SOPHIE BECKER

504/GWT

Hey, I’m Sophie – a designer, researcher, strategist, and artist. I have a BFA in Industrial Design from RIT and am currently working on my Post-Bacc in Technical Apparel Design at the Wilson School of Design at KPU.  

I have done a little bit of everything in my time as a designer, from fabrication and prototyping, user research, community engagement, and even teaching art and design! I’m particularly interested in both hands-on creation and system-level problems, and always looking for opportunities to merge those two. 
 

    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


    WILSON SCHOOL OF DESIGN, KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY 

    Richmond, B.C. 
    9.2025 - Present 
    (Expected graduation Spring 2027) 
    • Post-Bacc Technical Apparel Design


      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


        ASIA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

        Seoul, Republic of South Korea 
        8.2024 - 6.2025

        Digital Design and Fabrication Teacher educating Middle and High School students on design fundamentals and digital technologies. 
        • Oversaw the digital media lab, woodshop, and digital fabrication equipment
        • Taught students the design process, fabrication techniques such as 3D printing and CNC milling, and digital software such as the Adobe Suite and Fusion360
        • Classes taught: HS STEAM, HS Advanced Digital Explorations, HS Digital Explorations, MS Grade 7 Digital Art & Design, MS Sewing & Fiber Arts 


        ORANGE SPARKLE BALL

        Remote  
        9.2020 - 5.2024

        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 institutes 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