Michael Tori Email & Phone Number

San Francisco Bay Area

In my current role I'm fortunate to have the honor and privilege to partner with some of the most beloved and respected brands on earth. Designing for Disney, Lucas film, Four Seasons, Travel & Leisure, to name a few, have been thrilling. Designing successful product lines for these and many others brands allows me to enrich the lives of so many people who crave the beauty and lifestyle experience each brand offers. I also get to dive into the depths of the creative process that I love so dearly. To create something beloved, one must understand what is "loved" and why. In my role I create home textile home collections. I study each brand to understand its DNA and thereby, underlying relevance to consumers. Resulting in designs that are the visual embodiment of what is beloved about the brand and also how the consumer identifies with it. We see ourselves in the brands we love. We find joy and confidence in the ways they represent and nurture us. They add the expression and substance that help us "become" our best selves. From color and fabric, to innovative designs that encourage re-use and sustainability. I own the design. That's the product aspect of my world. The communication, the message or "story tell" of the brand is another prized creative journey for me as well. A visual of the products I design tell the story from only one perspective, the copy and digital experience however are like the layering chords of an orchestra. For me, writing this story in layers actuallizes the soul of the brand. And these combined sensory indulgences are what the consumer so wholly embrace. I create set design direction for studio photography, including specifying the architecture, furniture, colors, and props for each photo shoot. For each product, I craft the copy for PR and media platforms. Each adjective deepening the consumers longed for brand experience. I direct the website infrastructure and user experience. I believe creating the product is only the beginning.

Dallas/Fort Worth Area

I succeeded in developing and supporting business objectives by employing creative and design strategies for consumer product business challenges. I achieved goals that I set by utilizing multitasking, time management, leadership, problem resolution, and communication skills while adhering to all approved procedures and standards. ♦ Showcased ability to manage and increase business performance and growth including trend direction in home lighting, furniture, wall décor, decorative accessories, and seasonal products. ♦ Maintained high levels of leadership in support of continuous improvement and efficiency providing respectful personnel governing guidelines while directing and motivating team members to achieve high organizational standards; delivered PD line lists and evaluated and led art team in partnership with sourcing team through development process to sample. ♦ Enhanced performance and increased revenue $800k by creating the home décor and lighting business. ♦ Utilized innovative strategies and an experienced eye for design by directing showroom visual merchandising while complying with safety regulations, quality standards, and company policies.

Plano, Tx

This was a pivotal position to ensure overall business growth and success of company’s largest Home Private Brands. As such, I cultivated a success methodology which incorporated vital communication and critical thinking skills to meet financial objectives. I also embraced personal challenges and maintained the balance between company policy and customer benefit in my decision making. ♦ Executed winning market share strategies increasing business exposure to target consumer markets. Guided research and increased efficiency generating detailed specification of final designs utilizing Photoshop and Illustrator. ♦ Ensured compliance of all production and finance activities translating complex trend concepts and consumer and sales data into seasonal compelling visuals for new product launches. ♦ Fostered a respectful environment to increase efficiency by collaborating with various teams including internal product develop and sourcing and photography production. ♦ Kept abreast of changes which impacted business and drove brand and product assortment consistencies with global partners based in China, India, and Europe. ♦ Key Sales Accomplishments: Dinnerware: $21M increase 225% Flatware: $5M+ increase 34% Seasonal $5M+ increase 425%Table Linens: $6M+ increase 103% Bath: $160M increase 31% Tabletop Sales: $38M+ increase 28%

Xiamen, Fujian, China

I managed, analyzed, and prioritized multiple projects while maintaining accuracy and quality in a demanding and fast-paced design environment achieving optimal levels of performance. This involved utilizing my analytic aptitude for development and implementation of organizational procedures and operational goals for the company’s global floral design business. ♦ Focused on maintaining proficiency to ensure continuity and effective cost-effective design strategies across all product categories collaborating with internal factory support teams. ♦ Produced a positive impact directing internal visual merchandising team to maximize showroom aesthetic and increase profitability while elevating brand-centric showroom design to individual vendors worldwide. ♦ Showcased optimal performance expanding product offering as first accessory designer creating accessories for every day and seasonal use generating increased revenue.

San Francisco Bay Area

Developed home décor and accent furniture for several retail clients; oversaw showroom designs and setup; managed oversea development; produced product catalog collaborating with graphic designers and photographers.

Greater Atlanta Area

Retail shop Buyer/Designer exceeding overall design goals; assisted clients with budget considerations; interfaced with design team members, including contractors, consultants, and fabricators

Education record

Education record