Derek Vaz
Designer, founder and organizer
Today I am the Principal at DVXD - a brand and product innovation studio working with founders and executives focused on creating a more sustainable and equitable future.
Over my career, my work has been recognized by numerous publications including Applied Arts, Communication Arts, The Financial Times, Effie Awards, Webby Awards, and more.
I believe in the power of collective action. In 2020 I joined the Board of the local business association to found and co-chair the Social Justice and Anti-racism community group.
My early life was shaped growing in many countries and cultures, including the UAE, Italy, Egypt, and the Southern United States before developing roots in Canada. My career has taken me from Silicon Valley to New York City and ultimately back home to Toronto where I live with my wife and two children.
I am dedicated to helping support equity deserving groups in design and business. I host office hours most Fridays for underrepresented designers and founders.
Previous Roles
Huge — Group Director, Experience Design; Founder, Huge Toronto
Uproot — Partner, Experience Design
Teehan+Lax — Associate, Design
Blast Radius — Designer/Sr Front-ebnd Developer
IBM Media Design Lab — Designer
Select Clients
Google
Four Seasons
Nike
Indigo
Rappler
Matthew House
Heart & Stroke
Comcast
ExxonMobil
MassMutual
JP Morgan
EA Sports
BMW