James Murray

About James Murray

The organizations that create enduring value are those that know where to apply…

Experience

1. Senior Vice President of Design & Product Development

   Simon Pearce

   Sep 2010 — Present · Windsor, VT, US

   I lead design and innovation in developing new product lines across Tabletop, Housewares, Textiles, Home Accents, and Lighting.Drive business growth by launching key products on sharp timelines and aligning with an aggressive campaign calendar that fuels merchandising concepts year-round.Forge strategic partnerships to co-develop exclusive products with leading organizations, including Whistle Pig Whiskey, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Tiffany & Co, Food52, Hubbardton Forge, Conant Lighting, Barr Hill Gin, Bertozzi, Ekelund, Montshire Museum, Terrain, Hukka, and Esquivel.Shape the company’s strategic direction as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team.Establish bi-annual style-outs and product line reviews to refine assortments, ensuring design excellence and maximizing revenue potential.Direct product development and sourcing collaborations with like-minded companies across the United States and Europe.Launch the pendant lighting category, gaining recognition in Elle Décor (Sept. 2012) and Interior Design magazine (2012).Design and implement the interiors and layouts for eight Simon Pearce retail locations (Boston, Hanover, Burlington, Portland, Chestnut Hill, Ardmore, Alexandria, and Manchester), collaborating with contractors to immerse customers in the brand experience.Elevate storytelling by creating and publishing product narratives on the Simon Pearce design blog (launched August 2017). Simon Pearce BlogEarn recognition as Surface Magazine’s “Designer of the Day” (2019).Design the interior of Simon Pearce’s signature Bar destination within the historic Mill.Share expertise as a featured speaker on craft at the Noguchi Museum’s Makers Market (2011).Serve as Design Judge for the Vermont Fine Furniture & Woodworking Competition (2011, 2012).Design several notable glass awards, including the Annual Pratt Institute Fashion Award, the 30th Annual Prouty Award, the Stroud Award, and the 2016 Audi FIS World Cup Award.

Education

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Professional Education Program & MIT Sloan mgt, Innovation

  2013 — 2014

• Pratt Institute

  Master of design management, design management program

  1995 — 1997

• Pratt Institute

  Bachelor of Industrial Design, Industrial and Product Design

  1986 — 1990

Skills

• Interaction Design
• Product Design
• Design Strategy
• Drawing
• Photography
• Brand Development
• Corporate Identity
• User-Centered Design
• Visual Communication
• Design Research
• Layout
• Corporate Branding
• Strategic Design
• Packaging
• User Experience
• Rendering
• Illustrator
• Graphics
• Creative Problem Solving
• Illustration
• Strategy
• Art Direction
• User Interface Design
• Concept Development
• Art
• Concept Design
• Business Concept Development
• Furniture
• Interior Design
• Fashion
• Design Thinking
• Trend Analysis
• Graphic Design
• Branding & Identity
• Concept Generation
• Photoshop
• Sketching
• Typography
• Rapid Prototyping
• Industrial Design