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.

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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