About Jessica Thies
— Meet the Designer
My research is focused on reducing our reliance on petrochemicals through the development of seaweed-based materials.
I am a designer and material researcher who believes we can achieve circular systems through the use of new materials and redesigned production systems. I aim to transform the textile industry to increase transparency, incorporate regenerative closed-loop systems, and use innovative, natural and bio-based materials.
My design practice challenges the status quo of design and manufacturing today; a materials based approach which combines science research, trend forward textiles and living systems. I enjoy the collaborative process of working with various organisms such as algae, mycelium and bacteria and theorizing about their potential futures.
Teaching:
Part-Time Faculty at Parsons School of Design, Studio Lab: Textiles/Soft Materials for B.F.A. Interior Design
Press:
Awards:
2023 Sustainable Vision/ Ecological Vision Award, MFA Industrial Design, Parsons School of Design
2023 NYC x DESIGN Awards, Student Winner
2022 Global Footwear Awards Student Winner, Footwear Innovation and Biodegradable Footwear
2022 NYC x DESIGN Awards, Student Winner
2022 Biodesign Challenge Science Sandbox Prize for Public Engagement, Winner
2022 Blue City Design Challenge, Finalist
Presentations:
2024 Munich Creative Business Week, Future Alliances: Co-creating Living Materials and Objects with Parsons Healthy Materials Lab
2023 CUNY Advanced Science Research Center. Bio-Inspired Green (BIG) Science and Technology, Thesis Presentation
Education:
M.F.A. Industrial Design, Parsons School of Design
Postgraduate Certificate in Material Futures, Central Saint Martins
Textile Arts Center, Low Immersion Residency
B.S. Textile Design, Jefferson University
Exhibitions:
Lead Curator, Regeneration of Flax, Arnold and Sheila Aronson Galleries, 2024
Lead Curator, Unmaking, Making, Remaking, NYCxDesign, 2023
Publications:
Gorman, M., Chaparro, Y., Gopinath, P., (2022) A Decolonized & Decarbonized Dinner Party. Parsons / The New School. NYC.
Gorman, Michele, Chaparro, Yvette, and Gopinath, Preeti. A Decolonized & Decarbonized Dinner Party, Vol. 2. New York: Parsons / The New School, 2024.
Organizations:
Community Member of Genspace
Photography Credits:
Martin Seck, Andrew Longo, Andrew Bray
Contact:
jessicalynnthies@gmail.com