- Interior Design & Architecture
- Automotive
- Strength training
- Financial markets
Chris Hardy
Springfield,IL
Summary
Design Director with a proven track record in strategic thinking, project management, and product design. Known for delivering exceptional results for major clients, enhancing brand recognition and driving repeat business.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Design Director
Design Ideas
Springfield, IL
02.1993 - 03.2026
- Delivered high-quality designs for major clients such as Target, Crate & Barrel, Museum of Modern Art, The Container Store and West Elm, leading to increased brand recognition and repeat business.
- Managed projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope constraints.
- Worked with international vendors extensively throughout Asia developing product, managing prices, tooling and samples with clear, concise communication. Spent several weeks each year overseas at trades shows and vendor's factory.
- Mentored junior designers, fostering skill development and promoting creative collaboration.
- Used computer-aided drafting and other design software to create technical product drawings.
- Managed collaboration between departments for cohesive product launches, ensuring seamless integration of design elements (tooling, packaging, product names, and labeling) across all touchpoints.
- Directed photo shoots for print and digital media, creating drawings for each photo, creating sets and props. Coordinated extensively with stylist and photographer including pre and post photoshoot work.
- Created layout for annual Design Ideas "texxture" catalog (www.texxturehome.com).
- Designed trade show exhibitions for national shows and showrooms.
Education
Master of Arts - Industrial Design
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, ILBachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, ILSkills
- Project Management
- Strategic thinking
- Packaging design
- Effective communication
- Product design: sketching and technical drawings
- Customer and vendor relationships
Interests
Timeline
Design Director
Design Ideas
02.1993 - 03.2026
Master of Arts - Industrial Design
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign