What core values are most important to you as a leader?

Honesty and transparency are essential. I also value empathy and active listening. One guiding principle I live by is DWYSYWD — Do What You Say You Will Do.

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your direction as a design leader?

After 25 years in decorative metals, a market shift pushed us into automotive interiors. Our first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) pitch flopped, but I gathered feedback, secured resources, and in three months we delivered finishes that went over a German OEM — launching us into a new market.

What did you learn from that experience?

Three key lessons:
1. Be proactive, not reactive — and never assume success in one industry guarantees success in another.
2. Do your homework — understand the audience, culture, and market you're entering.
3. Learn from failure. Every misstep carries insight that can guide your next success.

How do you ensure those values are reflected in Wilsonart's design culture and product development?

We've built a collaborative environment where diverse backgrounds bring fresh perspectives to design challenges. While we each lead individual projects, we come together to support one another and ensure team success.

Sustainability is a big deal at Wilsonart. How do design and innovation support that goal over the next 3–5 years?

Wilsonart is focused on advancing both design and sustainability. This year, we launched the first no-repeat woodgrain laminate – delivering a more natural look with a strong sustainability story. Our laminates lead the industry with twice the post-consumer recycled content of competitors. We expect to reach 27% by year-end and are targeting 40% by 2027 – 2.5 times more than others. And our design team is just getting started.

What’s one big inspiration or passion you think everyone should know about?

I love the fine art of printmaking. The act of mark making and developing patterns, no matter the method, is both creatively energizing and meditative.

How does it influence your creativity or leadership?

Printmaking gives me a starting point when I’m stuck creatively and the freedom to explore and make mistakes without expectations or consequences. In leadership, I encourage my team to take risks and trial new ideas and methodology and let them know that it is okay to fail. Not every hit will be a homerun, and that’s okay. But what’s not okay is avoiding that fear of failure to keep you from trying and exploring new ideas and methods.

How do you approach trend forecasting and material innovation?

At Wilsonart, trend forecasting and material innovation are collaborative efforts. We work with R&D, product, and sales teams to spot market gaps and share emerging trends and innovations that may benefit our customers.

How does customer feedback or market research influence your product design decisions?

Both are essential. Early on, we use market insights and trends to guide development, then share concepts with customers and peers for feedback. Thier input helps us refine our direction and align with brand needs and market influences. This collaboration ensures our design portfolio stays flexible, relevant, and forward-thinking without chasing short-lived trends.

What’s unique about designing surfaces for commercial environments?

Commercial surfaces must meet varying performance and aesthetic needs depending on the segment and application. For example, countertops in healthcare and food service require high durability and a clean, minimal appearance, while hospitality spaces allow for more visual appeal alongside cleanability.

Are there any recent product lines or collaborations that you’re particularly proud of?

Well, I love all our products, but there are two recent collections that I am particularly fond of. Our PB Series woodgrains are incredibly authentic in look and feel. So true to real wood veneer, it’s hard to tell the difference. They bring warmth, texture, and natural beauty to every project. Equally exciting is our Thinscape Commercial Collection, known for its coordinated color core, impressive durability, and wide range of design possibilities. Together, these collections showcase our commitment to both innovation and aesthetics in surface design.

How is Wilsonart integrating sustainable design into its surfaces portfolio?

We take inspiration from the beauty of nature — and we're just as inspired to help protect it. Sustainability is part of who we are. We're always looking for ways to do more with less, creating smarter surfaces with a smaller footprint. Our commitment shows up in what we make, how we make it, and why we do it.

What does "responsible design" mean to you?

It's a holistic approach to product design and development that looks at raw materials, manufacturing processes, environmental impact, and end-of-life cycle. Responsible design is doing everything you can to increase the product life cycle and minimize the negative impact of the product on the environment, natural resources, people, and ecosystems that the products encounter.

What advice do you have for emerging designers looking to lead in the material design space?

Be curious. Stay up to date on advances in material science, and seek out partners who share your passion for making a positive impact on the environment. Understand that change takes time and patience but don't be afraid to push material suppliers for better solutions and incremental change.

What role do diversity and inclusion play in the design process at Wilsonart?

As a designer, one thing that I've learned over time is that people are unique — a compilation made up of their experiences, history, and culture. Every one of us serves as the voice of the customer. We are a point of perspective that can help expand thinking and our empathy, enrich our understanding, and makes us more tolerant and accepting as human beings. Fostering an environment that values diversity and inclusion helps us grow stronger as individuals, as a company, and as a community.

How do you want Wilsonart's design team to impact the broader design community?

I hope we become a trusted source of inspiration, offering forward-thinking designs and insights that help shape the future of spaces where our surfaces live. I'd also love us to evolve into true collaborators with the design community — actively engaging in dialogue, exchanging ideas, and building strong relationships.

What is the legacy you hope to leave through your work at Wilsonart?

I aim to foster a deep appreciation for the design process and promote a hands-on, holistic approach that blends creativity with function. I hope to leave a culture that values detail and the impact of thoughtful design.