Union City, CA – (March 24, 2022) – Tournesol is a manufacturer of products for commercial landscapes for over 30 years, and it has become the premier solution provider of products for rooftops, terraces, streetscapes, public institutions and hospitality projects nationwide.

Tournesol is thrilled to announce Joe Nobles – their new Design Director that has joined their team!

Joe is a creative and innovative Industrial Designer with a wealth of experience in the workplace and outdoor furniture. Here are some excerpts from an interview with Joe, sharing a bit of his past, and excitement to lead and collaborate on the next generation of modern design products here at Tournesol.

Where have you spent your career so far? Roles? Experience?
“After I received my MFA, I moved to the SF Bay Area where I already knew family and friends. The diversity of people, places, and creative companies was energizing. In my career experience, my favorite design role was at Metro Furniture, a Steelcase Company. Our team designed collaborative office furniture that improved the quality of people’s lives at their workplaces. It was especially fun working directly in the factory with a multi-disciplinary team. In another role, I was Studio Director on a dedicated team at Eight Inc. that designed retail and branded environments for Apple. It was a wonderful team and the position I held had a significant impact on how I understand the full product and brand experience. I enjoyed creating environments that supported the Apple brand lifestyle. More recently, I worked at Pottery Barn designing outdoor furniture collections. It was an interesting time to be working due to the impact of the pandemic. People were spending more time at home, and the backyard became a central focus of enjoyment. In each of these roles, I enjoyed designing from the end user’s point of view and helping develop the company’s brand journey.”

What inspired you to join Tournesol?
“Two reasons. I was eager to return to a company with roots in premium manufacturing, and I have a renewed interest in designing for the outdoors. The pandemic forced me to reassess my values and aim to be more connected to the ways people engage with nature and urban green spaces. I look forward to designing new products and experiences that positively impact the built environments we inhabit.”

What drives you or gives you inspiration?
“I believe it is important to approach design from a variety of thoughtful directions. How people experience products and how the products make them feel is critical. I appreciate designs with a sense of timelessness, minimal ornamentation, and quality craftsmanship. Also, I am keenly inspired by nature, which I feel deserves more appreciation in the design world these days. Companies, designers, and thought leaders who make good practices a part of clever design inspire me the most.”

What designs have piqued your interest and/or who are the designers that have influenced your designs?
“Actually, there are too many to mention but, generally, I believe the best designers have strong points of view about who, what, why, and how they serve, developing designs with a balance of beauty and purpose.”

What is your favorite “off work” pastime, hobby, creative outlet or…what do you like to do for fun?
“I enjoy gardening, hiking, animals, biking, tinkering with my tools, but most importantly, I enjoy watching great movies and traveling the world with my lovely wife.”

Read more: https://www.tournesol.com/success/introducing-joe-nobles