Building Better Play: My Mission in Design

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” As a child, I found this question daunting. Even now, it’s a tough one—after all, when do we ever stop growing and learning?

My journey into design began unexpectedly at the Detroit Auto Show during my senior year of high school. A concept sketch, next to the sleek car it became, sparked a realization: every made object around us starts with a person, a pencil, and an idea —could I be that inventor?

This epiphany reshaped my final high school semester, leading me to my first art class, followed by a college journey where my passion solidified during the design of a musical playground.  My center of gravity became designing for Play.

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: exhibit designer, youth worker, musician, entrepreneur, and designer at a top playground company. These roles have allowed me to collaborate with leading architects and landscape architects, crafting unique, story-rich play spaces for diverse communities.

Now, as the founder of Mischief & Wilde, my mission is clear: enrich children’s play experiences and build community. I might not know exactly what I want to be when I “grow up,” but I know I’m exactly where I need to be.

~ Nathan S.


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