The Design Practice

By Manuel Saez

Mastering the business of design—beyond creativity.

What I do:

→ I help design teams optimize operations, align with business objectives, and improve collaboration to unlock creative potential and deliver measurable business impact.

Hi, I’m Manuel—a two-time founder and award-winning designer with over 20 years of experience successfully building startups, leading creative teams, and bringing more than 50 products to market.

My Focus Is On Elevating The Craft of Design Beyond Creativity

The Design Practice is about creating the foundation that allows creativity to thrive, transforming design into a strategic, impactful business tool.I help design teams and leaders unlock their full potential by focusing on the elements that drive impactful design:

  • Developing systems and processes that empower creativity and efficiency.

  • Scaling operations for consistent delivery and sustainable growth.

  • Elevating design’s role as a strategic force within organizations.

  • Cultivating leadership to inspire innovation and team resilience.

  • Empowering teams to collaborate effectively across disciplines and locations.

With the right framework in place, design can flourish—delivering exceptional creative work while building strong, successful organizations.

How I Help:

I optimize design operations, implement strategic tools, and foster emotional intelligence to create frameworks where creativity flourishes and drives measurable impact.Here are more examples:

For Corporate Design Teams

  • Operations Optimization: Streamline workflows and to enhance efficiency and collaboration.

  • Leadership Training: Equip leaders to inspire teams and communicate effectively.

  • Design Advocacy:Develop strategies to secure executive buy-in and highlight design’s value.

  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Foster collaboration across teams and locations for better results.

  • Talent Development: Build systems to attract, train, and retain top creative talent.

  • Metrics & Reporting: Create tools to measure and communicate design’s business impact.

For Designers/Entrepreneurs

  • Tailored Coaching: Personalized guidance to launch, scale, or refine your design business.

  • Workshops: Hands-on sessions on pricing, branding, proposals, and scaling operations.

  • Business Development: Actionable strategies to attract and retain high-value clients.

  • Tools & Templates: Ready-to-use contracts, frameworks, and professional playbooks.

  • Time Management: Proven systems to manage projects and maintain work-life balance.

  • Mindset Development: Build emotional intelligence and resilience to overcome challenges.

About Me

My 20-year journey spans startups, consulting, and corporate design:

Startup Founder

BEYOND
Head of Product & Founder | 2016–2023

  • Founded and scaled the first U.S. micromobility subscription service, overseeing product development, business strategy, and operations.

  • Led the company from fundraising to a successful exit, balancing creativity with business acumen.

Design Consultancy

Manuel Saez & Partners
Design Director & Founder | 2008–2016

  • Founded and grew a multimillion-dollar consultancy by streamlining workflows, and implementing innovative client acquisition systems.

  • Led the design and development of top-selling products for global brands like Crate & Barrel/CB2, Staples, Humanscale, Herman Miller, etc..

Corporate Design

Humanscale
Design Director | 2002–2008

  • Directed global research, design, and engineering teams to deliver award-winning products aligned with business goals.

  • Championed design as a strategic discipline within the organization, helping secure executive support leading to tenfold revenue growth.

Career Highlights:

  • Awarded 35 patents for groundbreaking product innovations.

  • Directed the design and launch of over 50 successful products.

  • Contributed to Fast Company as a Design Expert writer.

  • Founded and led two startups, including a successful exit in 2022.

  • Guided teams to create products that earned 75+ global design awards.

  • Exhibited twice at MoMA, with one design in its permanent collection.

Curious About Me?

Visit my personal site:

Explore my thoughts and writing:

"Working with Manuel completely changed how I approach work, bringing focus, renewed energy, and a healthier work-life balance."
— Joey Flores, @inversionart.com

"With Manuel’s coaching, our design processes improved dramatically, and team performance reached new heights."
—Claire Dupont, @Caledonia Designs

"Manuel’s mentorship transformed how we approached design and leadership. His practical guidance helped us elevate our operations, and unlock our team’s full potential."
— Lachezar Tsevetanov, Studio Novo

Contact

Let’s Have a ChatBook a free discovery call to explore how I can help your design team thrive.

© Manuel Saez. All Rights Reserved