Marketing & Communications: SAIC and CB2 Launch Student-Designed Space-Saving Collection

CHICAGO—In collaboration with the international home décor and furniture retailer CB2, 12 graduate and undergraduate students from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) Industry Projects class created a unique line of space-saving storage solutions featuring furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories now available for purchase at CB2 stores nationwide and online.

In the yearlong Industry Projects course, facilitated by Designed Objects faculty members Tim Parsons, Jim TerMeer and Helen Maria Nugent, the students investigated the idea of “microliving” to inspire their designs for small spaces. The class worked closely with CB2’s staff to move their projects through each stage of development, from concept to creation to consumer, spanning several sectors including merchandising, marketing, trend and development and business.

“SAIC’s progressive curriculum provides our students with the unique opportunity to gain real world experience by working hand in hand with industry professionals like those from CB2,” said Paul Coffey, Vice Provost at SAIC. “Experiences like these ultimately provide our students with the opportunity to explore, experience the business world and harness that valuable entrepreneurial spirit.”

Students involved in the collaboration include Alex Stroud (BFA 2014), Allison Rokusek (BFA 2014), Arianna Petrich (MFA 2015), Brooke Collins (BFA 2015), M. Camille Macrae (BFA 2014), Chester Ong (MDes 2015), Jacob Lenard (MDes 2015), Josh Crampton (BFA 2014), Kathie Chung (MDes 2014), Nayeon Kim (MDes 2015), Tim Fates (MDes2014), and Zach Pino (MDes 2015).

This unique partnership with CB2 is made possible by SAIC’s research arm, the Earl and Brenda Shapiro Center for Research and Collaboration. The Shapiro Center connects external organizations such as CB2 to SAIC and integrates them into the classroom.

For more information and to purchase items from SAIC’s student-designed collection produced in collaboration with CB2, please visit CB2.com to shop or find a store near you. Additionally, all of the objects will be on display on the first floor of the LeRoy Neiman Center (37 S. Wabash Ave., suite 201) from February 9–16.

About the School of the Art Institute of Chicago

A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers nationally accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees and post-baccalaureate programs to nearly 3,200 students from around the globe. Located in the heart of Chicago, SAIC has an educational philosophy built upon an interdisciplinary approach to art and design, giving students unparalleled opportunities to develop their creative and critical abilities while working with a renowned faculty that includes many leading practitioners of their fields. SAIC's resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its new Modern Wing; numerous special collections and programming venues provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances. For more information, please visit saic.edu.

About CB2

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Chicago, CB2 is a modern home furnishings and accessories destination from Crate and Barrel, offering innovative and affordable design solutions for apartment, home and office. From mid-century-inspired accessories to classic barware to contemporary furniture, CB2 is ideal for urban-dwellers, with many furnishings scaled perfectly to fit small spaces.