ABOUT & CONTACT

I am a product designer.
I create sculptural, functional objects—and shape strategies that bring collections to market.

  • • PRODUCT: lighting, décor, and custom furniture; collections sold through U.S. and U.K. retailers; Master’s in Product Design.

    • STRATEGY: positioning, narratives, and launch assets that strengthen brand identity, connect collections with consumers, and reduce market risk.

    • STRENGTHS: prolific ideation, disciplined iteration, pre-production problem-solving, and collaboration with makers, manufacturers, and stakeholders.

    • SKILLS: interprets technical drawings with attention to materials and tolerances; guides CAD development alongside engineers; translates digital concepts into prototypes through mockups and partnerships with fabricators (3D printing and CNC).

    • PROCESS: research → sketch → prototype → production; focus on manufacturability, materials and tolerances, CMF, and clear workflows with makers and manufacturers.

    • MARKET: retail sales in the U.S. and U.K., plus commissions for interior designers and collectors.

    • HIGHLIGHTS:
    – ANIMAL : MINERAL lighting – exhibited at Salone del Mobile; international press.
    – CB2 concept pitch – self-initiated pet products; brand-aligned strategy and spec-ready prototypes.
    – CREAM glass vases – proprietary fabrication process; international retail and press.

    • LOCATION: Los Angeles; open to relocation (particularly Austin) or remote.

OBJECTS

With a cross-disciplinary background and a master’s in product design, I create lighting, décor, and custom furniture that merge utility and character—enriching interiors with purposeful design. My work has been developed into collections sold through retailers in the U.S. and abroad, with additional commissions from interior designers and collectors. And I design for scale—aligning materials, processes, and costs for retail production.

Anchored in material exploration and form development, my process guides concepts from sketch and research through prototyping into production—ensuring collections are viable, manufacturable, and aligned with brand vision. 

I’m known for: prolific ideation and disciplined iteration; anticipating and resolving design challenges before production; and collaborating closely with makers, manufacturers, and stakeholders to carry projects from concept to market.

I’m skilled in: interpreting technical drawings with attention to materials and tolerances; guiding CAD development alongside engineers; and translating digital concepts into physical prototypes through hands-on mockups and partnerships with fabricators using methods such as 3D printing and CNC.

Beyond commissions and collaborations, I’ve pitched self-initiated product concepts to major retailers—reflecting my ability to anticipate opportunities and design at retail scale.

STRATEGY

Chronically curious. Constructively relentless.
Throughout my career, I’ve built narratives and visuals that extend design beyond the object—giving it distinct identity, precise market positioning, and lasting memorability. I think about collections and campaigns as I design, so form and story advance together—shaping both how a piece is made and how it’s received.

This blend of design and strategy means I don’t just make products, I make products that resonate—so brands can reduce risk, strengthen identity, and launch collections that connect. As the devil’s advocate colleagues may secretly dread—but still seek out—I ask the hard questions that sharpen the work. And I dig deep—for the angle, the specificity, the unexpected ingredient that snaps it all into place. 

The result? Products, stories, and impressions that stick—a sculptural lighting series with metal fur that garnered international press, a CB2 product concept pitch featuring flying dogs, and a vase collection developed with insight from NASA engineers. 

Work that lands. And lasts.

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Based in Los Angeles; open to relocation, particularly Austin, or remote roles.

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I’m based in Los Angeles, open to relocation—particularly Austin (my hometown)—or remote roles.

CONTACT

G E T I N T O U C H

Alternatively, let’s talk via email:
Valerie@DeKeyserDesign.com

Thank you.
I’ll get back to you within 1-2 business days.