Olivia Gale, an assembler.
I bring public institutions, private partners and communities into valuable working collaborations, and design the systems that keep them running.
About me
I’m an aspiring civic designer, and my superpower is assembling.
I studied cognitive science (design and interaction) at UC San Diego and freelanced after graduating in 2022. In 2023 I joined World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 to run the Design to Action Networks: six binational networks and 63 community projects, recognized with the 2024 Don Norman Design Award. Now I’m at the Design Lab, building projects with outside partners and helping the Lab become a place that teaches design.
The part I like most is early on, when a group shares a problem but not a plan yet: the site visits, the first conversations, hearing what people already know. Then I work out the unglamorous pieces that keep them going together, like an intake form, a budget or a guide for the next meeting. Lately I’ve loved having more room for writing and research, and I’m looking for my next place to learn and grow that side of the work.
I also say yes to a lot. Knowing when to stop is a skill I’m still practicing, and lately a question I’m asking about design education too.
I live in San Diego. When I’m not designing, I’m probably skiing.