About
I am a designer, creative director, and entrepreneur specializing in natural and sustainable materials for commercial and residential interior design. A co-founder of FilzFelt (acquired by Knoll, Inc. in 2011), my award-winning designs are distinctive for their pattern, color, and innovative functionality. Whether designing textiles, interior architecture installations, or furniture, I begin my process with a thoughtful analysis of how people will interact with the product and the environment. I am also the founder of Minni, a community creative space in Boston offering art and design education to young children. I was awarded the Product Designer Award at Interior Design’s HiP 2020 and Emerging Product Designer Award at NYCxDesign in 2018 and my exclusive designs have been included in the MoMA Design Store. I trained in architecture at Northeastern University and reside in Boston, Massachusetts.
Services
I love collaboration! I work with companies to find new, innovative applications for their materials and to design original products for the home and workplace.
Consulting
I consult for manufacturers in the architecture and design industry in the areas of market research, design strategy, acoustic and architectural material training, and creative direction. Clients include Knoll, Chilewich, Stylex, Modern Meadow, In2Green, and Muratto.
Design + Licensing
I collaborate on licensed designs for textiles, architectural materials, furniture, flooring, and home accessories. Clients include FilzFelt, HBF, Skyline Glass, Corral, In2Green, and SUGO Cork Rugs.
Sustainability
In my own work and in every design collaboration or consulting project, I am constantly working with sustainability in mind.
In addition to working with natural, recycled and upcycled materials that have limited environmental impact, I design products with longevity and durability in mind.
I am passionate about teaching future generations to think about possibilities for material conservation and reuse. This is part of the reason I opened Minni, a community creative space. It is never too early to learn to think creatively and sustainably.
Inspiration + Process
I find inspiration almost everywhere I go. Whether it’s the color of the sky at a particular moment, the texture of a manhole cover or the patterning on a facade, I’m constantly recording. Depending on the type of project, I photograph, sketch, collage and even stitch my ideas before moving to conceptual drawings. Follow along below.
Contact
My design studio is based in Boston, Massachusetts but I work with companies all over the world.
For commissions, product collaborations, press inquiries, or general information, please email info (@) kellyharrissmith.com or fill out the form below.
