Tzuyi Shimizu is an accomplished designer who graduated from the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, with a Bachelor of Science in Transportation Design. She also holds a Master of Arts in Industrial Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. With nearly two decades of experience in product development across various industries—including fashion plumbing, power tools, housewares, and automotive design—Tzuyi has established herself as a prominent figure in industrial design. Her work has been featured in numerous international design magazines and publications, inspiring aspiring designers worldwide.
As the Director of the Design Studio at Lota USA, Tzuyi continues to use her skills to design high-volume consumer products for large revenue categories. Working closely with Sales and Marketing, R&D, NPD, overseas suppliers, and factories, Tzuyi has successfully implemented strategic uses in the product development process across a wide range of consumer product lines.
Tzuyi holds a U.S. utility patent in her name. This patent is not just a testament to her exceptional dedication and innovative mindset but also a practical application of her work. It showcases her unwavering commitment to her craft and its value in the industry.
Email
tzuyishimizu@gmail.com
Phone
(310) 439-0422
“As a professional industrial designer, I strongly believe in the power of design to bring people together and make a positive impact on both society and the environment. I am passionate about discovering new products and mobility solutions, and creating fresh and innovative design concepts for consumer products and wearables. Ultimately, my goal is to leverage my expertise and creativity to make a meaningful contribution to the world.”
Areas of Expertise
Industrial Design
Transportation Design
Product Design
Sourcing
Manufacturing Process
Rapid Prototyping
3D Printing
3D Rendering
Experience
Lota USA/Los Angeles, CA
Director of Design Studio; 2025 - Present
- Senior Lead Industrial Designer; 2019 - 2024
- Industrial Designer; 2014-2018
- Design Assistant; 2013 - 2014
Led the design and management of all products for US sales, guiding them from initial concept to final production. By fostering collaboration among management, clients, and overseas designers and engineers, I was able to effectively transform insights into practical, manufacturable designs that meet market needs.
Seville Classics/Torrance, CA
Lead Industrial Designer; 2018-2019
As part of an initiative to enhance a best-selling product, the focus was on improving its functionality while also reducing shipping costs. This effort resulted in the creation of an innovative laundry hamper, which was awarded USA Utility Patent Number 10,822,009 in 2020.
Astro Pneumatic Tool Company/South El Monte, CA
Design Manager; 2009 - 2012
Successfully led a team in handheld tools' design, manufacturing, and packaging, focusing on new product development, effective packaging solutions, and innovative marketing campaigns. Promoted collaboration efforts across product, marketing, and overseas production teams to enhance the company's overall success.
Transonic Combustion Inc./Camarillo, CA
Automotive Designer; 2007 - 2009
Dedicated to advancing product development initiatives, enhancing market research efforts, and crafting impactful branding designs that include innovative product concept designs.
Nissan Motor Corporation/Taiwan, ROC
Automotive Design Internship; 2007
Volvo Group/Camarillo, CA
Automotive Design Internship; 2005
Skills
Adobe Photoshop CC 2024
Adobe Illustrator CC 2024
Adobe InDesign CC 2024
Autodesk SketchBook Pro
Autodesk AliasStudio
Rhinoceros 3D
T-Splines
Pro/Engineer
V-Ray for Rhino
V-Ray Express
KeyShot 11
Bunkspeed
PowerPoint
Analog sketching
Digital rendering
Wacom Tablet Intuos Pro
SolidWorks
Adobe XD
Figma
Conceptboard
Education
Master of Arts Degree (M.A.) in Industrial Design
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA; 2018-2024
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Transportation Design
Art Center College of Design
Pasadena, CA; 2003-2007
Pasadena City College in Product Design
Pasadena, CA; 2001-2003
Awards
2020
Patent Number 10,822,009
United States Patent and Trademark Office
2018
Utility Patent pending
Seville Classics
2016
Meet West Los Angeles Industrial Design: Tzuyi Shimizu
Voyaga LA Magazine
2009
Rally Fighter Side-Vent Competition Second Place
Local Motors
2009
Featured Designer
Mass High Tech Weekly
2009
Featured Designer; “Future Face of the 500?”
Machine Design Magazine
2008
Featured Designer; “A Glimpse into the Future?”
Racecar Engineering Magazine
2007
Featured Designer; “Future Fast?”
AutoWeek Magazine
2007
Featured Designer
Indycar.com