The Product Design Program at the Western Michigan University (WMU) Richmond Institute for Design and Innovation (RIDI) is taking innovation to a whole new level with its unique, interdisciplinary program preparing graduates to lead in the field of industrial design. Nick Gromek, graduating from the program this spring, is eager to take his experiences from the classroom and professional career to find the next opportunity in his product design career. Nick especially loves furniture design and the beauty of wood. Take a look at Nick’s bio below and explore his impressive portfolio to learn more about how he could be a perfect fit for your company.
What is the best lesson you learned from RIDI, an internship, an instructor, or a mentor?
If you think a project is going to take you 20 hours to complete a task, triple it.
What is the strongest skill you bring to an employer?
My work ethic. It was instilled into me by my father and has repeatedly allowed me to move up the corporate ladder in many of my previous professional positions.
What type of project or industry interests you?
I love furniture design and the beauty of wood. Furniture design was the focus of WMU’s Industrial Design program when I first attended college, and it has left a lasting impression on me.
What project in your portfolio are you most proud of?
I am proud of them all. To return to WMU after 20 years in pursuit of my degree was a major challenge, and each project was a steppingstone that guided me to where I am as a designer today.
What/who is one person, place, or experience that had a positive impact on you during your time at Western Michigan University or in the Kalamazoo community?
My mentor Jason Wroblewski at Stryker really helped me push through my final semester at WMU. It was refreshing to have the opportunity to speak with a professional on a weekly basis about anything related to the class.
