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We had the pleasure of welcoming Kristin Van Buskirk—former Nike Design Director, color strategist, and founder of Portland’s celebrated design shop Woonwinkel—to the Watson Creative Speaker Series. And while the topic of the day was color, the conversation ran much deeper: into systems thinking, global storytelling, and the unexpected poetry of palette.
Kristin’s session was more than a talk—it was a creative reunion.
She and Matt go way back. Years ago, they worked side by side at Nike, helping shape global design direction for one of the most influential brands in the world. It was a time of fast-paced innovation and cultural listening, where the stakes were high and the color decisions had ripple effects across continents. Their work wasn’t just about picking shades—it was about articulating mood, geography, emotion, and brand ethos in every hue.
Kristin walked the Watson team through her journey—from building seasonal color strategies at Nike to curating the vibrant, design-forward product line at Woonwinkel. She broke down how color communicates without needing to explain itself, how certain palettes evoke trust, others provoke action, and how cultural context can shift perception overnight.
“Color is language. But it’s also timing. Geography. Material. Market. What works in Shanghai might feel completely off in Berlin,” Kristin explained. “At Nike, we had to think in seasons, in regions, and in emotion—simultaneously.”
These days, Kristin applies that same level of rigor to her boutique retail brand, Woonwinkel, which she founded as both a creative outlet and a platform for celebrating design that’s joyful, meaningful, and intentional. She shared how color informs everything from product selection to interior design—using palette not just as an accent, but as a strategic driver.
Woonwinkel isn’t just stocked—it’s curated. Every object plays a role in the broader color story. And that’s not by accident.
“We’re not driven by trend cycles—we’re driven by what a space or a product can make someone feel,” she said. “Color does that. Quietly. Powerfully.”
For the team at Watson, Kristin’s visit wasn’t just informative—it was grounding. A reminder that while design trends come and go, good design thinking is durable. Color isn’t just a final layer. It’s part of the architecture. And when used well, it tells stories faster than words ever could.
It was also a rare moment of reflection—for Matt, for Kristin, and for those of us lucky enough to witness two creative minds reconnect in the place where strategy and craft collide.
“Kristin’s always had a designer’s eye, but more importantly, she’s always had a creative soul,” said Matt. “Hosting her felt less like a lecture and more like coming home.”
If you’re local, swing by Woonwinkel in downtown Portland. If not, treat yourself to a scroll through beautifully curated color at www.woonwinkelhome.com
Kristin, you’re welcome back anytime.
