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Edilbert “Eneri” Abillar
Director of Design
Profile
With over two decades of experience in product design, including my role as a Design Director, I have honed the ability to create practical, market-driven designs that consistently meet both functional and aesthetic needs. My extensive professional journey includes collaborating with leading brands to develop high-quality, customer-centric products. From concept to final production, I ensure each design not only meets visual standards but also excels in functionality and durability. Recognized for creating iconic designs, I bring a diverse background in Biology, Fine Art, and Industrial Design. Skilled in hand sketching, sculpting, and thriving in collaborative environments, I drive innovation on a global scale.
Employment History
Director of Research & Design at MANSCAPED, San Diego January 2020 — March 2024
● Spearhead the creation of a groundbreaking product design language for MANSCAPED, including the flagship electric shaving product 'Lawn Mower 4' and 8 additional products.
● Our company achieved an incredible 300% growth by selling the innovative product I designed, transforming the market and driving unprecedented success.
● I successfully managed a diverse team of designers, engineers, and factories across international borders, ensuring seamless collaboration and high-quality production on a global scale.
● Established MANSCAPED as a leader in the male grooming category by introducing a unique design perspective, resulting in domestic and international market expansion.
● Conceptualize, design, and develop various grooming tools, ensuring high quality, cost-efficient, and aesthetically distinct outcomes.
● Lead international collaboration with manufacturers and engineers, driving innovation in cutting technology and manufacturing processes.
● Facilitate international market expansion by incorporating sustainable design practices to meet future manufacturing mandates.
● Awarded multiple utility and design patents.
Languages
English
Tagalog
Skills
Electronics
Regulatory Compliance
Strategic Sourcing
Experiential Learning
Branding
Management
Agile Software Development
Design Studio
Research
Innovation
Adobe Creative Suite
Innovation Management
Microsoft Teams
Sketching
Mentorship
Product Design
Prototyping
Fusion 360 (CAD Software)
Mechanical Engineering
SolidWorks (CAD)
Relationship Management
Footwear Design
Hosting
Research Design
Drawing
Timelines
Sustainable Design
Design Patent
Leadership
Academic Standards
Medical Devices
Ideation
Biology
Agile Methodology
Conceptualization
Creativity
Industrial Design
Troubleshooting (Problem Solving)
Project Management
Creative Thinking
Storage Area Network (SAN)
Collaboration
Electrical Engineering
Supplier Relationship Management
Interior Design
Sourcing
Design Leadership
Global Creative Director Director of Design at DJO Consumer
(DJO Global), Vista
January 2016 — January 2020
● Our company experienced remarkable 50% growth by selling the product I designed, driving increased demand and expanding our market presence.
● I lead a large team of designers both domestically and globally, fostering creativity, ensuring cohesive collaboration, and delivering high-quality results across multiple markets.
● Directed the creation and development of orthopedic products, including wearable technology, consumer electronics, and medical bracing.
● Led a human-centered design approach, ensuring high-quality and cost efficient outcomes that met strict regulatory requirements.
● Managed design projects from conceptualization to production, providing creative direction and mentorship to a diverse team of designers.
● Collaborated closely with engineers, developers, and stakeholders to ensure project objectives and timelines were met.
Principal Industrial Designer at Vapor Studio Asia, Makati February 2010 — July 2014
Established an international product design studio providing distinct product design, interior design, and branding services for domestic and international clients.
● Established Vapor Studio Asia as one of Asia's premier design firms, recognized for its exceptional contributions to regional and international design projects, including notable collaborations with Adidas, Skullcandy, Ashworth, Nike, and Logitech.
● A major highlight was that I played a key role in designing bus stops and transportation infrastructure for the re-centralized main business district(Fort Bonifacio) in the Philippines, enhancing urban mobility and streamlining transit in this revitalized area.
● Conceptualized, designed, prototyped, developed, and sourced manufacturing partners for consumer electronics, footwear, and computer accessories.
● Actively contributed to the Philippine design community and education, delivering lectures at university seminars and hosting popular workshops at Vapor Studio Asia focused on drawing and ideation techniques.
● Featured alongside internationally acclaimed designers like Kenneth Cobunpue and Arik Levy as a keynote speaker at Philippine Design Week 2013, advocating for the global potential of Philippine design and cementing a significant role in the narrative of Philippine industrial design.
● Implemented rigorous training programs to elevate local designers' proficiency in global design standards and brand strategy, significantly enhancing the studio's output quality and consistency.
Lead Industrial Designer at Vapor Studio, Encinitas August 2005 — January 2010
● Pioneered the industrial design department, shaping the firm's design direction and leading the design of high-profile products.
● Led international design development efforts, enhancing the studio's capability to deliver market-ready products.
● Cultivated strategic sourcing and manufacturing relationships, expanding the studio's network and supply chain.
● Provided creative leadership across various design disciplines, impacting the success of clients through innovative design and brand development.
● Major Clients Included: Jet Blue, W Hotels, Ketchup Group, Adidas, SkullCandy, Logitech
Adjunct Professor at New School of Design & Architecture, San Diego
September 2021 — Present
● Brought over 20 years of professional industrial design experience to the role as an Adjunct Professor, where I successfully bridged the gap between academic theory and practical, industry-standard applications.
● Designed and implemented a comprehensive curriculum that adhered to academic standards while incorporating the latest in sustainable design and technological advancements, ensuring relevance and rigor.
● Taught a wide range of subjects, from introductory to advanced levels.
● Emphasized experiential learning through hands-on projects.
● Developed and applied work environment critique methods to accurately evaluate student progress, providing timely and constructive feedback. Lead Industrial Designer at RKS Design, Thousand Oaks October 2015-December 2015
Embraced RKS design philosophy of Psycho-Aesthetics to inform human centered industrial design projects from concept to production. Design & Development Consultant at Dr. Comfort, Mequon January 2021 — May 2023
Elevated the company's product line by designing and developing stylish men's and women's diabetic footwear that met RA/QA, PDAC certification requirements. Education
Pratt Institute, New York
Master of Design
May 2004
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara
Bachelor of Science
June 1997
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara
Bachelor of Arts
June 1996