ABOUT
Toban is a strategic designer, researcher, and educator. Her work focuses on fostering transdisciplinary collaborations, driving systemic transitions, and enabling place-based transformation.
Most recently, she was a Partner at Field States, a strategic design studio focussed on place-based transformation and civic value. Toban is currently the Co-Director of the Master of Strategic Design at ELISAVA School of Design and Engineering.
Previously, Toban was one of the founding members of Rhode Island School of Design’s Center for Complexity (CfC), a project-based studio applying creative practices to complex and systemic challenges. She led a dynamic portfolio of large scale collaborative efforts in healthcare, public policy, and education.
In 2019, she co-founded mainstay, RI – a think tank and advocacy group working to redesign the environments of care for people impacted by the overdose crisis.
Toban works with numerous public sector and government organizations. She has worked with the Rhode Island Office of Innovation to develop and facilitate an educational program for state employees to work across departments on shared challenges. She helped lead Rhode Island’s Future Libraries initiative funded by the Knight Foundation to reimagine and redesign libraries for the 21st Century. In 2020, she supported efforts with the United Nations Development Program and the UN VietNam office in developing strategies for the country's shift towards a Circular Economy.
As an educator, Toban has held teaching positions at the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Michigan. She is a guest critic and lecturer at academic institutions around the world including the Royal College of Art in London and the Istituto Europeo di Design in Barcelona.
Earlier in her career, Toban worked as an architectural designer specializing in adaptive reuse projects for residential, commercial and civic spaces. She holds a Master of Design in Interior Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology from the University of Alberta.
Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Now based in Barcelona, Spain.
Most recently, she was a Partner at Field States, a strategic design studio focussed on place-based transformation and civic value. Toban is currently the Co-Director of the Master of Strategic Design at ELISAVA School of Design and Engineering.
Previously, Toban was one of the founding members of Rhode Island School of Design’s Center for Complexity (CfC), a project-based studio applying creative practices to complex and systemic challenges. She led a dynamic portfolio of large scale collaborative efforts in healthcare, public policy, and education.
In 2019, she co-founded mainstay, RI – a think tank and advocacy group working to redesign the environments of care for people impacted by the overdose crisis.
Toban works with numerous public sector and government organizations. She has worked with the Rhode Island Office of Innovation to develop and facilitate an educational program for state employees to work across departments on shared challenges. She helped lead Rhode Island’s Future Libraries initiative funded by the Knight Foundation to reimagine and redesign libraries for the 21st Century. In 2020, she supported efforts with the United Nations Development Program and the UN VietNam office in developing strategies for the country's shift towards a Circular Economy.
As an educator, Toban has held teaching positions at the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Michigan. She is a guest critic and lecturer at academic institutions around the world including the Royal College of Art in London and the Istituto Europeo di Design in Barcelona.
Earlier in her career, Toban worked as an architectural designer specializing in adaptive reuse projects for residential, commercial and civic spaces. She holds a Master of Design in Interior Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology from the University of Alberta.
Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Now based in Barcelona, Spain.
CV
Education & Certifications
2018
Master of Design, Rhode Island School of Design, Interior Architecture, Adaptive Reuse
2014
Bachelor of Science, University of Alberta, Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences, Human Ecology
2013
Certificate, Istituto Europeo di Design Barcelona, Trends Investigation and Forecasting
2023
Certificate, CITI Program (Lifespan Corporation) Human Research, Social and Behavioral Research
Master of Design, Rhode Island School of Design, Interior Architecture, Adaptive Reuse
2014
Bachelor of Science, University of Alberta, Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences, Human Ecology
2013
Certificate, Istituto Europeo di Design Barcelona, Trends Investigation and Forecasting
2023
Certificate, CITI Program (Lifespan Corporation) Human Research, Social and Behavioral Research
Professional Practice
2024-Ongoing
Co-director, Master of Strategic Design, Elisava School of Design & Engineering, Barcelona Spain
2023-2024
Partner, Field States, Portland OR USA & Barcelona Spain
2023
Strategic Designer, Smithery, London UK
2018-2022
Founding member and Strategic Design Lead, Center for Complexity Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI USA
2020-2021
Strategic Designer, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Vietnam, Snowcone and Haystack, Hanoi Vietnam
2019-2022
Co-founder, mainstay RI, Providence RI USA
2017-2018
Fellow, Rhode Island Office of Innovation, Providence RI USA
2017
Architectural Designer, Praud Office, Seoul South Korea
2017-2018
Design Fellow, Institute for Design and Public Policy RISD, Providence RI USA
2014-2016
Interior Designer, Revolving Rooms Interior Design, Edmonton AB Canada
Co-director, Master of Strategic Design, Elisava School of Design & Engineering, Barcelona Spain
2023-2024
Partner, Field States, Portland OR USA & Barcelona Spain
2023
Strategic Designer, Smithery, London UK
2018-2022
Founding member and Strategic Design Lead, Center for Complexity Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI USA
2020-2021
Strategic Designer, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Vietnam, Snowcone and Haystack, Hanoi Vietnam
2019-2022
Co-founder, mainstay RI, Providence RI USA
2017-2018
Fellow, Rhode Island Office of Innovation, Providence RI USA
2017
Architectural Designer, Praud Office, Seoul South Korea
2017-2018
Design Fellow, Institute for Design and Public Policy RISD, Providence RI USA
2014-2016
Interior Designer, Revolving Rooms Interior Design, Edmonton AB Canada
Academic Practice
2023-Ongoing
Faculty, Master of Strategic Design in Complexity, Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering & Kaospilot, Barcelona, Spain.
2022-Ongoing
Co-coordinator and Faculty, Future Thinking and Innovation, Istituto Europeo di Design, Barcelona, Spain.
2023
Studio Instructor, Undergraduate Design and Innovation, Space Design Thesis, Elisava School of Design and Engineering, Barcelona, Spain.
2022
LEO Intermittent Lecturer, Urban Technology, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI USA
2018-2022
Studio Instructor, Center for Complexity, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI USA
2018-2022
Faculty, Strategic Design Program, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI USA
2018-Ongoing
Thesis Advisor, Critic, and Lecturer, Department of Interior Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI USA
2018-2021
Studio Critic, Department of Industrial Design, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI USA
2018
Co-facilitator, Innovation League, Rhode Island Office of Innovation, Providence RI USA
2016-2017
Teaching Assistant, Department of Interior Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI USA
Faculty, Master of Strategic Design in Complexity, Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering & Kaospilot, Barcelona, Spain.
2022-Ongoing
Co-coordinator and Faculty, Future Thinking and Innovation, Istituto Europeo di Design, Barcelona, Spain.
2023
Studio Instructor, Undergraduate Design and Innovation, Space Design Thesis, Elisava School of Design and Engineering, Barcelona, Spain.
2022
LEO Intermittent Lecturer, Urban Technology, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI USA
2018-2022
Studio Instructor, Center for Complexity, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI USA
2018-2022
Faculty, Strategic Design Program, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI USA
2018-Ongoing
Thesis Advisor, Critic, and Lecturer, Department of Interior Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI USA
2018-2021
Studio Critic, Department of Industrial Design, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI USA
2018
Co-facilitator, Innovation League, Rhode Island Office of Innovation, Providence RI USA
2016-2017
Teaching Assistant, Department of Interior Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI USA
Courses Taught
Fall 2024, Spring 2023
Strategic Design & Leadership, Master in Strategic Design & Complexity, Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering & Kaospilot, Barcelona Spain
Summer 2024,2023,2022
Innovation & Future Thinking, Istituto Europeo de Design, Barcelona Spain
Spring 2023
Decentralizing Museums, Thesis in Space Design, Elisava School of Design and Engineering, Barcelona Spain
Spring 2022
Incomplete City, Urban Technology, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan
Spring 2022
Design Beyond Crisis: Harm Reduction Centers, Rhode Island School of Design Center for Complexity, Providence RI
Fall 2019
Future of Mobility, Rhode Island School of Design Strategic Design Program, Providence RI
Spring 2019
Financial Infrastructure and Inclusion, Rhode Island School of Design Strategic Design Program, Mysore India
Winter 2019
Future of Food, Rhode Island School of Design Strategic Design Program, Mysore India
Fall 2018
Future of Healthcare, Rhode Island School of Design Strategic Design Program, Providence RI
Summer 2018
Human and Societal Wellbeing, Rhode Island School of Design Strategic Design Program, Providence RI
Summer 2017
Hybrid Housing, Teaching Assistant, Interior Architecture Department, RISD, Seoul South Korea
Strategic Design & Leadership, Master in Strategic Design & Complexity, Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering & Kaospilot, Barcelona Spain
Summer 2024,2023,2022
Innovation & Future Thinking, Istituto Europeo de Design, Barcelona Spain
Spring 2023
Decentralizing Museums, Thesis in Space Design, Elisava School of Design and Engineering, Barcelona Spain
Spring 2022
Incomplete City, Urban Technology, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan
Spring 2022
Design Beyond Crisis: Harm Reduction Centers, Rhode Island School of Design Center for Complexity, Providence RI
Fall 2019
Future of Mobility, Rhode Island School of Design Strategic Design Program, Providence RI
Spring 2019
Financial Infrastructure and Inclusion, Rhode Island School of Design Strategic Design Program, Mysore India
Winter 2019
Future of Food, Rhode Island School of Design Strategic Design Program, Mysore India
Fall 2018
Future of Healthcare, Rhode Island School of Design Strategic Design Program, Providence RI
Summer 2018
Human and Societal Wellbeing, Rhode Island School of Design Strategic Design Program, Providence RI
Summer 2017
Hybrid Housing, Teaching Assistant, Interior Architecture Department, RISD, Seoul South Korea
Lectures & Workshops
2025
Strategic Design Practice, Lecture, Laere Inc, Tokyo Japan
2025
Planetary Civics Inquiry: Beyond the National: Cities, Bioregions, and the Planetary, Panel, Dark Matter Labs, RMIT, Politics for Tomorrow, RISD Center for Complexity, Global event
2024
Design for Society, Lectures, Royal College of Art, London UK
2023
Recovery and Renewal of Co-design, Panel Presentation, hosted by OCAD University, Toronto Canada
2023
Design Ethics, Lecture, Design with Society, Royal College of Art, London England
2022
Practitioner Talk, Lecture, Future Thinking and Innovation, Institute Europeo di Design, Barcelona Spain
2022
Research Methodologies, Lecture, Trends Investigation, Institute Europeo di Design, Barcelona Spain
2022
The Role of Design Research in the World of Medical Science, Conference Presentation, Design Research Society, Bilbao Spain
2022
Practitioner Talk, Lecture, Service Design Programme, Royal College of Art, London England
2021
Developing Community of Practice, Lecture, UNDP Vietnam, Hanoi Vietnam
2021
UNDP Vietnam Deep Demo: Circular Economy, Workshop, UNDP Vietnam, Hanoi Vietnam
2021
Opioid Hackathon, Panelist, Center of Biomedical Research on Excellence (COBRE), Providence RI
2020-Ongoing
Design Research Methodologies, Interior Architecture Department, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI
2020
Developing a Center for Arts and Health in Rhode Island, Rhode Island School of Design Center for Complexity, Providence RI
2020-Ongoing
Design Thesis, Interior Architecture Department, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI
2020
mainstay RI: Developing a Cross-disciplinary Understanding of Care Practices and Spaces, Lecture, Symposium on Substance Use Research
2018
Cyber Security, Co-facilitator, Rhode Island School of Design Institute for Design and Public Policy
2018
Drug Trafficking, Co-facilitator, Rhode Island School of Design Institute for Design and Public Policy
2017
Libraries for the 21st Century, Rhode Island Public Libraries, Westerly RI
2017
Gassed Out, Pecha Kucha, Providence RI
Strategic Design Practice, Lecture, Laere Inc, Tokyo Japan
2025
Planetary Civics Inquiry: Beyond the National: Cities, Bioregions, and the Planetary, Panel, Dark Matter Labs, RMIT, Politics for Tomorrow, RISD Center for Complexity, Global event
2024
Design for Society, Lectures, Royal College of Art, London UK
2023
Recovery and Renewal of Co-design, Panel Presentation, hosted by OCAD University, Toronto Canada
2023
Design Ethics, Lecture, Design with Society, Royal College of Art, London England
2022
Practitioner Talk, Lecture, Future Thinking and Innovation, Institute Europeo di Design, Barcelona Spain
2022
Research Methodologies, Lecture, Trends Investigation, Institute Europeo di Design, Barcelona Spain
2022
The Role of Design Research in the World of Medical Science, Conference Presentation, Design Research Society, Bilbao Spain
2022
Practitioner Talk, Lecture, Service Design Programme, Royal College of Art, London England
2021
Developing Community of Practice, Lecture, UNDP Vietnam, Hanoi Vietnam
2021
UNDP Vietnam Deep Demo: Circular Economy, Workshop, UNDP Vietnam, Hanoi Vietnam
2021
Opioid Hackathon, Panelist, Center of Biomedical Research on Excellence (COBRE), Providence RI
2020-Ongoing
Design Research Methodologies, Interior Architecture Department, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI
2020
Developing a Center for Arts and Health in Rhode Island, Rhode Island School of Design Center for Complexity, Providence RI
2020-Ongoing
Design Thesis, Interior Architecture Department, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence RI
2020
mainstay RI: Developing a Cross-disciplinary Understanding of Care Practices and Spaces, Lecture, Symposium on Substance Use Research
2018
Cyber Security, Co-facilitator, Rhode Island School of Design Institute for Design and Public Policy
2018
Drug Trafficking, Co-facilitator, Rhode Island School of Design Institute for Design and Public Policy
2017
Libraries for the 21st Century, Rhode Island Public Libraries, Westerly RI
2017
Gassed Out, Pecha Kucha, Providence RI
Invited Critic & Advisor
2025
Creative Design and Leadership, Elisava
2023
Digital Infrastructure Incubator, Code for Science & Society
2020-Present
Thesis Advisor, RISD Interior Architecture
2022
Future Thinking and Innovation, Istituto Europeo di Design, Barcelona Spain (John V. Willshire)
2022
Trends Investigation, Istituto Europeo di Design, Barcelona Spain (Christina Bifano)
2021
Thesis Review, RISD Interior Architecture (Elizabeth Debs)
2021
Design Studio, RISD Interior Architecture (Patricia Roka)
2021
Narrative Environments Studio, RISD Interior Architecture (Dorian Juncewicz)
2021
Innovation Studio, RISD Industrial Design (Charlie Cannon)
2020
Design Thesis Studio, RISD Interior Architecture (Markus Berger & Wolfgang Rudolf)
2020
Design Studio, RISD Industrial Design (Khipra Nichols)
2019
Design Studio, RISD Interior Architecture (Jeffrey Katz)
2019
Summer Design studio, RISD Interior Architecture
Creative Design and Leadership, Elisava
2023
Digital Infrastructure Incubator, Code for Science & Society
2020-Present
Thesis Advisor, RISD Interior Architecture
2022
Future Thinking and Innovation, Istituto Europeo di Design, Barcelona Spain (John V. Willshire)
2022
Trends Investigation, Istituto Europeo di Design, Barcelona Spain (Christina Bifano)
2021
Thesis Review, RISD Interior Architecture (Elizabeth Debs)
2021
Design Studio, RISD Interior Architecture (Patricia Roka)
2021
Narrative Environments Studio, RISD Interior Architecture (Dorian Juncewicz)
2021
Innovation Studio, RISD Industrial Design (Charlie Cannon)
2020
Design Thesis Studio, RISD Interior Architecture (Markus Berger & Wolfgang Rudolf)
2020
Design Studio, RISD Industrial Design (Khipra Nichols)
2019
Design Studio, RISD Interior Architecture (Jeffrey Katz)
2019
Summer Design studio, RISD Interior Architecture
Publications
Shadlyn, T., Hubbard, L., Maly, T., and Dalgish, H. (2022) A marriage in practice: The role of design research in the world of medical science, co-author, in Lockton, D., Lenzi, S., Hekkert, P., Oak, A., Sádaba, J., Lloyd, P. (eds.), DRS2022: Bilbao, 27 June - 3 July, Bilbao, Spain. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2022.956
Cook, J., Maly, T,. Shadlyn, T. Equitable Futures Studio: Opioids, Care, & Addiction – Final Report, co-author, Rhode Island School of Design Center for Complexity, 2021.
Cook, J., Maly, T,. Shadlyn, T., Singh, S., Woods, J.
Generation C, editor, Rhode Island School of Design Center for Complexity, 2021.
Cook, J., Maly, T,. Shadlyn, T. Center for Arts and Health in Rhode Island, author and editor, Rhode Island School of Design Center for Complexity, 2020.
Cook, J., Maly, T,. Shadlyn, T. “Planning for a Post-Pandemic World”, Press, RISD News, 2020.
Octavia, A., Baffoni N., Shadlyn, T., Vang, B. StudioRhode: Toolkit for Next-Generation Libraries, co-author & editor, Office of Library and Information Services and Rhode Island Office of Innovation, 2018.
Shadlyn, T. GASSED OUT, author, Rhode Island School of Design Digital Commons, 2018.
Berger, M., Wong, L. Volume 8 Water As Catalyst, editor. IntIAR, the journal of Interventions and Adaptive Reuse, 2017.
Cook, J., Maly, T,. Shadlyn, T. Equitable Futures Studio: Opioids, Care, & Addiction – Final Report, co-author, Rhode Island School of Design Center for Complexity, 2021.
Cook, J., Maly, T,. Shadlyn, T., Singh, S., Woods, J.
Generation C, editor, Rhode Island School of Design Center for Complexity, 2021.
Cook, J., Maly, T,. Shadlyn, T. Center for Arts and Health in Rhode Island, author and editor, Rhode Island School of Design Center for Complexity, 2020.
Cook, J., Maly, T,. Shadlyn, T. “Planning for a Post-Pandemic World”, Press, RISD News, 2020.
Octavia, A., Baffoni N., Shadlyn, T., Vang, B. StudioRhode: Toolkit for Next-Generation Libraries, co-author & editor, Office of Library and Information Services and Rhode Island Office of Innovation, 2018.
Shadlyn, T. GASSED OUT, author, Rhode Island School of Design Digital Commons, 2018.
Berger, M., Wong, L. Volume 8 Water As Catalyst, editor. IntIAR, the journal of Interventions and Adaptive Reuse, 2017.
Selected Press
Friis-Andersen, E., Lundquist Balling, C. Growing Facilitation: Being a Facilitator, Podcast Interview, Kaospilot, June 2023.
Strategic Design and Complexity, Interview, Kaospilot, June 2023.
Berg, N. Why RISD students are designing spaces for people to safely do drugs, Press, Fast Company, June 1, 2022.
Mulvaney, K. Innovative RISD projects tackle opioid crisis and stigma through design, Press, Providence Journal, May 28, 2022.
Gagosz, A. How artists could play a role in harm reduction centers, Press, Boston Globe, May 16, 2022.
Mulvaney, K. Replace stigma with compassion: RISD students reimagine better approaches to drug addiction, Press, Providence Journal, May 15, 2022.
Green, T. et al. COBRE on Opioid and Overdose: A Collaborative Research-Based Center Addressing the Crises in Rhode Island and Beyond. Press, Rhode Island medical journal (2013) vol. 104,3 22-26. 1 Apr. 2021.
Solondz, S. New Modes of Inquiry, Press, RISD News, December 3, 2019.
RISD Alums at Global Grad Show, Press, Our RISD, 2018.
Strategic Design and Complexity, Interview, Kaospilot, June 2023.
Berg, N. Why RISD students are designing spaces for people to safely do drugs, Press, Fast Company, June 1, 2022.
Mulvaney, K. Innovative RISD projects tackle opioid crisis and stigma through design, Press, Providence Journal, May 28, 2022.
Gagosz, A. How artists could play a role in harm reduction centers, Press, Boston Globe, May 16, 2022.
Mulvaney, K. Replace stigma with compassion: RISD students reimagine better approaches to drug addiction, Press, Providence Journal, May 15, 2022.
Green, T. et al. COBRE on Opioid and Overdose: A Collaborative Research-Based Center Addressing the Crises in Rhode Island and Beyond. Press, Rhode Island medical journal (2013) vol. 104,3 22-26. 1 Apr. 2021.
Solondz, S. New Modes of Inquiry, Press, RISD News, December 3, 2019.
RISD Alums at Global Grad Show, Press, Our RISD, 2018.
Exhibitions
2024
Barcelona Design Week, Exhibited Projects Amor Sec, H2Oh! & Bet of the Future, Barcelona, Spain, 2024
2021
Carry Forward, Symposium Curator, Rhode Island School of Design Center for Complexity, Providence RI
2020
Generation C, Symposium Curator, Rhode Island School of Design Center for Complexity, Providence RI
2019
Rhode Island School of Design Interior Architecture Biennale, Exhibited Project Gassed Out, Providence, RI, 2019
2018
Dubai Global Grad Show, Exhibited Project Gassed Out, Dubai UAE
2018
Rhode Island School of Design Grad Show, Exhibited Project Gassed Out, Providence RI
Barcelona Design Week, Exhibited Projects Amor Sec, H2Oh! & Bet of the Future, Barcelona, Spain, 2024
2021
Carry Forward, Symposium Curator, Rhode Island School of Design Center for Complexity, Providence RI
2020
Generation C, Symposium Curator, Rhode Island School of Design Center for Complexity, Providence RI
2019
Rhode Island School of Design Interior Architecture Biennale, Exhibited Project Gassed Out, Providence, RI, 2019
2018
Dubai Global Grad Show, Exhibited Project Gassed Out, Dubai UAE
2018
Rhode Island School of Design Grad Show, Exhibited Project Gassed Out, Providence RI
Board Service, Volunteer, & Affiliations
2023-2024
Kaospilot Thesis Mentor, Aarhus, Denmark
2021-2022
Harm Reduction Center Committee, Providence RI USA
2021
Rhode Island Community for Addiction and Recovery Services (RICARES), Providence RI USA
2021-ongoing
Women in Innovation (WIN)
2015-2016
M.A.D.E (Media, Architecture, and Design in Edmonton), Edmonton AB Canada
2014-2016
Edmonton Next Gen, Edmonton AB Canada
Kaospilot Thesis Mentor, Aarhus, Denmark
2021-2022
Harm Reduction Center Committee, Providence RI USA
2021
Rhode Island Community for Addiction and Recovery Services (RICARES), Providence RI USA
2021-ongoing
Women in Innovation (WIN)
2015-2016
M.A.D.E (Media, Architecture, and Design in Edmonton), Edmonton AB Canada
2014-2016
Edmonton Next Gen, Edmonton AB Canada