Joe Parr is an industrial designer based in Chicago, USA who works with industry partners to develop products in furniture, lighting, consumer goods, and technology.
He believes design is best practiced with a holistic perspective and applies his own uniquely thoughtful approach to create meaningful objects. Inspired by his interest in psychology, his process is informed by intimate observations of the human condition and culture. Through a balance of artistry and engineering, he helps clients distill complex problems into insightful, purposeful solutions. Employing technical expertise and hands-on experimentation, he works closely with manufacturing throughout the process to deliver innovations. Everything he designs is in service of the most beautiful, lasting experience for both client and consumer.
He’s previously worked in the design studios of Herman Miller, Steelcase, and Industrial Facility in London. He later earned his MFA in Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art and was recognized with the Florence Knoll Award for his work. Since defining his practice in 2020, he was featured in Wallpaper* Magazine as an emerging ‘Next Generation’ designer. He also teaches design as an adjunct professor at Kendall College of Art and Design.
CONTACT
Process
Identify Opportunities
My starting point always centers on the creation of a well-defined brief. I collaborate with my clients to identify opportunities and established a solid foundation of insights through research, analysis, and strategy. This forms a critical guide that ensures a focused business objective.
Design Development
Design begins by shaping a narrative of values which direct aesthetic, experience, and human needs to create a unique, desirable solution. Artistry, understanding, and technical expertise are applied to integrate smart features for a seamless transition to production.
Go-to-market
This holistic process carries insights established in the brief through design and instills them into impactful marketing. Assets created during design development offer rich storytelling opportunities that add thoughtful brand values and engaging content for consumers.
Extended Capabilities
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Good design needs good marketing. I partner with a variety of creative developers who provide:
Brand Design
Graphic Design
Creative Direction
Marketing and Communication
Web Design
Copywriting
Art Direction
Photography
Animation
CGI and Visualizations
Digital Design
UX
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To ensure a design is implemented into production with craft, precision, and reliability, I partner with talented engineers who work in highly skilled fields such as:
Mechanical Design
Manufacturing and Development
Electrical Engineering
PCB Development
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Mold design
Material Science
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Throughout the design process, prototyping is a necessary and crucial step. I use local prototyping resources to build development prototypes, high resolution models, and small production runs.
CNC
3D printing
Laser/Water jet cutting
Tube and Sheet forming
Woodworking
Metal Fabrication
Upholstery
Paint and Metal Finishing
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I work with supply chain partners specializing in furniture, lighting, electronics, consumer goods, injection molding, and more. They help us connect good design to quality manufacturing.
BRANDS
Herman Miller
Steelcase
Steelcase Health
Design House Stockholm
Spark Grills
Nucraft
Leland
Atlas Headrest
OXX Products
Next Space
Wasserman Projects
AWARDS
2021 Red Dot Design Award Shortlist
2020 Wallpaper* Next Generation Designer
2019 Pophouse Design Fellowship
2019 Chairish Rising Star Award
2018 Don C. Albinson Award
2017 Florence Knoll Award
2017 DWR Champagne Chair Contest Winner
2014 International Housewares Student Winner
2014 KCAD Industrial Design Excellence Award
2013 Start Garden First Tier Investment