Dennis' love for design originated from the desire to balance his artistic creativity and his engineering sensibilities. Dennis first started with Umbra as a product design intern while pursuing his co-op work experiences prior to his senior undergraduate year. After graduating from Carleton University's School of Industrial Design with high distinction in 2009, Dennis has since returned to become a part of the vibrant design team at Umbra.

1. What are some of the Umbra products you designed? What is your specialty/expertise? What are you currently working on?

Current projects include a family of modern fine tabletop serving-ware, a multifunctional bamboo bath caddy, organically inspired jewelry storage, decorative hooks and more.

Expertise: I enjoy the challenges of figuring the little things out; and ensuring conscious design decisions are made down to the small details to ensure a great product.

2. What are some of the blogs/books/magazines that you read for inspiration?

• Elle Decoration magazine
• John Maeda; Laws of Simplicity
• Kenya Hara: Designing Design
• Desiretoinspire.net
• Betterlivingthroughdesign.com

3. Out of all Umbra designs, what are some of your favourite products? What do you like about the product?

• PIVO- The ease and fluidity of its motion is fun to play with and offers great functionality

• MAGNETTER- The subtlety of the design and its understated functionality

• POSTINO- beautiful flow of material, great example of making an everyday object beautiful