Isaac Oaks
About Isaac Oaks
Isaac Oaks is a designer specializing in Summit Series Alpinism and Innovation at The North Face since 2020. He has a diverse background in design education and experience, having worked with various notable companies and focusing on material-driven design methodologies.
Work at North
Isaac Oaks has been employed at The North Face, a VF Company, since 2020. He holds the position of Designer for the Summit Series Alpinism & Innovation, based in Denver, Colorado. In this role, he focuses on the material aspects of design and industrial methodologies. His responsibilities include overseeing design implementation and creating pre-production samples. Oaks also facilitates brainstorming sessions and manages collaboration among team members, translating research into product concepts.
Education and Expertise
Isaac Oaks studied at ArtCenter College of Design, where he achieved a fellowship in the DesignMatters program, specifically focusing on Safe Agua. He also completed a degree in Industrial Design with an emphasis on Product Design. Additionally, Oaks attended the University of Colorado Boulder, earning a minor in Economics and studying Environmental Design in Architecture. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his design work, emphasizing both creativity and analytical skills.
Background
Prior to his current role, Isaac Oaks gained diverse experience in various design positions. He worked as a Teaching Assistant in Packaging Design at Art Center College of Design in 2013. He has also held roles at Boeing, Sterling Brands, Google, and Bilio, where he served as a Senior Industrial Designer from 2016 to 2019. His work experience spans multiple industries, including technology and consumer goods, allowing him to develop a broad skill set in design.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Isaac Oaks has established long-term working relationships with numerous prominent companies, including Allbirds, Amazon Lab126, Apple, and Google X. His collaborative efforts extend to organizations such as IDEO, Levi's, and Steelcase. These partnerships reflect his ability to engage with diverse teams and contribute to innovative design solutions across various sectors.
Design Approach and Methodology
Isaac Oaks emphasizes the importance of material selection and industrial methodologies in his design work. He prioritizes visiting vendors and factories to draw inspiration for new products. His approach involves translating research into tangible concepts, fostering dialogues between people, trends, and their environments. This methodology enhances the relevance and functionality of the products he designs.