Philip Tian (MFA 3D Design 2023)
Philip Tian (MFA 3D Design 2023)
Float Chair, Andrew Riiska (3D Design '23)
Float Chair, Andrew Riiska (3D Design '23)
Karen Lee (3D Design '20) with Brett Evans (Ceramics '20)
Karen Lee (3D Design '20) with Brett Evans (Ceramics '20)

Industrial Design

Industrial Design Philosophy

Kim Swift (MFA 3D Design 2024)

Industrial Design Philosophy

Industrial Design Philosophy

An experimental laboratory to explore human needs as expressed in the furniture and objects of daily life

Industrial Design at Cranbrook straddles industrial and fine design contexts, with an approach informed by architecture, interior design, and craft.  Driven by exploration and risk-taking, the department fosters a deep engagement with the field of design and does not adhere to a single aesthetic or conceptual approach. Through active questioning and making, students develop an understanding of the connections between forms and ideas creating a framework for process and idea generation that can transition to projects at a variety of scales, including furniture, lighting, and objects for daily use.  

Each cohort is an intentional mixture of industrial designers, architects, craftspeople, and sculptors providing diverse perspectives that broaden design discourse and help expand the field. Conversations draw on ideas from related academic disciplines including literary theory, psychology, philosophy, and the social sciences, as well as business, engineering, and marketing. Taken as a whole, these strategies provide essential tools for expanding a designer’s work and positioning them for professional practice.  

Scott Klinker

The Cranbrook Experience in Industrial Design

Scott Klinker

The Cranbrook Experience in Industrial Design

Student Work

Student Work
Cheese Clock, Kim Swift (MFA 3D Design 2024)
Student Work
Nicholas Tilma (MFA 3D Design 2023)
Student Work
Yuyu Chen (MFA 3D Design 2023)
Student Work
Breanne Johnson (MFA 3D Design), Photo: PD Rearick
Student Work
Philip Tian (MFA 3D Design 2023)
Student Work
Soft System, Jian Ming Lin (3D Design '22)
Student Work
Joonghan Bae (3D Design '20)
Student Work
Mac Table, Karen Lee (3D Design '20) with Brett Evans (Ceramics '20)
Student Work
Yi Zhang
Student Work
Joe Parr, 2019
Student Work
Sunny Kim, 2019
Student Work
Raveena Bhalara, 2017
Student Work
Hannah Vaughn, 2016
Student Work
Frank McGovern, 2016
Student Work
Robin Chen, 2016
Student Work
Yizhou Chen, 2016
Student Work
Nina Cho, 2015
Student Work
Drew Pettinga, 2015
Student Work
Andrew O'Mara, 2014
Student Work
Doug Leckie, 2013
Student Work
Damee Hong, 2014
Student Work
Mac Plumstead, 2012

Alumni Profile

Masamichi Udagawa (MFA Design 1991)

Alumni Profile

Masamichi Udagawa (MFA Design 1991)

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Cranbrook Industrial Design is committed to the idea of design authorship – where good design comes from an informed designer with a mature vision - armed with the skills to build a successful career.