Alex Cabunoc

Statement

The way I design has been shaped by a variety of influences throughout my life. My father was a shop teacher who instilled an appreciation for craft and creation. My previous degree in metal sculpture showed me how to bring thoughts to reality. Living and traveling around the world exposed me to different cultures and viewpoints. And a promising career in marketing challenged me to rise above obstacles and work as part of a larger whole. But it was losing my mother to cancer that galvanized my decision to return to school to pursue my dream of industrial design. I realized how short and precious life is and I wanted to honor my mother's life by also living mine to fullest potential. It’s been in industrial design that I’ve finally found how to bring all these points in my life together and focus them into purpose.

For me, design, at the most fundamental level, is about problem solving. As a designer, I strive for those magical moments when research and experience spark to become innovation and impact. I see the role of a designer as being both archaeologist and alchemist: To identify the hidden connections between the challenge and idea that create the most novel solutions; to find these opportunities. For me, design begins long before pencil ever hits paper. It begins with the spark.

  • Contact Alex Cabunoc

    Linked In
    Bēhance
    cabunocdesign.com

    Experience

    Art Center College of Design
    Teacher's Assistant
    January 2014 - Present
    January 2014

    Blue Barrel Concepts, LLC
    Founder & Product Designer
    July 2013 - Present
    Los Angeles, CA

    Sterling Brands
    Freelance Product Designer
    October 2013 - Present
    Los Angeles, CA

    Karten Design
    Product Design Intern
    September 2012 - December 2012
    Marina Del Rey, CA

    Art Center Design Storms - International Game Technologies
    Design Storm Participant
    March - 2013
    Pasadena, CA

    Art Center Design Storms - PolyOne Corporation
    Design Storm Participant
    February - 2012
    Pasadena, CA

    Kinecta Federal Credit Union
    Senior Graphic Designer
    2005 - 2009
    Manhattan Beach, CA

    Japan Exchange Teaching Programme (J.E.T. Programme)
    Assistant Language Teacher
    2002 - 2005
    Tokyo, Japan

  • Gallery/Exhibit

    Student Gallery
    Safe Agua - GiraDora
    Sears Rebranding
    Creative Strategies
    Met-Rx Rebranding
    M.A.C. VI Solidworks R/C car

    Awards

    Spark! Award
    Spark Awards
    In recognition of Safe Agua Peru - GiraDora
    2012

    IDEA Gold Award
    IDSA
    In recognition of Safe Agua Peru - GiraDora
    2012

    Student Notable
    Core 77
    In recognition of Safe Agua Peru - GiraDora
    2012

    Best of the Best
    Red Dot
    In recognition of Safe Agua Peru - GiraDora
    2012

    Innovation by Design - Student Finalist
    Fast Company
    In recognition of GiraDora
    2012

    Top 15 International Finalist
    James Dyson Awards
    In recognition of GiraDora
    2012

    Student Laurette - $25,000 Grant
    The Tech Awards
    In recognition of GiraDora
    2012

    Advanced E-Team Grant - $19,500
    NCIIA
    In recognition of GiraDora
    2012

    3rd. Place
    Denhart Sustainability Prize
    In recognition of GiraDora
    2012

    2nd. Place
    Umbra-Sponsored Design Studio
    In recognition of Spoon Tree
    2012

    Publications

    Student Spotlight: MET-Rx
    MET-Rx
    www.thedieline.com
    July 21, 2012

    Core Strengths

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