I'm Laura, a Technical Designer and SurfacePattern Designer with 10+ years translating concept research into functional, aesthetically refined textiles. I bring a maker-driven mindset to silhouette development, pattern engineering, and textile behavior, delivering commercially viable products that support movement, comfort, and durability. I collaborate cross-functionally to strengthen design, development, and production, always prioritizing clear visual communication and a hands-on approach. I blend design intuition with technical precision, mentoring designers and leading through inclusive sizing, evolution of materials, and rigorous testing. My work balances creative experimentation with pragmatic execution, ensuring products not only look great but perform reliably in real-world wear and guest experience scenarios.

Laura Twiss

I'm Laura, a Technical Designer and SurfacePattern Designer with 10+ years translating concept research into functional, aesthetically refined textiles. I bring a maker-driven mindset to silhouette development, pattern engineering, and textile behavior, delivering commercially viable products that support movement, comfort, and durability. I collaborate cross-functionally to strengthen design, development, and production, always prioritizing clear visual communication and a hands-on approach. I blend design intuition with technical precision, mentoring designers and leading through inclusive sizing, evolution of materials, and rigorous testing. My work balances creative experimentation with pragmatic execution, ensuring products not only look great but perform reliably in real-world wear and guest experience scenarios.

Available to hire

I’m Laura, a Technical Designer and SurfacePattern Designer with 10+ years translating concept research into functional, aesthetically refined textiles. I bring a maker-driven mindset to silhouette development, pattern engineering, and textile behavior, delivering commercially viable products that support movement, comfort, and durability. I collaborate cross-functionally to strengthen design, development, and production, always prioritizing clear visual communication and a hands-on approach.

I blend design intuition with technical precision, mentoring designers and leading through inclusive sizing, evolution of materials, and rigorous testing. My work balances creative experimentation with pragmatic execution, ensuring products not only look great but perform reliably in real-world wear and guest experience scenarios.

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Language

English
Fluent
French
Intermediate

Work Experience

Bridal Technical Designer and Fit Specialist at A&K Ottawa
January 1, 2025 - Present
Lead bridal design and fit development across multiple silhouettes and fabrics. Adapt construction techniques for challenging textiles, including lightweight wovens and performance synthetics. Manage prototype development, fittings, and cross-functional collaboration with product development, production, and merchandising to ensure fit accuracy, quality, and market readiness.
Founder & Technical Knitwear Designer at Balsam Knits
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2025
Design original knitwear silhouettes from concept to prototype to final pattern; integrate movement, comfort and performance. Lead fit strategy across nine sizes using inclusive grading and schematic drafting. Conduct fibre research, gauge testing and durability assessments. Create technical schematics, bilingual content, and brand-aligned materials. Direct global pattern testing groups and synthesize user feedback into refined technical instructions.
Co-Owner / Creative Director at Twiss & Weber
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2024
Led design direction, seasonal conceptualization, silhouette development and fabric research for original apparel collections. Developed patterns, prototypes and construction standards; ensured quality, function and commercial viability. Oversaw small-batch manufacturing, workflow optimization and hands-on fit testing across categories. Selected materials based on performance, sustainability and guest experience. Provided team training in technical construction, efficiency and client-facing fit analysis. Managed vendor relations, inventory planning and studio operations.
Instructor at Ottawa School of Art
January 1, 2022 - Present
Teach advanced construction, pattern engineering and textile behavior with emphasis on precision and problem-solving. Mentor emerging designers in concept research, prototype development, iterative refinement and materials selection. Design curriculum that integrates both creative and technical product development.

Education

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Qualifications

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Industry Experience

Manufacturing, Retail, Professional Services, Consumer Goods, Other, Education