I’m Jurgis Mikens, a industrial / product designer with over 10 years of cross-functional experience delivering hard & softgoods products from concept to production. I excel at translating business goals and user needs into actionable requirements, leading design and engineering teams, and establishing cohesive brand languages that resonate in the market. Based in Latvia and Denmark, I design custom lighting projects for interior and public spaces, furniture whilst I teach part-time at the Latvian Academy of Arts, mentor emerging interior designers, and enjoy solving complex problems through product design, manufacturing know-how, and process development amongst other aspects.

Jurgis Mikens

I’m Jurgis Mikens, a industrial / product designer with over 10 years of cross-functional experience delivering hard & softgoods products from concept to production. I excel at translating business goals and user needs into actionable requirements, leading design and engineering teams, and establishing cohesive brand languages that resonate in the market. Based in Latvia and Denmark, I design custom lighting projects for interior and public spaces, furniture whilst I teach part-time at the Latvian Academy of Arts, mentor emerging interior designers, and enjoy solving complex problems through product design, manufacturing know-how, and process development amongst other aspects.

Available to hire

I’m Jurgis Mikens, a industrial / product designer with over 10 years of cross-functional experience delivering hard & softgoods products from concept to production. I excel at translating business goals and user needs into actionable requirements, leading design and engineering teams, and establishing cohesive brand languages that resonate in the market.

Based in Latvia and Denmark, I design custom lighting projects for interior and public spaces, furniture whilst I teach part-time at the Latvian Academy of Arts, mentor emerging interior designers, and enjoy solving complex problems through product design, manufacturing know-how, and process development amongst other aspects.

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Language

Latvian
Fluent
English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner

Work Experience

Industrial Designer, Product Owner at ASBISC Enterprises PLC
April 1, 2024 - April 1, 2025
Led the design and development of 70+ SKUs driving new product conceptualization by managing both ODM and OEM complexities to deliver market-ready products. Built product requirements based on company strategy, user feedback, competitive analysis, and technical constraints; translated them into clear product design offerings. Developed and validated prototypes, ensuring seamless transitions from concept to production through rigorous testing and user feedback. Established a cohesive brand design language and developed a comprehensive design guidebook to ensure consistency across all products. Created high-fidelity visual assets, including photorealistic renderings, iconography, and animations, to support marketing and product storytelling. Applied agile methodologies to streamline development processes, improve cross-functional collaboration, and enhance product iterations. Interfaced directly with manufacturing partners in Europe and Asia, resolving technical issues and validating pro
Design Lead & Assoc. Manager, Product Dev. at AENO / Canadian Tire Corporation
May 1, 2022 - April 1, 2024
Directed product strategy and roadmap execution for 50+ SKUs across multiple private-label brands, contributing over $11M+ in collective revenue. Defined product requirements, success metrics, and go-to-market plans while ensuring alignment with merchandising, engineering, quality, sourcing, and executive teams. Translated strategic initiatives into actionable product workstreams, guiding engineering and design teams through discovery, prototyping, testing, and release. Represented the product function in cross-departmental decisions, driving clarity, prioritization, and risk mitigation across complex technical programs. Conducted market, trend, pricing, and competitive landscape analysis to identify new product opportunities and strengthen business cases. Led vendor and factory engagement, including on-site development reviews, failure analysis, and design validation. Mentored cross-functional teams, enabling scalable product operations and improved development velocity.
Product Designer & Development Consultant at Canadian Tire Corporation [CTC]
July 1, 2017 - May 1, 2022
Delivered over $49M+ in collective sales revenue over four years for Paderno and Vida by Paderno private-label brands. Led end-to-end product design and development cycles, translating customer insights and business goals into detailed product specifications, feature maps, and design documentation. Coordinated cross-functional teams (QA, branding, merchandising, packaging, global sourcing as well as various design agencies, vendors and manufacturing plants globally) to execute product roadmaps and resolve technical challenges. Co-led the development of visual brand languages for the Vida by Paderno and Paderno brands, involving extensive exploration of color, trends, and physical form factors, and created prototypes and drawings using digital software. Conducted consumer research, structured insights, and competitive benchmarking to guide product and brand direction. Spearheaded product design and development processes through documentation and digital work environment creation, collab
Class Assistant in Plastics Studio at OCAD University
September 1, 2015 - May 1, 2017
Provided valuable teaching assistance during lectures and open studio hours, guiding students and faculty in plastic fabrication methods, troubleshooting designs, and optimizing workflows. Ensured a safe studio environment, overseeing machine operations, conducting basic maintenance, and initiating shop enhancements for increased efficiency.
Freelance Designer at Jurgis Mikens Design
January 1, 2015 - July 1, 2017
Developed product solutions across diverse categories, including sculpture, furniture, lighting, and spatial design. Demonstrated project management skills by sourcing vendors, meeting tight deadlines, and delivering cost-effective solutions. Explored and applied small-scale manufacturing methods, technologies, and materials through personal brand projects. Showcased work in Toronto’s design community, including participation in events such as the Toronto Design Offsite Festival and exhibitions in galleries and festivals.
Industrial Designer, Intern at Canadian Tire Innovations
May 1, 2016 - September 1, 2016
Led innovative product and strategy initiatives centred on redefining the retail experience, blending consumer needs with technological advancements for an enriched user journey. Conceptualized and realized product solutions using a combination of sketching, 3D rendering, and physical prototyping.

Education

Bachelor of Design (BDes) in Industrial Design at Ontario College of Art & Design University (OCAD University)
September 1, 2011 - June 1, 2015
Exchange Program at OTIS College of Art and Design
January 1, 2014 - May 1, 2014

Qualifications

US Patent USD970286S1 - Interface dial for small appliances
September 29, 2020 - September 29, 2022
Solidworks Certificate
September 2, 2019 - December 23, 2019

Industry Experience

Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Education, Retail