informed by years spent travelling to factories and working with manufacturers, as well as developing workshops and products for a broad spectrum of organizations. Along with design, illustration and academic awards, my work has been seen in Harrods, Nordstrom, Barneys, Fred Segal, Galleries Lafayette, movies, TV shows, magazines, stadiums and on celebrities, along with academic textbooks, global social media activation campaigns, and embedded into educational systems around the world for both corporate and large NGOs such as the United Nations and Oxfam. From creating multi-million dollar programs for retail giants and international organizations, to communication projects with the municipal and federal governments, I have a broad spectrum of skills with an emphasis on creating beautiful solutions that make our world (and work) a better place. My academic work has been gratefully supported by SHHRC and OGS grants.