Our students are creative innovators who are willing to take risks, technologists who can strategize, and leaders who can manage the continuing shifts in today’s economy. They are critical thinkers who challenge existing frameworks and elevate their industry.They are independent learners who are driven to explore in a creative learning environment that allows unexpected, surprising, and delightful ideas to emerge.
They often come from a wide range of disciplines that include fashion, textile design, product design, industrial design, interior design, engineering, business or kinesiology. Great designers, like our students, come from a range of places, life experiences and educational settings.
From developing new and improved products such as protective pants for rock climbing to an urban cycling jacket for increased safety and a haptic navigational harness for the visually impaired, our students, develop and apply strategies in user centered design and creative innovation. Real life, client-based projects elevate the learning experience for students. Projects have included research into cut protection, working with local firefighters to improve their protective wear, and collaborating with the University of Manitoba on a prototype for hypothermia victims.
Meet the Class of 2020-21
Hamish Elliott
A protective jacket designed for the urban electric bike commuter.
Hamish is originally from Christchurch, New Zealand where he grew his passion for exploring the outdoors in the Southern Alps. After pursuing a business degree and moving to Vancouver it's no surprise that he found himself working as a Sales Manager in the outdoor industry. Through the exposure to tradeshows and customer discussions he became increasingly more curious about what influences the success of outdoor products. Through the Technical Apparel Design program Hamish hopes to continue to question the success of outdoor products in the quest to find unique solutions; ultimately making outdoor activities more accessible to all.
Alison Cowling
Poise is a streamlined, modular flotation solution to support a balanced deep water aqua fitness practice.
Inspired by design at the intersection of conservation and innovation, Alison is committed to problem solving for a future with respect for holistic sustainability. She is excited by the current drive for reform in the outdoor industry and is seeking opportunities to employ her design thinking skills to contribute to this transition. Alison holds a BA in Art History and a Post-Baccalaureate certificate in Architectural Technology. When she’s not at her desk, you can find Alison running long distances in the Cascadian mountains.
Quinn Shobbrook
To create a safe and convenient way for climbers to carry their camera
Quinn's passion for technical apparel grew out of his love of the outdoors. His earliest memories - canoeing through Algonquin Provincial Park - motivate him to create solutions that allow others to experience all that nature has to offer. As an engineering graduate with a minor in sustainability from McMaster University, Quinn is working to find technical solutions in material development at Arc'teryx Equipment. Quinn believes the outdoors is for everyone and strives to help users make the most it.