Don Gillard

Education & Professional Background
Don holds a diploma in Industrial Design from Emily Carr College of Art & Design. He spent a decade as Art Director at MVKA Productions, where he led the design of sets and stages for international events. His expertise extends to product design and manufacturing for diverse sectors, including retail, hospitality, and professional office environments.

Education & Professional Background
Driven by a passion for sustainable design, Don created the Clubist Chair in 1992—a bold reinterpretation of the traditional club chair that utilized a fraction of the materials. In 1994, he was awarded the prestigious R2D2 Grant for his innovative seating suspension system, which repurposed recycled tires.

Upcycling & Community Engagement
Don is deeply committed to sustainable design practices and material innovation. At Langara College's Makerspace, he initiated a partnership with the Jim Pattison Group to repurpose vinyl from highway billboards—materials typically discarded after use. Through this effort, he developed a range of functional products including bike bags, tote bags, and giant fan covers for Langara’s A Building.

Expanding his exploration of waste-to-resource design, Don has been experimenting with transforming non-recyclable plastics—such as bread bags, carrot packaging, and Glad sandwich bags—into a durable, high-performance material. This composite is being used as a sustainable alternative to leather in the production of tote bags and other traditionally leather-crafted goods. His work not only diverts waste from landfills but also challenges conventional notions of material value and longevity.

Craftsmanship & Digital Design
A master upholsterer and skilled leatherworker, Don also brings technical expertise in web development and digital design. He is the founder of Triggerfish Design Group, where he integrates traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. In his spare time, he tutors students in leatherwork, website design, and Autodesk Fusion 360.

Recognition & Awards
Don received the Okanagan Arts Award for Design in 2011, honoring his contributions to industrial and product design. In 2012, he was nominated for the Okanagan Arts Award in Media Arts for his work in responsive web design.