After dropping out of art college in 1997, I spent over a quarter of a century bouncing around various digital industries—from video game publishing to advertising, design consulting, and eventually tech. Starting off as an "assistant webmaster" (really), I then spent years as a flash designer, stepped up as an art director, and even navigated the nonsensical world of being a "creative technologist". It’s been quite the journey. Along the way, I was fortunate enough to team up with some of the best agencies and companies on the planet—Nike, IDEO, DDB, Hatch, and TBWA to name a few.
Through it all, I never really stopped to ask myself what it was that I genuinely enjoyed doing. I kind of “failed upward” and was always happy to tackle whatever challenge was thrown my way. Now, at 46, I’m starting to dig into the big questions about what I want to do—and with whom. Looking back, my favorite moments were always at the beginning of a project: that point where an idea springs to life and needs to be shaped into reality. That’s the part I love—dreaming up, designing, and launching ideas into the world.
My family and I live near the ocean in Victoria, British Columbia. When we're not doing family drawing time, we're biking, camping, hiking, reading books, or embarking on quests to rescue Princess Zelda.
Barry Lachapelle, May 2024
Bike Gear Database
Founder / Creative Director 08/2021 - Present
At Bike Gear Database, I've channeled my love for off-road cycling into a young cycling blog. I lead design and development, write content, and work as an editor with a talented team of writers and photographers. Together, we've expanded our reach to 20,000 monthly visits and cultivated a small social media following.
Hatch
Director of Design Systems (contract) 09/2021 - 03/2024
At Hatch, I developed and maintained the company’s first digital design system, which continues to be a key resource and is still evolving. This role taught me a great deal about the lifecycle of digital products and design systems.
Nike
Design Lead (contract) 03/2021 - 08/2021
At Nike’s innovation lab, I spent five months leading the design of an internal top secret project. The project is ongoing and should be entering the world at some point. Working within one of the largest manufacturers on earth opened my eyes.
Kuja Kuja
Director of Product Design 03/2018 - 01/2021
At Kuja Kuja, we built a feedback system for people in refugee settlements around the world. The platform helped people communicate needs and suggestions for improving services and living conditions. Kuja Kuja changed my understanding of design.
IDEO
Design Lead 09/2012 - 04/2018
As part of the initial team of the Tokyo studio, I helped establish IDEOs presence in Japan and worked on various digital products for the Japanese market. I also spent a year with IDEO.org in New York City. My time in Tokyo and New York was tranformative.