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Kendall Herman
DesignOps at Airbnb
Professional Background
Kendall Herman is a seasoned design manager with over five years of demonstrated experience in empowering design teams through effective operational strategies. Her career is characterized by a passion for user-focused design and a commitment to projects that seamlessly bridge the physical and digital realms. Throughout her work, Kendall has taken an active, hands-on approach, collaborating closely with designers and creative technologists. This dynamic collaboration enables her to clear paths toward innovative and effective design solutions, ensuring that user experience is at the forefront of her efforts.
Having worked in various high-profile positions, Kendall has developed a comprehensive understanding of the design process, encompassing everything from conception to execution. She has effectively led teams in notable organizations, such as Airbnb and Unqork, where her contributions have driven substantial improvements in design operations and team performance. Her ability to manage complex projects while maintaining a focus on user-centric principles sets her apart in the field of design management.
Education and Achievements
Kendall's academic background is rooted in her dedication to the intricate relationship between urban studies and design. She holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Urban Studies, with concentrations in Architecture and Sociology, from Barnard College and Columbia University—two of the leading institutions in the field. Her education provided her with a strong foundation in understanding how urban environments shape human experiences, making her uniquely equipped to lead design teams that prioritize people.
Additionally, Kendall expanded her educational horizons by studying European Urban Life and Development at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS). This program provided her with invaluable insights into international approaches to urban design and development, further enriching her perspective on creating user-centered design solutions.
Career Highlights and Notable Positions
Kendall's professional journey began as a Planning Coordination Intern at the NYC Department of City Planning, where she quickly honed her organizational and project management skills. Her initial experiences allowed her to advance to progressively more responsible roles at ESI Design, where she served as a Project Coordinator, Associate Project Manager, and eventually as a Project Manager. During her time at ESI Design, Kendall played a pivotal role in transforming project strategies that significantly enhanced design processes, showcasing her budding leadership abilities.
Following her impactful tenure at ESI Design, she took on the role of Team Strategist at Ike Kligerman Barkley, further refining her skills in collaborative design thinking and strategic planning. This position allowed her to deepen her understanding of the design industry's challenges and opportunities.
Kendall then joined Unqork as a Design Operations Manager, where she focused on optimizing design operations and fostering effective collaborations among teams. Her adept management strategies were instrumental in streamlining project workflows and enhancing team productivity.
Kendall's most notable role as a Senior Program Manager, Design at Airbnb allowed her to leverage her comprehensive experience to lead high-impact design projects on a global scale. Here, she collaborated with diverse teams to deliver exceptional user experiences, aligning product vision with user needs seamlessly.
Kendall’s breadth of experience also includes a transformative stint as a Summer Studio Design Strategist at Gensler, where she contributed her strategic insight to create environments that prioritize the end-user.
Moreover, her background includes a creative foray into public relations as an intern at Glamour, showcasing her versatility and ability to communicate effectively across various disciplines.
Achievements
Kendall's combination of academic accomplishments and robust professional experience has positioned her as a thought leader in design management. Her commitment to empowering teams and promoting user-centered design principles reflects her passion for creating products that enhance everyday life.
With a unique perspective gained through studying urban life and development across various cultures, she has not only served on numerous design projects but has continually championed the importance of placing people at the heart of design initiatives. Her efforts have consistently led to successful project outcomes that resonate with users, creating value for both businesses and communities.
Kendall Herman represents the next generation of design leaders dedicated to elevating the field through thoughtful, user-centered practices. With an impressive portfolio and a deep commitment to enriching user experiences, she is poised to continue making significant contributions to the world of design.
tags':['Design Manager','User-Focused Design','Cross-Functional Projects','Physical and Digital Design','Operational Strategy','Urban Studies','Architecture','Sociology','Airbnb','Unqork','ESI Design','Strategic Planning','Project Management','Creative Technologists','Design Operations','Gensler','NYC Department of City Planning','Public Relations Internship'],
questions':['How did Kendall Herman empower design teams at Airbnb to enhance user experiences?','What unique insights did Kendall Herman gain from her studies at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad that impact her design philosophy?','In what ways did Kendall Herman’s dual education at Barnard College and Columbia University influence her professional trajectory in design?','How does Kendall Herman approach the challenges of bridging physical and digital design in her projects?','What strategies did Kendall Herman implement at Unqork to optimize design operations and foster collaboration among teams?']} END
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