Isao Takahashi
Design Manager · 1540 Design
Seattle, WA
In My Own Words
With 20+ years of Industrial Design experience and a comprehensive understanding of design and product creation, I have been given the opportunity to be involved in high-profile design projects with the most recognized companies in in the sports and accessories market. I have a drive for applying my sense of design and style to deliver high performance product with equally passionate teams and leaders.
Work Experience
DESIGN Freelance and Consulting
1540 Design2003 – 2024
* Designed and developed a wide range of sports products for major sports brands, specializing in technical equipment(helmets, protective gear). * Footwear design through concept sketches. CAD, technical packages techpacks. * Deliverables included concept sketches, detailed technical drawings, models/prototypes and CAD. * Architectural design through sketches, 3D CAD representation for various commercial and residential architects and builders.
Design Manager
EVS SPORTS2019 – 2023
* As Design Manager and lead designer, the diverse role included leadership of 4 brands within the company - LIFT AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGIES, LIFT SAFETY/EVS SPORTS/PASSIUM MOTORSPORT. * Led the creative process and established innovation development program to integrate into Design and Product Development team. * Designed technical product and managed multiple projects to commercialization with increased margins and sales over previous styles. Specialized in body-worn protective gear(helmets, goggles, knee braces). * Passium Motorsport brand launch - Created brand story and design direction with founders for startup motorsport apparel and accessory brand, Passium Motorsport. Instrumental in product creation process through brand building presentations, market analysis, consumer insight, usability testing, innovation opportunities and product strategy. * Lead designer for Passium Motorsport accessories, EVS Sports and managed design team to deliver output via scheduling, project management, concept sketches, CAD, prototypes, material selection, technical packages etc. * Lead designer for NGFWH Air Force Helmet(Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet) contractual bid. With input from lead USAF engineers, created the concepts and design vision to be used in most USAF fixed wing aircraft. * Led technical interchange sessions with United States Air Force, AFWERX, DoD program managers/engineers to complete checkpoint design and testing phases. * Managed design and MIL-STD engineering testing calendar to completion. Lift Airborne Technologies awarded USAF contract in June 2022.
Global Design Manager Performance Sports
NIKE Accessories/JR2862017 – 2019
* Managed and represented four athletic performance categories(Running, Men's, Women's Training, Hydration)to design, develop and commercialize multiple product styles each season. * Managed the design team to meet critical deadlines and maintain seasonal directives with both inline and SMU projects. * Saw 15% growth in top performing category of Women's Training Accessories to $24M. * Led multiple Hydration SKUS to commercialization with form and seasonal updates. * As Global Design Manager, worked closely with Nike Design executive team to translate and create the seasonal strategy for the design team. Represented the design team in presentations to key licensing groups delivering concepts and product lines each season according to business goals. * High level of involvement with vendor/suppliers and development teams to execute innovative designs through manufacturing techniques and/or material selections. Coordinated vendor communications and overseas travel to maintain development calendar and ensure product expectations were met. * Integrated into leadership and cross-functional teams to align on seasonal business goals. * Managed the design calendar and department budget in addition to supporting the design team in areas: concept development, innovation, seasonal direction and product strategy.
Lead Designer Technical Product
TROY LEE DESIGNS2014 – 2017
* Management and execution of multiple design projects related to protective gear and technical products for motocross, motorcycle and mountain bike categories and commercializing multiple new, innovative products. * Involved in all phases of development; project management, planning, sketch concepts, prototypes, testing, techpacks(technical drawing package), marketing, QC, packaging. * Responsible for implementing design process, product realization plan for improved efficiency and productivity. * Reported to and worked with Head of Product to establish product line strategy. * Worked directly with marketing and professional athletes for input on product performance and design. * Managed regular communications with overseas vendors to achieve cost targets and design objectives. * Comprehensive understanding of CE certification procedures and implemented CE certification, application to multiple products for broad market presence.
Senior Industrial Designer
BAE SYSTEMS/THE SAFARILAND GROUP2011 – 2014
* Lead designer Tactical Product, R/D division, management of projects in all phases of development and design for technical protective gear product for use in law enforcement and military defense. * Reported to Category Director and Vice President of Firearms Accessories. * Specialized in PPE design/design management and development and implemented a design development schedule. * Represented the design team for proposals to VP of Research/Development. * Softgoods design/development: glove design/construction, sewing techniques, etc. * Design concepts focusing on protective equipment(various forms of PPE), technical gear bags. * Involved with fulfilling proposals for government, law enforcement, military and international bids. * Application of CE certification to over 90% of the protective gear product line. * R/D testing involving various forms of impact testing equipment to evaluate performance of protective gear and material properties. * Management of regular communications and vendor visits during project development. * Involvement in QC pertaining to implementing techpacks and design control documents to ensure QC and accurate vendor communications. (QC Audit Certification). Reduced number of returns by over 80% and improved overall quality of product. * Involvement with internal/external ISO auditing activities.
Specialty Engineer
BAE SYSTEMS - LAND AND ARMAMENTS2007 – 2010
* Provided industrial design/human factors support to major military vehicle programs(JLTV, Bradley various configurations, M113, MV) * Instrumental in design, configuration and analysis of JLTV vehicle interiors, design of exterior components via human factors engineering studies. * CAD renderings, 2D visualization, various full-size mockups were all instrumental in solving various issues in vehicle development. * Concept sketches, CAD, full size mockup construction for CTV+, JLTV-A, B, C(various configurations), ICV(Infantry Carrier Vehicle), MV(Medical Vehicle)
Industrial Designer
FOX RACING1999 – 2003
* Industrial designer for technical product(protective gear, helmets, bags, gloves etc). * Design from concept sketches to mockups to full presentation models. * Worked with top professional riders throughout the design/development phases to implement their feedback into successful designs and products. * Provided custom design support for key professional riders via custom designs, modifications. * Featured with positive reviews in industry publications.
