Michael Santella

Background

About Michael Santella

Graduated, with distinction, from the school of Industrial Design at Carleton University, Ottawa, in June of 1987. Gained extensive experience in plastic product design and transportation design while working as a junior and senior industrial designer at various design studios in Montreal and in France between 1985 and 1991. Founded DIBIS, Inc. in November 1991, a product design and manufacturing company based in Montreal. He has received international design awards and recognition from both the industry and his peers for the quality of his products and design projects. His products have been selected by numerous publications and design exhibitions throughout North America. The Museum of Modern Art in New York City as well as numerous other well know retail shops around the world have sold products designed by Michael Santella and manufactured by DIBIS. He is the only three time winner of the prestigious Accent on Design Award at the New York International Gift Fair, given annually for best product design. Six mechanical patents (USA and Canada) have been granted for some of Michael's innovative designs with 75 patent citations. President of the jury for the 1st aluminum extrusion design competition by the Aluminum Research and Development Center of Quebec (CQRDA.Centre Québécois de Recherche et Développement de l'Aluminium). Also participated as a member of the jury in Le Prix de l'IDM (L'Institut de Design de Montréal) and Ville de Montréal design competitions. Guest lecturer at the University of Lethbridge, Alberta. He is also working as a free lance Industrial Designer, instructor at the Université de Montréal and has been teaching at Dawson College since August 2002.