Passion + Expertise

We are a strategic design firm shaping a better tomorrow.

Our work spans strategy, research, product development, digital experiences, engineering, graphics, and packaging.

Our structure is intentionally distinctive. Product council is one of the few industrial design firms where the principals—each bringing over 30 years of experience—remain actively involved as lead designers and primary client contacts. This reflects our belief that exceptional design is driven by passion, intelligence, and above all, personal commitment. The result is a body of work that spans decades and industries, defined by enduring impact and design excellence.

Principals | Co-Owners | Lead Designers

Design veterans Greg Foster, IDSA, and Robert Sheldon, IDSA, co-founded Product council in 1994 with a vision to bring ideas to life through products and brands. Over their careers, they have created numerous brand-defining designs across the medical, healthcare, industrial, consumer, and housewares sectors. Today, they continue to serve as lead designers and primary client contacts on every project, ensuring the same level of expertise, insight, and personal commitment that has defined the firm for decades.


Greg Foster and Robert Sheldon have been widely recognized for their innovative contributions to design, receiving prestigious awards including IDEA (Industrial Design Excellence), ID (International Design), Medical Design Excellence, Consumer Electronics Innovations, Good Design, and Spark Awards. Their work has been featured in leading publications and exhibited in museums worldwide. To date, Product council has been granted over 120 patents, reflecting a legacy of creativity, impact, and design excellence.


Both hold Bachelor of Science degrees in Industrial Design from The Ohio State University and are active members of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). Greg Foster and Robert Sheldon are available for lectures on design strategy and development and are deeply committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of design talent at both the high school and university levels.

TESTIMONIALS

“Many thanks for designing the new Panasonic and Hitachi Home Theater Remote Controls. They are truly the best products we have produced so far and have given me great confidence that we can become a world-class supplier of remote controls for both the OEM and retail marketplace. Congratulations to you and your team in Chicago."

Robert L. Borchardt - President CEO - Recoton International


"As the V.P. of Engineering for Stanley Works, and Bosch for over the past 16 years, I have worked with product council (directly with Greg and Robert) on over two dozen programs both large and small. I have always found them to be professional, knowledgeable, and courteous when it comes to design work. When you want exceptional results with a team that understands the technical side of the business, applies research and exceptional design aesthetics, with great personalities, I would highly recommend this firm. It truly makes projects enjoyable and goes smoothly."

Sr VP Engineering - Robert Bosch Tool Corporation


“We have employed Product Council exclusively as our product designers since early 2001. During that time, we've developed over twenty distinctly different products together. Some challenges have been of the highest in magnitude, but we collaborate well together. They're centrally located in Chicago and have a strong variety of resources at their facility. The principals, Robert and Greg, make certain to stay involved throughout - even when handing off work to others team members. They understand offshore challenges and the desires of the consumer, as well as our challenges as a conduit to both. I highly recommend this firm”.

John DeCosmo - President - Ulta-Lit Corporation Chicago

 "Certainly, to be the most beautiful Plastarch biodegradable cutlery on the market!" Thank you!

Eco-Products

Great work Product council! I will follow through with my promise and connect you to other key managers at Medline, and I will certainly contact you for future projects. I was very happy with the bath and mobility lines you designed."

President - Durable Medical Equipment Division - Medline Industries

"Thank you for making another season such a success!" We value your partnership and appreciate your continued support."

Sr VP - Product Development - Pampered Chef

“I am very pleased to write a review for Product Council who helped take my concept and turn it into a beautifully designed, engineered, and fully functional manufactured product that is currently selling in the USA and internationally. The product has quickly grown into a market leader.”

Jonathan Sheinkop - CEO- Ergo Impact

“My relationship was founded when I was Senior Vice President of Product Development/Global Procurement at the Pampered Chef and we remain, friends, today. Design sensibility, technical expertise, attention to detail, and transparent communication were core competencies necessary for a lasting partnership.”

Lisa Flynn

“Everyday brilliance” Chef Mario Batali’s Italian Kitchenware Line

Newsweek