Meet Simi Simon | Experience Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Simi Simon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Simi, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
When I think about risk, a quote by Steve Jobs always comes to mind: ‘You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.’ I truly believe that taking calculated risks is essential for growth, even though it can be challenging. Before taking a risk, I try to assess it carefully, and I never rely solely on Plan A. I always have a Plan B and Plan C ready, which helps me navigate the world of opportunities more effectively.

As an immigrant, the biggest risk I took was quitting a stable job to pursue design in the USA, a field where I had zero formal experience. This was driven by a deep desire to express my creativity and make a tangible impact on the world. The next three years were full of fear and failures.

When it comes to risk-taking, flexibility is key. I didn’t get a single internship during grad school, and then, just as I received a job offer, it was rescinded due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. I had only 90 days to find a job or face leaving the country with a huge education loan.

My mentors suggested focusing on building my portfolio, but instead, I took the risk of working 3-4 volunteer design jobs. It wasn’t paid, but I saw COVID as an opportunity to immerse myself in as many projects as possible and excel at each. I poured my heart and soul into those projects, learning new skills and building my confidence. One of those projects, a redesign of a local non-profit’s website, directly showcased my ability to solve real-world problems, which I believe caught Ford’s attention.

In the end, within 60 days, I landed a full-time design job. Someone who had nothing – no background in design, no design internship to prove my worth, and no job upon graduation – ended up as a designer for Ford in just three months. This experience taught me that taking calculated risks, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and staying adaptable are essential for achieving your dreams. It’s about trusting your instincts, believing in your potential, and knowing that even when the path ahead seems uncertain, you have the power to create your own opportunities.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has been a journey of transformation, driven by a passion for design and a belief in the power of human-centered solutions. What sets me apart, I think, is my unique blend of engineering and design sensibilities, combined with the resilience and adaptability I’ve cultivated as an army kid and later as an immigrant. I approach every project with a strategic mindset, always striving to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, accessible, and impactful. Beyond that, I believe my adaptability, my insatiable curiosity to learn, and my ability to see the world through the eyes of a child truly set me apart. I find excitement in the smallest things, and I channel that energy into my projects and the teams I work with.

I’m particularly proud of my contributions to the Smart City Project. This project was especially meaningful to me because it addresses a critical need for a revolution in urban living. Beyond simply incorporating smart technologies or autonomous vehicles, it focuses on creating stress-free accessibility to essential amenities like homes, hospitals, and schools. It’s about redefining how people live and interact with their environments in a way that fosters well-being and minimizes negative environmental impact. Sharing our work with urban development teams has reinforced my belief that cities are ready to embrace human-centered design principles and move towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

My path to becoming a designer wasn’t always easy. After graduating with an engineering degree, I realized that my true passion lay in design. Making the decision to leave my stable job and pursue design studies in the US was a huge risk, but it was one I felt compelled to take. The initial years were filled with challenges – learning a new discipline, navigating a new culture, and facing setbacks like the job offer being rescinded during COVID-19.
I vividly remember the panic I felt when that job offer disappeared. I had only 90 days to find another opportunity or face deportation with a mountain of student debt. Instead of giving up, I decided to take a different approach. I volunteered my design skills for several organizations, using the time to build my portfolio and gain practical experience. It was unpaid work, but it allowed me to hone my skills, network with professionals, and ultimately land a full-time design role at Ford.

Was it easy? Perhaps not initially, but it has become second nature to me. The projects I work on are often dynamic and the environment can be chaotic, but I thrive in that kind of atmosphere. I enjoy diving into the chaos and systematically cleaning it up, starting with one element at a time. It’s a process that allows me to bring order to complexity and create meaningful solutions.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is the importance of adaptability and resilience. Life rarely goes according to plan, and the ability to embrace change, learn from failures, and keep moving forward is essential for success. I’ve also learned the value of mentorship and collaboration. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family, friends, professors, and mentors who believed in me and guided me along the way.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that I am a designer who is driven by a desire to make a positive impact. I believe that design has the power to solve complex problems, improve people’s lives, and create a more sustainable and equitable future. My story is one of perseverance, transformation, and a relentless pursuit of passion. I hope that by sharing my journey, I can inspire others to take risks, embrace challenges, and pursue their own dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to share the things that truly ignite my curiosity and sense of wonder. Knowing my fascination with the universe and the ocean depths, our week would start with a visit to the Aquarium. The underwater world has always captivated me, and I love sharing that awe with others. We’d definitely catch the dolphin and seal shows – they’re always a crowd-pleaser!

But that’s just the beginning. Also grab some delicious food at –Atlanta Breakfast Club.
We’d also explore the Atlanta Zoo, the beautiful parks. The goal is to create a week filled with a mix of discovery, natural beauty, and good food

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I can’t attribute my success to just one person; it’s been a collective effort. Growing up in India, where societal norms often dictate career paths, my parents and sister were incredibly supportive, even when I took a leap into the unconventional field of design. They were my biggest supporters, always reminding me to dream big and never settle. And to my husband who has been my unwavering pillar of support throughout this exhilarating roller coaster ride.I am forever grateful for their love and encouragement. Their belief in my potential gave me the courage to explore, experiment, and ultimately redefine my path

Secondly, a lot of people who started as strangers played a big role in where I am today. Two people who were particularly helpful during a crucial point are:
1. Aaravind (a senior): Aaravind, in his own way, inspired me to move from mechanical engineering to design. He shared his own journey and showed me that it was possible to make the transition. He helped me understand that my engineering background could be an asset in the design world.
Karthik (a junior year classmate): Karthik, who had pursued his own path to design, shared his knowledge at a critical point in my life. He helped me navigate the confusing entry points into the field and provided valuable insights into design principles and resources. I am incredibly grateful for his generosity and guidance.

Thirdly, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Without SCAD and the amazing professors I had there, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Three professors, in particular, played a significant role:
1. Paul McGroary: I credit him for helping me build a solid foundation in design. His class was instrumental in developing my abilities, teaching me to strategically blend artistic vision with practical problem-solving.
2. Hari Nair: Hari’s class immersed me in a world that celebrated bold ideas and innovation. He gave me the opportunity to work on projects with a bigger impact on society. One specific project, where we had to design a smart city project which really pushed me to think outside the box and consider the social and environmental implications of design.
3. Kwela Hermanns: Kwela’s approach challenged me to think beyond the obvious and remove my own biases. She encouraged me to question assumptions and explore unconventional solutions.

The dynamic discussions, collaboration, and hands-on learning experiences at SCAD helped me uncover my true potential. The SCAD community helped me explore design foutside my enrollled course to but also I got a chance to learn about other designs around furniture, jewellery, luxury and brand design etc. This collaboration gave me the confidence to get out into the real world.

Website: https://simisimon.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sps_designtudio/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simi-p-simon/