Oros Apparel, whose founders used a version of space station insulation in their first parka design, has completed its move from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Portland, Oregon. With the new 5,400 square foot headquarters comes additions to the product development team, plans for personnel growth, and an expansion of in-house material science innovation capabilities.

Three key hires accompany this move. 

Jeff Nash will lead product innovation as chief technology officer and vice president of product. Mr Nash brings 20 years of experience in technical material innovation with brands such as The North Face and Black Diamond Equipment. One of his first goals will be to oversee the creation of a long sleeve shirt that can be worn in sub-freezing temperatures while still staying warm. 

Alistair Hather, whose background includes designing technical outdoor apparel and athlete driven performance sportswear, was appointed design director earlier this year. Prior to this, Mr Hather was senior designer with the Futures team at adidas. 

Jessie Busse, who was most recently with Columbia Sportswear, was hired as product developer to manage the evolving apparel collection for Fall 2020 and beyond.

Expanding space for scientific innovation is a natural continuation of the Oros unique origin story. The company was established in 2015, after founders Rithvik Venna and Michael Markesbery were awarded a scholarship from NASA and spent their final years in college developing a flexible version of aerogel, which is used to insulate space stations. The resulting material, Solarcore, is the company’s signature materials and is used in Oros’ line of apparel and accessories. 

Image: Midlayer with ultra-thin Solarcore  Credit: Oros