PRODUCT DESIGN EXPERIENCE
MICHAEL GRAVES ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
WE BELIEVE HUMANISM IS THE SOUL OF DESIGN AND ENABLES TRANSFORMATIVE RESULTS. WE VIEW EACH DESIGN OPPORTUNITY AS AN UNFOLDING STORY – AND THE PERSON OCCUPYING THE SPACE OR USING A PRODUCT – AS THE CENTRAL CHARACTER. BY FOCUSING ON THE INDIVIDUAL, WE HUMANIZE DESIGN. AS A RESULT, PEOPLE EXPERIENCE OUR WORK SPATIALLY, VISUALLY AND EMOTIONALLY.
ARCHITECTURE PLANNING INTERIOR DESIGN PRODUCT DESIGN BRANDING GRAPHIC DESIGN
MGA&D “ DESIGN IS A TOOL WE USE TO TOUCH PEOPLE, ENGAGE THEIR SENSES AND ENHANCE THEIR LIVES.”
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Founded by AIA Gold Medalist Michael Graves in 1964, Michael Graves Architecture & Design (MGA&D) is recognized as one of the leading design firms in the world. Through approaching projects aesthetically and empathetically, MGA&D achieves transformative results for clients. MGA&D offers a full spectrum of architecture and product design services. Architecture projects span the globe, while the firm has brought to market over 2,000 products for clients such as Kimberly-Clark, Stryker Medical, Alessi, JCPenney, and Target. MGA&D is a unique, highly integrated, practice that offers strategic advantages to clients worldwide. For more information, visit michaelgraves.com. The architectural practice has designed over 400 buildings worldwide encompassing many
building types: large-scale master plans, corporate headquarters and other office buildings, hotels and resorts, restaurants and retail stores, facilities for sports and recreation, healthcare facilities, civic projects such as embassies, courthouses and monuments, a wide variety of university buildings, museums, theaters, public libraries, housing and private residences. MGA&D has received over 300 awards for design excellence. MGA&D’s Interiors Studio provides design services for all of its architectural projects and also has a stand-alone practice. MGA&D’s interiors studio has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, including the design of hotel guest rooms, suites, public amenities, conference centers, restaurants and clubs, as well as serviced apartments, luxury suites and penthouses, and villas.
The Interiors Studio often customdesigns furniture and artwork that complement the character of the firm’s architecture and interiors. MGA&D has designed over 2000 consumer products, which include both building components such as lighting, hardware, bath and kitchen products, and a wide variety of consumer products for home, office and personal use. MGA&D’s strategic partnerships include manufacturers such as Alessi, Steuben, Dansk, Disney, Baldinger Architectural Lighting, David Edward Furniture, Glen Eden, Stryker Medical, Drive Medical, Delta Faucet and Progress Lighting, among others, and also retailers such as JCPenney, Target Stores and international distribution companies. MGA&D has designed innovative packaging and graphic identity programs for many of its projects.
WE ARE A MULTIDISCIPLINARY FIRM.
PRODUCT DESIGN
GRAPHIC DESIGN
BRANDING
We provide integrated product design services. We are well known for designing products that deliver an inspired balance of form and function. We have brought over 2000 Michael Gravesbranded consumer products to market across all retail distribution channels. Among our branded partnerships are: Kimberly-Clark, Alessi, Target Stores, Stryker, JCPenney, Disney and Steuben.
We provide complete graphic design services ranging from productspecific graphics and marketing collateral to retail planogram layout and environmental graphics for a diverse client base. We have designed everything from watch faces, to restaurant logos, to environmental signage for the world’s largest integrated resort.
We have extensive experience in brand building – beginning with the management of our own consumer brand Michael Graves Design. For our clients, our integrated team of industrial designers, graphic designers and brand managers provide extensive brand building services in the development of standout consumer brands.
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ARCHITECTURE
PLANNING
INTERIOR DESIGN
We believe that architecture is inextricably tied to use, place, client aspirations and cultural traditions. We also believe that the greatest buildings are those that cannot be imagined anywhere else in the world. Thus, it is our mission to provide clients around the globe with highly functional, intuitive design solutions that are sensitive to an ever changing built environment in both scale and context. We bring design excellence to all building types.
We see planning as a vital part of the built landscape, a process that begins with the development of a hierarchical organization of spatial relationships between buildings and the surrounding built or natural context. Our master plans impart a distinct sense of community and place, while establishing a framework for current and future decisions. Throughout the world, we have created award-winning designs that are functional, efficient, site specific and sustainable.
We believe interior design should reflect each client’s culture and communicate their values while meeting both their functional and aesthetic goals. Our projects range from company headquarters to international hotels to interiors for public institutions. Working in conjunction with MGA&D’s product designers, our interior designers often custom-design furniture and artwork that complement the character of the firm’s architecture and interiors.
MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS MGA&D strives to create partnerships that are deep and meaningful. Our design philosophy leads to solutions for our clients that are humanistic, pragmatic, pioneering, distinctive, and intuitive. For more than thirty years our proprietary design process has led to transformative
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results. Our famous Whistling Bird Kettle helped Alessi to attract a whole new group of consumers both in the US and abroad; as the first external design partner for Target, we helped to create the “democratization of design movement” – bringing great design to the mass market.
For Stryker, we transformed the patient room and patient transport experience which succeeded in opening a new market for them with the A+D community. In short, we practice humanistic design to create transformative results.
OUR DESIGN PROCESS The process is fluid and lean, where elements of research, exploration and production overlap on the project timeline to inform each other. As the project progresses,
CYCLE OF DEFINITION
involvement in research tapers while exploration peaks to a point before production takes an increasing priority, leading to completion.
MAGIC
CYCLE OF PRODUCTION
COLLECT + ANALYZE
EXPLORE
REFINE + PRODUCE
The goal of this cycle is to define the design intent. This begins with asking the right questions, and collecting relevant data. Creative analysis helps us understand the context, people and challenges.
Infused with imagination, creativity & passion, our design exploration runs in parallel with research and the two processes inform each other, contributing to the clarity of the design intent.
Collaborating with engineers, MGA&D works through the design to manufacture phase in order to optimize each design for commercial success.
OVER 2500 PRODUCTS BROUGHT TO MARKET
VIA* BY MICHAEL GRAVES DESIGN FOR KIMBERLY CLARK MOBILITY & BATH SAFETY MGA&D and Kimberly-Clark are committed to a common vision intended to celebrate aging for what it really is: filled with spirit, possibilities, and growth. The upcoming collection is rooted in a passion for life and a relentless commitment to challenge design conventions in pursuit of smarter, more beautiful solutions.
A VIA* Walking Sticks B Bathing Wand and Accessories 8 | PRODUCT DESIGN EXPERIENCE
A
B
ILEX LIGHTING LIGHTING COLLECTION MGA&D created four lines of pendant and sconce light fixtures for Ilex Lighting’s Portfolio Collection: Tabletop, Theia, Fete and Gala. Featuring LED, halogen, fluorescent, and incandescent options, the Michael Graves Design collection balances aesthetics with lighting performance, sustainability priorities, and ADA requirements. Mounting finish options include Architectural Bronze, Antique Brass, Brushed and Polished Nickel, and Satin Brass.
A
A
Fete Pendant
B Carousel Ceiling Light C
Opera Sconce
D Gala Pendant E
Theia Triple
F
ADA Wall Sconce
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B
C
E
D F
DELTA INDUSTRIES EVO OIL SPRAYER Delta Industries commissioned MGA&D to design a cooking oil spray bottle to fit its special spray nozzle. The nozzle utilizes proprietary pre-compression technology to dispense viscous liquids without the use of aerosol propellants. The bottle design seamlessly integrates Delta sprayer head with the elegant shape of the new body and sprayer lever. The design team leveraged the form of the spray lever into the design of the Evo logo creating the graphic expression of the brand itself.
A
Oil Sprayer Bottle
B Packaging C
POP Display
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A
C
B
ALESSI HOUSEWARES COLLECTION In 1980, Michael Graves received an invitation from Alessi to participate in a promotional project known as the “Coffee and Tea Piazza.” Of all the sets, Michael Graves’ design sold best. Graves was then asked to design the now famous whistling bird teakettle that became a timeless design icon. This led to a decades-long design collaboration that produced more than 150 products. Michael Graves once received a postcard from a French poet, who wrote, “I’m always very grumpy when I get up in the morning. But when I get up now, I put the teakettle on, and when it starts to sing it makes me smile – damn you!” In 2015, marking the 30th anniversary of the kettle, Alessi commissioned MGA&D to create a special edition. The “Tea Rex” kettle evolves the famous bird into a reptilian dragon.
A A
Salt & Pepper Shakers
B
Tea-Rex Teakettle
C
Whistling Bird Teakettle
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B
C
B
A
A
Kitchen Timer
B
Mantle Clock
C French Press D
Round Tray
E
Pitcher
F
Wall Clock
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C
E
F
D
STRYKER PATIENT ROOM FURNITURE MGA&D and Stryker, one of the world’s great medical technology companies, came together to form a design partnership to address “the last frontier in healthcare design, the patient room.” The two companies conducted months of ethnographic research, studying the acute care environment and the
A
Overbed Table
B Bed Side Cabinet C Patient Chair D
way current furniture is being used. The result of this joint venture is a suite of patient room furniture that challenges the notion that the design of furniture can’t be instrumental is addressing the three big needs facing hospitals today: spread of infection, clinician back strain, and patient falls.
Bed Side Table
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A
B
C
D
B
A
A
Bed Side Cabinet
B
Detail of Height Adjustment
C Overbed Table 20 | PRODUCT DESIGN EXPERIENCE
C
STRYKER PRIME TC TRANSPORT CHAIR Hospitals are constantly evolving to improve patient outcomes, yet a key piece of equipment has gone unaltered since it was patented in 1933. And it was never intended for use in the hospital. We’re talking about the wheelchair! Prime TC is the result of a thorough product development process undertaken to transform seated patient transport in the hospital. Research discoveries have been turned into solutions to real problems facing today’s hospitals.
A Movable Arm Rests B Swing Away Foot Rests C Nests To Save Space. In Order To Prevent Theft, It Does Not Collapse. D
Rear View with Accessories
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A
B
D C
MICHAEL GRAVES DESIGN KITCHENWARE The Kitchenware products are emblematic of the design thinking, intelligence and wit that infuses the entire Michael Graves Design collection. The cast iron cookware pieces are reminiscent of the best of mid-century design; sleek, minimal and full of personality. The small appliances perform flawlessly, look great on your kitchen counter and make you smile each time you use them. Featuring polished stainless steel with accent colors including copper, terracotta, and black, they are at home in any kitchen.
A
A
Cast Iron Braiser
B Cast Iron Dutch Oven C Nylon Cooking Tools D
2-piece Cutting Board set
E
Cheese and Cracker server
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D
C
B
E
A
Two Slice Toaster
B Coffee Maker C 6-quart Programmable Slow Cooker 26 | PRODUCT DESIGN EXPERIENCE
A
B
C
A
A
Sugar & Creamer Set
B Bells & Whistles Teakettle C Thermal Carafe 28 | PRODUCT DESIGN EXPERIENCE
B
C
MICHAEL GRAVES DESIGN BARWARE The barware products offer everything one needs to have a proper cocktail party, to bring a bottle to your favorite BYOB, or to simply enjoy a relaxing drink at home.
A
Wine Decanter & Wine Glasses
B Bottle Opener C Waiter’s Key D
Corkscrew with Bottle Stopper
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A
B
C
D
MICHAEL GRAVES DESIGN HOME DECOR The Michael Graves Design collection of accessories for the home provides a modern twist to the classical decorative forms found in artifacts from Italy, Greece and Asia. The pieces are designed to be at home in a variety of decorative environments — from contemporary to traditional. Simple, honest materials of wood, ceramic, and metal lend an air of quality and authenticity to the line.
A
A
Triple Wood Vase
B Wood Fruit Bowl C Photo Frames and Clocks 32 | PRODUCT DESIGN EXPERIENCE
B
C
MICHAEL GRAVES DESIGN FURNITURE & LIGHTING The Michael Graves Design collection of furniture focuses on two great dining chairs: Klismos and Impala. Klismos is directly influenced by the familiar klismos chairs of Greek antiquity. Updated for comfort and durability, today’s Klismos chair is a clean and modern interpretation of a beloved classical form. The task, table and floor lighting are of the highest quality, fit comfortably in many interiors, and all have a unique detail that sets them apart.
A
Double Skyscraper Accent Lamp
B
Bankers Task Lamp
C
Sculpture Accent Lamp
D Glass Lamp E
Klismos Chair
F
Impala Chair
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A
B
E
F
C
D
MICHAEL GRAVES DESIGN CLEANING Michael Graves Design re-invented the category of cleaning and organization in the late 90s. The results were a spectacular success with a cleaning, laundry, closet organization and kitchen organization collection that has dominated the competition for well over a decade. Time Magazine featured a full page photograph of a Michael Graves Design Toilet Bowl Brush to illustrate America’s new found love for design.
A
B
A
Microfiber Twist Mop
B Stainless Steel Toilet Brush C Squeegee D Kitchen Sponge E
Brush with Stand
F
Stainless Steel Plunger
G
Bottle Brush with Stand
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C
D
F
E G
MICHAEL GRAVES DESIGN PACKAGING Great packaging communicates big ideas to consumers. When designing our packaging, we knew it needed to be both distinctive and an effective marketing tool at the store level. Equally as important, we wanted it to feel like a gift box that you would be proud to give to family, friends or yourself. Our integrated team of industrial designers, graphics designers and brand managers actively engage in communicating the big idea to consumers, as soon as the big idea is conceived.
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MICHAEL GRAVES DESIGN RETAIL ENVIRONMENT JCPenney invited MGA&D to help transform its home department with a Michael Graves Design branded gift shop full of original products that would become modern design classics.
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FANIMATION CEILING FANS Michael Graves Design creates original ceiling fan designs for Fanimation, which they distribute through lighting showrooms under the Fanimation brand and through Lowe’s under the Harbor Breeze Platinum brand. Each fan is expected to be unlike anything else on the market, while maintaining enough visual familiarity to enable large sales volumes. No longer shall Interior designers hate ceiling fans!
A
A Prop Ceiling Fan B Harbor Breeze Platinum Aniva Bay Ceiling Fan C
Crease Ceiling Fan
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B
C
MICHAEL GRAVES DESIGN FOR TARGET HOUSEWARES COLLECTION Throughout the 15 years of the legendary Target/Graves partnership, the Michael Graves Design collection of kitchen related products remained at the heart of the rapidly growing collection encompassing multiple product categories across the store, including lighting, consumer electronics, cleaning, storage & organization and games. Target and Michael Graves delivered more than 1000 completely original, beautiful, well-designed, ergonomically functional kitchen items ranging from signature teakettles to “the best ice cream scoop in the market.� Many of the designs are now considered highly collectible and have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.
A
Spinner Whistle Tea Kettle
B
Toilet Brush
C Goose Neck Desk Lamp D
Toaster
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A
B
C
D
A
A
Paper Towel Holder
B
Stainless Steel Ice Bucket
C Ice Cream Scoop D
Kitchen Timer
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B
C
D
B
A
A
Corded Phone
B
Paper Shredder
C Chess Set 48 | PRODUCT DESIGN EXPERIENCE
C
MICHAEL GRAVES DESIGN PATIO & GARDEN Target expanded its Michael Graves Design product categories to include garden and patio in the second year of its relationship with MGA&D. The product offering was broad and varied and included wood furniture and patio accessories, watering cans, planters, kneelers, gloves, and gardening tools that earned praise from both the professional landscaper and the home gardener alike. The Michael Graves Design Bulb Transplanter was featured in a full page article in the LA Times citing it as one of the ten best–designed garden tools of the 20 th century.
A
Outdoor Furniture Set
B
Bulb Planter
C Watering Can 50 | PRODUCT DESIGN EXPERIENCE
A
C
B
MICHAEL GRAVES DESIGN RETAIL ENVIRONMENT & ADVERTISEMENTS The Michael Graves Design brand at Target was the first example of an architect/designer having his own consumer brand of products. As such, the products, packaging and all branded elements had to represent the architectural perspective and establish Michael Graves in the consumer mind. The blue color palette functioned as a “sea of calm” within the noisy retail environment and was a reference to the blueprint. The “perfect placement” merchandising strategy elevated the product above the competition. The idea of “form and function” supported Target’s “expect more, pay less” tagline.
A
A
Magazine Ads
Retail Environment (opposite) 52 | PRODUCT DESIGN EXPERIENCE
A
SLICE PRODUCTS BEAUTY TOOLS MGA&D was commissioned by Slice Products to develop a new collection of tools for the beauty care market. The result of more than 18 months of research, design, and development has yielded an extraordinary collection of personal grooming tools including cuticle scissors, finger nail clippers, toe nail clippers, ceramic nail file, cosmetic pencil sharpener and precision tweezers. The designs, inspired by river stones, have elevated both functional and aesthetic expectations for products in this category.
A
A
Toe Nail Clipper
B
Finger Nail Clipper
C Pointed Scissors D
Cuticle Scissors
E Cosmetic Pencil Sharpener 54 | PRODUCT DESIGN EXPERIENCE
B
C
D
E
THE MARKUSE CORPORATION PROJECTS WATCHES For nearly 30 years, The Markuse Corporation has celebrated the role that architecture and design play in our daily lives. The MGA&D/Projects partnership has collaborated on dozens of designs for wristwatches, as well as dozens of other products.
A
A
Brass Witherspoon Watch
B
Witherspoon Pocket Watch
C Cubit Watch D
Grand Tour Watch
E
Scallop Watch
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B
D
C
E
C.F. STINSON UPHOLSTERY TEXTILES & PRIVACY CURTAINS Together with textile industry expert CF Stinson, MGA&D launched two collections of healthcare focused high performance fabrics between 2012 and 2014. The “Voyages” and “Vistas” collections are named because Michael Graves drew inspiration for the collections’ patterns and colors from the cities, architectural sites and natural landscapes he has visited around the world.
Vistas Collection (left) Voyages Collection (right) 58 | PRODUCT DESIGN EXPERIENCE
SKYLINE DESIGN SURFACE PATTERN DESIGN In 2010, Skyline Design brought to market a collection of five architecturally inspired glass patterns called the “5+ Collection.” The glass is crafted exclusively by Skyline Design for interior environments. The five initial patterns feature modern abstractions of familiar places and materials and are available in transparent and diffused options to accommodate a range of aesthetics and privacy needs.
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DAVID EDWARD CONTRACT FURNITURE The long-standing relationship between Michael Graves and the Baltimore-based furniture manufacturer David Edward came to fruition in 2003 with the launch of the Michael Graves Collection of upholstered furniture specifically designed for the contract market. The collection includes lounge seating and coordinating tables that are appropriate for a variety of interior settings. The company fabricated the Finestra and Oculus chairs originally designed by MGA&D in 1989, as well as the wood and upholstered Hampton lounge chair which achieved special design success.
A A
Ellington Chair
B
Hampton Chair
C Ellington Ottoman 62 | PRODUCT DESIGN EXPERIENCE
B
C
DURAVIT, DORNBRACHT & HOESH BATH COLLECTION MGA&D’s extensive Dreamscape bath collection, manufactured by three German companies, Duravit, Dornbracht, and Hoesch, featured pedestal and wallmounted sinks, bathtubs, toilets and bidets, cabinets, hardware, and accessories. Pure bathroom sculpture emerges in the sophisticated pillar design integral to the series.
A
Pedestal Sink & Mirror
B
Full Collection
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A
B
A
A
Faucet
B
Bathroom Bench
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B
MGA&D 609.924.6409 341 Nassau Street Princeton, NJ 08540 info@michaelgraves.com MICHAELGRAVES.com