Matt Potter, IDSA
Industrial Designer | MBH Architects
Vice Chair, IDSA San Francisco Chapter | 2020-2021
The journey started while working in the tool room for a local manufacturer. After completing a machinist apprenticeship program, Matt went on to become a Tool and Die Maker. Eventually Matt taught machining for the very same program. While studying Mechanical Engineering, he found his calling in Industrial Design.
Matt has worked in a variety of industries, including Aerospace/Defense, Consumer Electronics, Retail Design, Furniture, Footwear and more. Having worked both in-house and for consultancies, with everything from small startups to some of the largest companies the world, Matt enjoys the challenges and the learnings that come from working on a wide variety of products and different fields.
Matt received his BFA from California College of the Arts, majoring in Industrial Design. He worked with the IDSA-San Francisco Chapter, one of the largest and most active in the country, for the past three years. As a former teacher, Matt also mentors Industrial Design students. In addition, Matt is an experienced musician, having performed on multiple albums and many concerts. Matt also is an artist who paints and silk screens.
Statement of Candidacy
I have worked and learned much from the incredible team of IDSA-San Francisco. In the West District Chapter Representative role, I would still work closely with the local chapter to help provide what they need. Awareness of the local design community is an important tool for growth as not only a working designer but also for those seeking to enter the field. Events give an opportunity to challenge your own notions and those of others.
I would like to see discussions and topics that help push us out of our comfort zones. There are a few opportunities, such as working to make all content available for those who cannot attend online. This would help to increase attendance and, most importantly, awareness.
More communication between the chapters is key to working together. I would like to see collaboration with other chapters to help chapters in need as well as share new ideas for those that need some new energy. Lastly, I would like to push to recruit new members and work towards a simple way to bridge the gap between IDSA events and IDSA community membership.
