Bio
Education: BFA, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; MDES, The Institute of Design, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. Concurrent Positions: Director, Industrial Design for DieHard/Craftsman-TransformCo; Founder, Ross Carl Design. Publications: Visual Brand Guidelines, Craftsman; Visual Brand Guidelines, Diehard. Patents: Author of over 25 Utility and Design patents in a range of categories including vehicle instrumentation, hand & power tools, juvenile products, and bath fixtures. Awards: Edison Silver & Bronze; Modern Jeweler Buyer’s Choice - Multiple Awards.
Personal Statement
Ross Carl is an accomplished designer, teacher, builder, and project manager with a successful history of planning and leading programs in academic and professional capacities.
Currently, he designs consumer products across a diverse range of categories and manages associated manufacturing design and engineering teams. Ross is a strong proponent and architect of research initiatives resulting in innovative, successful, award-winning products.
As an educator I believe that every student has unique experiences and brings potentially valuable contributions to the SAIC academic peer community. I encourage open discussion and emphasize the importance of empathy by assigning exercises that challenge students to think outside of their own experiences and narrative. In doing so, we practice identifying opportunities to improve the experience of others. We discuss (and celebrate) cultural differences along with other human factors that play into design solutions that address factors that go far beyond aesthetics.
Prior to his transition into consumer product development, Ross focused on jewelry design, where he had the opportunity to work closely with the Vatican and the Smithsonian while researching and developing collections for both institutions.
Before moving to Chicago, Ross lived in New York where he created unique pieces and collections for leading jewelry firms including Harry Winston, Mikimoto, Gemveto (Gemlok), and Gori & Zucchi (UNOARRE).
Disclaimer: All work represents the views of the INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS & AUTHORS who created them, and are not those of the school or museum of the Art Institute.
