Chelsea McCullough is a technical apparel designer and proud alumna of the Product Design program at the Wilson School of Design. Her career is rooted in her passion for innovation, human movement, and sustainable solutions. Shaped by over 15 years in design, sales, and retail in the snowboard, surf, mountain bike, and fashion industries.
Before transitioning into design, Chelsea developed strong leadership, training, and communication skills managing retail operations in Canada, Australia and New Zealand along with serving as a sales rep for outdoor sports and performance brands. These experiences honed her ability to connect with consumers and collaborate with cross-functional teams, sparking Chelsea’s journey into design.
Since completing her degree, Chelsea has had the opportunity to work with brands which include Arcteryx, Samsara, Endura, YT Industries, and Ketl Mountain. These opportunities have allowed Chelsea to manage everything from product development to material sourcing, technical design, and liaising with local and overseas factories. Successfully leading the design of cycling apparel collections, with a focus on improving fit and function for female athletes, as well as developing size inclusive ranges for all bodies have been personal highlights.
During these roles, Chelsea has had the privilege of guiding students from the Product Design and Technical Apparel programs. These mentorship opportunities have created the desire for her to continue to share her practical industry knowledge, with a focus on collaborative problem solving at the Wilson School of Design. Whether developing technical solutions or mentoring the next generation of designers, Chelsea aims to inspire others to explore their creativity, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to the design world.
Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her family and sharing her passions of mountain biking, snowboarding, and travelling.