Float Chair, Andrew Riiska (3D Design '23)
Float Chair, Andrew Riiska (3D Design '23)
Jay Sae Jung Oh (MFA 3D Design 2011)
Jay Sae Jung Oh (MFA 3D Design 2011)
Cushion Studies, Christina Daniels (3D Design '23)
Cushion Studies, Christina Daniels (3D Design '23)

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.  

Industrial Design Leadership Update

At the Academy, we are dedicated to fostering student growth, innovation, and success. As we look to the future, this year marks the final year of teaching for Scott Klinker, our Designer-in-Residence and Head of Industrial Design, and a search is underway for his replacement. While we will miss his contributions, his departure opens an exciting opportunity to reshape and enhance our programs to better serve our community and prepare students for dynamic, interdisciplinary futures.

To strengthen collaboration and connectivity across disciplines, we are uniting our Architecture, Industrial Design, and Interaction Design programs into the newly organized Architecture and Design department. This reorganization will create a vibrant hub where students can engage with a larger peer community, share ideas, and develop solutions that transcend traditional boundaries.

The Industrial Design program will be led by the new faculty member who will collaborate closely with colleagues in the Architecture and Interaction Design programs. Students will continue to specialize in their chosen fields of study while gaining expanded access to shared resources, new opportunities, and collaborative experiences.

These changes reinforce the Academy’s commitment to excellence and preparing students to be leaders in their fields. We are confident this evolution will inspire creativity, nurture innovation, and ensure the continued success of our students while honoring the Academy’s legacy. 

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.