thinking design for people and the planet
cia is a design partner to ambitious manufacturers bringing new ideas to life, insight-driven and sustainably made.
the tree sustainably designed + made in oregon
what things endure?
the challenges posed by climate change require a paradigm shift towards more sustainable and conscious consumption. new circular systems (cradle-to-cradle) probe the enduring environmental and social impact of design, materials, production, labor, and distribution. through big system changes and small personal efforts, we can begin to secure a healthier and more equitable planet for the future.
services
the modules below are tailored to businesses creating new products and experiences for the ways we live, work, and learn.
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shift thinking, break open ideas, and explore potential markets.
envisioning framework + plan
design research for insights
emergent trends discovery
new materials research
circular + sustainability strategies
generative rapid prototyping workshops
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define the problem to solve.
thematic research + probes
collaborative workshops
refine research + user insights
eco-metrics targets
market landscape + opportunity
stakeholder inputs
problem definition + statement
concept + design brief
technical + I.P. opportunity
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bring the ideas to life.
problem refinement
stakeholder inputs
concept design
industrial design
technology integration support
design control documents
cmf + eco-metrics support
prototypes + testing support
product eng. support
pre-launch marketing support
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factory readiness and ignite the market.
m/eng alignment + kpc reviews
factory pilot/first articles review
product narratives + relay
eco-metrics benchmarks
image + media support
creative direction
launch strategy + plan
showroom plan + design
exhibition plan + design
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how to integrate sustainability into the product design + development process to meet corporate objectives.
build the lifecycle + eco-objectives
platform strategies
carbon metrics targets
waste + resource targets
material yields + standards
process guidebook
cmf research + reviews
about
cia (chi-a) is an american designer based in portland, oregon. her international career spans the creation of objects, products, furniture, lighting, spaces, and exhibits. she has held senior positions guiding design, engineering, and marketing teams for progressive manufacturers recognized as leaders in design and sustainability.
cia possesses a democratic spirit seeking to make products and knowledge attainable for people. her aesthetic austerity, born from her new england roots, is balanced with the poetics of her avant-garde Italian training. in addition to her product work, cia has developed audience-winning exhibits for science, technology, and children’s museums in the u.s. and beijing, china. she is a frequent teacher and guest lecturer with degrees in industrial design from Pratt institute in Brooklyn and milan’s domus academy. cia’s design work has been exhibited at the salone del mobili, euroluce, the Milan triennale with isao hosoe, and group exhibitions in new york, Miami, and portland.
values
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life on planet earth is full and rich thanks to the diversity of species and ecosystems, but how much should our species consume in the face of a planetary crisis? moderation is one solution, especially for western nations. “higher-income people not only consume more goods overall, but they also use up a higher concentration of packaged and complex durable goods like cars, appliances, and electronic equipment.”*
*imf.org/
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treat people and the planet with empathy, care, and respect. take good care of the children.
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artisanship contributes to the beauty, function, and emotional lifespan of things worth keeping.
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nothing great was achieved without a curious mind.
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by considering the broader context and long-term consequences of our intentions and actions, we can create lasting, regenerative solutions so future generations inherit a vibrant planet.
stories
thinking design for people + planet
what story will we
tell the children?
our products are outliving us in the oceans, air, and soil. why add more things to an already polluted world? as circular systems and bio-based solutions emerge, still in their infancy, is there an opportunity to reduce consumption altogether?
a frequently cited fact is that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the world’s oceans than fish. still, the expected increase in the global production of future plastics is enormous.
how might we change our ways? we can begin by ending single-use plastics that cannot be recycled.