Cranbrook Alumni Featured in Chicago, New York Editions of Dezeen North American Design Series

Cranbrook Academy of Art alumni continue to be recognized in Dezeen’s 2024 North American Design series. Recent graduates Cody Norman (MFA 3D Design 2020) and Madeline Isakson (MFA 3D Design 2022) are featured in Chicago and New York, respectively.

Norman is known for his signature use of recycled PETG plastic extruded by an industrial robot in a variety of colors. He recently installed a large public sculpture, ‘Plasticus Umbris,’ in the Oak Park area of Chicago. His ‘Trace Chair,’ shown in the article, was recently acquired into Cranbrook Art Museum’s permanent collection. His ‘Roulette Baskets’ are included in Walker Museum’s Idea House 3, a shoppable experience. He is represented in the Detroit area by I.M. Weiss Gallery.

Isakson is currently based in Brooklyn continuing her exploration of found objects, specifically discarded items in an observation of American consumerism and waste. In 2023, she was selected as one of six finalists to show work in WantedDesign’s Launch Pad Emerging Designer Showcase. In addition to her design practice, Isakson is an educator at New York’s Pratt Institute.

Learn more:

Eight independent design studios working in Chicago – Dezeen

Thirteen independent designers standing out in New York City – Dezeen

North American Design 2024 – Dezeen

Industrial Design (formerly 3D Design) at Cranbrook Academy of Art