Hello.

I have midwest roots, growing up in Michigan and studying Architecture as an undergrad. After working in architecture for a while I decided I wanted to make things with my hands, so I moved to upstate New York and studied furniture design and worked as a furniture maker.

While there I met my wife, and headed to graduate school, getting my Masters in 3D design at Cranbrook Academy of Art. I stayed at Cranbrook for a couple years designing science museum exhibits and furniture until joining IDEO, where I stayed for over 11 years. Following that, I joined a brand agency doing experience design in Seattle.

I’ve lived in Grand Rapids, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle and now Boston, where i've been for the last 8+ years since joining Philips. We have two awesome sons both in their early 20’s, a couple dogs, and occasionally we foster rescue dogs when my wife catches me in a weak moment.

My journey

    • Business Development

    • Client Management

    • Building Teams & Capabilities

    • Pitch, Proposals, Executive Presentations

    • Stakeholder Management & Development

    • Team & Project Management

    • Brand Experience

    • Design Research

    • User Experience

    • Concept Development

    • Creative Direction

    • Storytelling

    • Ideation with both AI and OG tools

    • Design Reviews and Community Development

    • Insights & Synthesis

    • Market Research & Analysis

    • Systems Thinking & Visualization

    • Design Strategy & Innovation Methods

    • Human Centered Design

    • Design Thinking & Facilitation

Expertise

Today

I’m a purpose-driven design leader with 30 years experience in consulting and creative leadership. I’ve led design work in healthcare, retail, and other sectors creating products, spaces, and user experiences.

I excel at systems thinking, and shifting between big-picture strategy and detailed execution. I’m an empathetic leader who likes to mentor and contribute hands-on, building teams and developing capabilities with a broad tool chest for tackling business challenges and improving experiences.

Testimonials

“Mark is a Design Director whose strategic clarity, design thinking, and hands-on project work have elevated our work and impact at Philips. He guides the team with purpose while contributing directly to design outcomes. He fosters team energy and optimism through engaging activities that build collaboration and trust.”

— Katie D. (Direct Report at Philips)

“A key strength of Mark is his clarity and great execution of ideas. Mark is detail oriented, challenges his colleagues in a positive way and is able to draw out sparks of ideas into something brighter and significant.”

— Brett B. (Business Leader and Stakeholder at Philips)

“Mark, along with his team, impressed me as well as a hard-to-please executive on our side. You helped me look good. Every detail was thoughtfully executed and the insights were great too. Great working with you!”

— Lance N. (Former Client and Project Sponsor)

Our pups: Astro (left) and Zacharias (right)