Designing futures that are crafted, intelligent, and regenerative.
Hello!
I am Shu, an industrial designer. Founder of Aplat and Chair of Industrial Design at California College of the Arts, my work brings together craft, life science, and emerging technologies to design better systems for human and planet health.
I continue to develop zero waste collections through Aplat and am beginning a new venture exploring circular pathways for businesses as global legislation pushes brands to rethink waste and overproduction.
Outside of work I reset in nature on trails, along the coast, or paddling out in the ocean. Cooking and gathering around the table remain my favorite ways to connect with friends and family. I am always exploring new tools, new questions, and new ways of shaping the future.
If these ideas resonate, drop me an email. I enjoy making new connections and conversations about designing better systems for the future.
Shu
Shujan Bertrand
Podcast Women in Design Beyond Ray Podcast
Book Women Shaping the Future of the Industry
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California
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I founded Aplat from a love of food, family gatherings, and the simple rituals of sharing meals. The designs are inspired by nature’s patterns, the golden ratio, and origami principles that allow materials to fold, wrap, and function with minimal waste.
What began as an exploration of zero waste design has grown into a brand rooted in craft, food culture, and circular manufacturing. Working alongside chefs, bakers, farmers, and winemakers continues to shape the work and the ethos behind Aplat.
What I learned building a zero waste design company continues to evolve through helping other brands explore circular systems and emerging AI tools that support smarter operations and less waste. Learn more about Shu’s design principles for zero waste design at Aplat.com
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At California College of the Arts, I led the transformation of the Industrial Design BFA program, introducing circular design, life centered systems, material craft, creative technologies, and emerging AI tools into the core of the studio experience. I created CoLAB studios to bring industry directly into the classroom through sponsored design challenges and research collaborations. Partners such as Zoox joined students in exploring real world design problems and future technologies. Alongside teaching thesis studios, I developed mentorship and career programs connecting students with practicing designers and studios. Much of the work focused on guiding change across faculty and building a collaborative culture that reflects how design is practiced today.
As CCA enters a new chapter with Vanderbilt University, I believe its legacy of craft, experimentation, and forward thinking design will continue to evolve. Visit CCA here.
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My design research begins with systems and life science. I draw from neuroscience, sensory intelligence, circadian rhythm, and biomimicry to understand how people experience products, spaces, and environments.
Nature often provides the most elegant design mentor. Through biomimicry platforms and emerging AI tools, I explore how living systems solve problems without waste. These insights guide product development, brand direction, and new ways of designing experiences that support human wellbeing. View Work
