Professional Summary

Industrial designer and strategic problem solver with a bias toward action.

I’ve built a diverse entrepreneurial career that spans corporate and residential furniture design, product manufacturing, kitchen remodeling, muralist, and even founding a successful game rental company.

From project management and client communication to balancing design feasibility with user needs, I’ve successfully navigated every stage of product development - consistently proving that any challenge can be tackled through curiosity and perseverance.

Proficient in translating conceptual designs into production-ready solutions through 3D modeling, rendering, and technical drawings, I bring both creativity and pragmatism to the table.

As a lifelong learner who thrives on collaborative riffs, authentic feedback, and decisive communication, I am eager to bring my entrepreneurial mindset and hands-on experience to a dynamic team, contributing to impactful projects at a larger scale.

Work Experience

Freelance Industrial Designer
Self-Employed
September 2024 – Present

  • By leveraging sketch ideations, 3D models, photorealistic renderings, and technical packs, I create thoughtful, user-centered designs that seamlessly blend form and function, guiding projects from concept to production.

  • Proficient in Rhino 3D, Keyshot and The Adobe Suite.

Furniture Designer & Maker
Self-Employed
November 2017 – Present

  • Design and fabricated custom furniture and home products with a focus on aesthetics, functionality and durability for both residential and commercial clients.

  • Develop detailed 3D models and technical drawings to efficiently translate design ideas.

  • Manage all aspects of projects from concept to completion, including timelines, budgets, material sourcing, and production schedules, ensuring successful delivery of high-quality results.

Entrepreneur & Designer
The Rec Games
May 2022 – Present

  • Designed, manufactured, and sourced high-quality, customizable lawn and tabletop games.

  • Built and maintained branding, website, and business operations for a seamless customer experience.

  • Iteratively refined business processes, dialing in efficiency, consistency, and exceptional service for both the customer and employee experience.

Architectural and Product Designer
ARCADIA Designworks - Portland, ME
November 2017 – November 2018

  • Created hand sketches, technical drawings and 3D models for architectural designs and consumer products including kitchen appliances, industrial fixtures, and architectural layouts.

  • Collaborated on product development using SolidWorks, AutoCAD and SketchUp to produce technical drawings and ensure manufacturability.

Product Design Apprentice
Sperry - Waltham, MA
June 2017 – September 2017

  • Collaborated with the design team to create innovative concepts for upcoming footwear collections, combining style, functionality, and brand heritage. 

  • Assisted in material selection, trend analysis, and prototyping, while gaining hands-on experience in sketching, technical design, and product development and manufacturing.

  • Contributed to the evolution of iconic Sperry styles and the creation of new designs that resonate with a modern audience.

Core Skills

  • Product Design & Prototyping: Experienced in concept development, hand sketching, functional prototyping and model making.

  • 3D Modeling & Technical Design: Proficient in Rhino, SolidWorks, Keyshot and The Adobe Suite.

  • Design & Manufacturing Insight: Strong understanding of how products are made, combining natural intuition and technical expertise. Skilled at designing for both aesthetic appeal and efficient manufacturability, ensuring products are visually compelling and built to last.

  • Project Management & Communication: Strong project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines, manage resourcing, and adapt to shifting priorities. Known for excellent communication and interpersonal skills, excelling in collaborating with clients and teams to ensure successful project outcomes.

Education

Bachelor of Industrial Design (B.I.D.) at Pratt Institute - Brooklyn, New York

Furniture Design and Manufacturing at Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) - Copenhagen, Denmark

Contact

Email emilyheggiefa@gmail.com

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/emily-heggie