SOPHIE BECKER

504/GWT

Hey, I’m Sophie – a designer, researcher, strategist, and artist. I hold a BFA in Industrial Design and Psychology from the Rochester Institute of Technology. 

I focus on design research, community engagement, and piloting interventions. I'm driven to address system-level problems through a design-lens, particularly environmental and social issues such as urban design, housing, and homelessness.  

I am based in Denver, CO where you can find me enjoying the mountains and sunshine.
 

    Atlanta Community Needs
    Child Care Matters
    Home Here
    Immersive Innovation Labs
    Jane Fonda
    Alpyn Beauty
    Vignelli Medal
    – 
    Writing
    Speaking 
    On My Mind
    –
    Resume
    Email

    EDUCATION


    ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 

    Rochester, NY
    9.2016 - 5.2020
    • Summa Cum Laude
    • Industrial Design BFA, minor in Psychology
    • Study abroad in Cuba (2019)




      WORK EXPERIENCE


      ORANGE SPARKLE BALL

      Remote  
      9.2020 - Present

      Design Innovation Strategist at the innovation agency working across ecosystems to design and test precision interventions for positive change.
      • Led strategy for sustainable packaging and initiatives within a major restaurant chain’s innovation department. 
      • Interfaced between public research institute and state agencies across a variety of social service sector projects. Conducted design research through surveys, individual interviews, and co-creation sessions to understand the landscape of the care economy. Using insights from research, crafted policy recommendations for the governor’s office as well as pilot plans for agencies to implement. Designed communication tools for complex policy, data, and landscape understanding 
      • Led the development of and taught a hybrid innovation framework that was implemented across university and professional settings.  


      ALPYN BEAUTY

      Remote 
      6.2020 - 9.2020

      Creative Intern at the luxury beauty brand focused on creating clean skincare.
      • Crafted custom illustrations, marketing assets, and email campaigns  
      • Designed, executed, and edited photo shoots


        JOSH OWEN LLC

        Rochester, NY
        1.2020 - 5.2020

        Design Intern at the product design studio.
        • Assisted in the design and planning of a design education book 
        • Led the research, CAD, and prototype phases of a commencement award


        RIT FABLAB

        Rochester, NY
        9.2018 - 4.2020

        Student Manager and Technician at the Fabrication Lab servicing the College of Arts and Design.
        • Liaison between faculty, students, and admin on 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC capabilities
        • Experimented with machine capabilities, materials, and processes for internal documentation and training purposes


        RIT INDUSTRIAL DESIGN DEPARTMENT

        Rochester, NY
        1.2019 - 5.2019

        Classroom Assistant for a junior Industrial Design Studio under Professor Byron Conn.
        • Reviewed and produced high fidelity prototypes for student design projects 
        • Educated students on the CNC process and capabilities


        GAIA WEARABLES 

        Rochester, NY
        5.2018 - 12.2019

        Lead Designer at the startup working to empower the Autism Spectrum Disorder community through the development of wearable technology and sensory-friendly experiences.
        • Collaborated with engineers on the development of wearables from concepts to prototypes 
        • Led user testing by interviewing children and families to understand preferences and behaviors


        WOOD & FAULK 

        Portland, OR 
        5.2018 - 9.2018

        Design Intern at design and manufacturing house of traditional leather and waxed canvas goods.
        • Manufactured bags, accessories, and other product offerings 
        • Designed, prototyped, and produced new accessories
        • Fulfilled orders and communicated with customers and suppliers