Joven is a seasoned industrial designer with 20+ years of experience across furniture, home décor, consumer goods, and soft goods, with 8 years of successful freelance work for high-profile clients. Skilled in concept sketching, 3D modeling, technical drawings, and rendering, he is proficient in Autodesk Sketchbook Pro, CorelDRAW, Rhino 3D, and KeyShot.

>Seasoned industrial designer with over 20 years of experience, specializing in furniture, home décor, consumer goods, soft goods (i.e. pillow cases, bags). 
>8 years of successful freelance experience with high-profile clients like Procter & Gamble, ShoHaus, and Claire Crowe Collection, covering products from bespoke furniture to electronics and accessories.
 
Employment History
BridgeBlue Sourcing Partners (May 2007 - June 2023) / Senior Industrial Designer
Designed custom furniture for high-end residential markets, working with teams to ensure design feasibility and quality.
Led vendor management and developed outsourcing strategies for production in China and the Philippines.
Reason for Leaving: The company experienced a business split between partners, leading to the cessation of operations.
 
Freelance Clients (8 years, mostly prject-based)
Procter & Gamble, ShoHaus, Wight Design, Claire Crowe Collection
Various industrial design roles including bespoke furniture design, 3D modeling, and technical drawing creation.
Freelance Work Duration: Typically 2-4 weeks per project, with frequent renewals and ongoing work with clients. He's worked on bespoke furniture, packaging design, and electronics products.
 
Motive Fit: Open to a full-time role with growth potential
Tools: Autodesk Sketchbook Pro, CorelDRAW, Rhino 3D , KeyShot
Employment: Full Time
Timetracker: Ok to use
Shift: Ok with AU hors, ok with overlap if needed
Previous Rate: $2,000 USD/month ($3,000 AUD)
Asking Rate: Open to negotiation
Availability: ASAP
 
 
 
Screening Questions
1. Can you talk a bit more about your design experience and what your day-to-day looked like?
I started my design career in 2000 working for an exporting company. In 2007, I moved to another company where I designed furniture, which gave me more independence in my work. About 8 years ago, I transitioned to freelance work, exploring various product types beyond furniture, such as toys, fast-moving products, retail items, and even small guitar picks. My design process typically begins with creating concept sketches, which I send to the client for approval. After getting feedback, I iterate on the design and create technical drawings for the manufacturers. Throughout the process, there's a lot of back-and-forth with both the client and the manufacturers to ensure everything aligns with the vision.
 
2. Do you have any experience designing textiles or soft goods?
Yes, I have experience designing textile products, such as pillow cases, bags, and some accessories. My design process is multidisciplinary, so I'm confident I can apply the same approach to soft goods and textile categories as well.
 
3. How do you approach designing textile products or soft goods from concept to production?
I begin my design process with research, where I review competitor products, assess existing market offerings, and look at available samples. Then, I move on to concepts and sketches, creating initial designs based on my research and sending them to clients for feedback. Once I receive approval, I create more detailed designs and technical drawings for the factories. I then coordinate with manufacturers to choose the right materials and ensure the product is produced according to specifications.
 
4. What tools do you typically use during your design process?
I initially start with sketching using pencil and paper, but I've since moved to Autodesk Sketchbook Pro on an iPad for faster revisions and color incorporation. For technical drawings, I use CorelDRAW and Rhino 3D to create detailed, factory-ready designs. When it comes to rendering, I use KeyShot to create realistic renderings for presentations.
 
5. Can you describe a time when you worked with a Chinese supplier to resolve a design challenge or negotiate price?
I worked with a supplier who was resistant to design revisions. I had to negotiate with them to ensure that minor changes, like the thickness of a chair's foot, didn’t compromise product quality or increase costs. I emphasized clear communication and took a collaborative approach to find a solution that met both quality and cost constraints.
 
6. How do you ensure that your designs align with a client’s brand and resonate with their target market?
I start with in-depth research on the product, competitors, and market trends. My experience in consumer goods has trained me to have a keen eye for design evolution, ensuring the product resonates with the market. I work closely with manufacturers and clients to fine-tune designs and ensure the final product aligns with the brand's vision.
 
 
Culture Fit

1. What are your top "work values"?
    Being reliable, detail-oriented, proactive, and collaborative.

2. What are the most important learnings you've had in your career?
    Clear communication, cultural adaptability, and understanding both design aesthetics and manufacturing realities are key to successful outcomes.

3. Who were your top mentors and what did you learn from them?
    Senior designers I worked with early in my career taught me the importance of balancing creativity with practical execution, and how to listen carefully to client and factory needs.

4. What are your most effective habits that you've learned over the years?
    Starting each day with a clear task list, frequent check-ins with collaborators, and always keeping backup files and documentation organized.