Sign In

Doug Powell

Executive Design Leader, Consultant, Coach | VP of Design | Former IBM & Expedia

Professional Background

Doug Powell is a distinguished and award-winning designer with an impressive career spanning over 30 years across various design disciplines. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in design, Doug has established himself not only as a practitioner but also as a thought leader in the field. He holds notable positions that have placed him in the spotlight of the design community, including former Vice President of Design at both IBM and Expedia Group. His role at these industry giants involved the oversight of design practices, the implementation of design systems, and the facilitation of cross-functional design thinking, all of which contributed to significant advancements in design culture and practice within these organizations.

In addition to his executive positions, Doug has been a prolific speaker and educator, sharing his insights at global events and institutions. His participation in renowned forums such as Beirut Design Week and Fortune's Brainstorm Design underscores his impact and reputation as an authority in design issues. Furthermore, he has contributed to advancing the design profession through various positions, including national president of AIGA, the largest professional association for design, where he represented thousands of design professionals across the nation.

Education and Achievements

Doug Powell received his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Visual Communications from the prestigious Washington University in St. Louis. His education laid the foundation for his future successes and provided him with the skills to navigate the complex world of design. Additionally, Doug honed his leadership capabilities by earning an Executive Leadership Certificate from the renowned Harvard Business School, preparing him to take on significant roles within leading organizations.

His commitment to design and education has been recognized with several prestigious accolades. Notably, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Sam Fox School of Design at Washington University in St. Louis in 2014 and was honored as a Fellow by AIGA Minnesota in the same year. These awards exemplify his contributions to the field and his commitment to fostering future generations of designers.

Notable Contributions

As a consultant, Doug has influenced numerous projects, including serving as the Consulting Creative Director for HealthSimple at Johnson & Johnson, and as Design Principal for various initiatives at IBM. His role as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at both the Washington University Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts and College of Visual Arts highlights his dedication to educating aspiring designers and encouraging them to push boundaries within the discipline.

Doug's commitment to design extends to his role as producer and host of the podcast "This Is A Prototype: The Design Leadership Podcast," where he engages in important conversations regarding design leadership and innovation. Through this platform, Doug not only shares his extensive knowledge but also offers invaluable insights from other leaders in the design community.

Doug has actively participated in the governance of design education as a former board member of Handrail, Inc., as well as on various advisory boards, including the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Design. His efforts have helped shape design curricula and foster academic environments that encourage creativity and professional growth.

Overall, Doug Powell's multifaceted career is characterized by a dedication to excellence in design, leadership in promoting and advancing design practices, and a passion for educating future generations. His extensive background not only illustrates an impressive professional trajectory but also serves as an inspiring model for design professionals everywhere.

Highlights

Apr 30 · Barfblog
Chipotle | barfblog - Barfblog

Related Questions

How did Doug Powell's design principles influence his work at IBM and Expedia Group?
What notable projects has Doug Powell overseen during his tenure as Vice President of Design?
In what ways has Doug Powell contributed to design education through his teaching roles?
How did Doug Powell's experiences shape his approach as a national president of AIGA?
What insights does Doug Powell share on his podcast, 'This Is A Prototype: The Design Leadership Podcast'?
Doug Powell
Add to my network

Location

Austin, Texas, United States