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Designing with Michael Graves Design: My Summer Internship Journey

Exploring Industrial and Accessible Design with Michael Graves Design 
By: Joshua Archer
Image with title text and collage featuring: partial headshot, partial image of josh at warehouse in orange window well, partial design with green background with yellow and orange square pattern, partial image bench with orange carpet, partial image foliage commode, partial image easel, partial image gooseneck lamp drawing

I have been an admirer of Michael Graves Design for a long time, so I was ecstatic to be given the opportunity to create with a company that I so highly regard. As I am currently studying textiles and soft goods, I am not familiar with all aspects of industrial design which is primarily the work of Michael Graves Design. Even so, the company graciously worked to craft a bespoke experience that differed from the “gofer” tasks of a traditional internship. The result is a collection of assignments, or design “sprints”, which offered an array of opportunities to familiarize myself with industrial design, accessible design, and overall Michael Graves Design.

The Henry Ford Grand Tour

Given the incredible opportunity to explore the Michael Graves Design Archive at The Henry Ford Museum, I was tasked to pick a selection of items and reinterpret them through an accessibility lens. This meant finding ways to improve upon how the products perform in relation to bending, reaching, dexterity, and other difficult tasks of daily life. This was a fun challenge to blend accessible design with classic Michael Graves products.

three trowel images. Far right is regular trowel, middle is trowel with new handle drawing, far left is trowel with trowel handle drawing in green
Three gooseneck lamp images: far left is regular gooseneck lamp for target, middle is gooseneck lamp drawing with handles, far right is multiple gooseneck lamp renderings
Two images: far left is silver and black toilet brush and plunger set and right image is silver and white toilet brush set

Rug Designs

The compositions of Michael Graves have always been fascinating to me, so when coming up with rug designs I wanted to apply this imagery in a fresh light. This small collection was a great exercise in exploring how these iconic motifs might make their way into large scale print and pattern.

A book page printout of 1987 rug designs and floor tile designs
a book printout of 1979 and 1980 rug designs
a pattern with a blue background with yellow and red rectangles overlapping one another in a plaid like pattern
Several patterns: pink and red abstract pattern, blue and yellow abstract pattern, green background with yellow and orange squares, yellow background with orange and blue squares, navy background with lighter blue and yellow squares
lifestyle mockup of white couch with green pillows with area rug featuring the red and pink abstract pattern from above

CommodeParade

CommodeParade, a parody on the international CowParade public art exhibit, explores the Michael Graves Comfort Commode for CVS Health in new and unexpected ways. I drew inspiration from artists I admire, pop culture, and some of my own work. The result is an eclectic collection that I hope will turn heads!

This image displays a series of creatively designed chairs, each featuring unique and artistic designs. The chairs are themed around different materials, patterns, and functions, offering both practical seating and imaginative flair. For example, one chair appears covered in foliage, evoking a natural garden theme, while others are adorned with vibrant patterns or feature unconventional modifications, such as a digital screen and a miniature golf course.

The Warehouse Grand Tour

The Warehouse is, in many ways, the ultimate synthesis of Graves’ mind. The many artifacts within provided ample inspiration to explore how these items, many from the 18th and 19th century, might inform current design language and functionality. I had a wonderful time enjoying Graves’ residence and ideating new products in this truly postmodern methodology.

 

This image showcases a collection of furniture and design sketches, concept art, and finished pieces. The designs range from modern and minimalist forms to more elaborate, classical-inspired creations. Key items include: Columns and Pedestals: There are variations of arch and column-based designs, including a sleek archway structure and cylindrical pedestals. Wireframe Bowl and Chair Concepts: Several wireframe sketches and 3D models explore chair and bowl designs with unique curvature and symmetry. Lamps and Lighting Fixtures: A few images illustrate lighting concepts, including wall-mounted sconces and large geometric lamps made from translucent materials. Mixed-Use Furniture: Wooden stools, side tables, and other decorative pieces are pictured in both sketched and real-life settings.
This image collage displays an interior design featuring classical and elegant elements: Left Image: A small alcove with an arched ceiling highlights a framed landscape painting, flanked by two small table lamps. The setting evokes a gallery-like ambiance, further complemented by a classical bust and a chair in the foreground. Second Image: A large book or sketchbook, open to detailed architectural drawings of columns and structures, rests on a wooden table. The antique furniture and rug add to the scholarly, refined atmosphere. Third Image: A close-up of an arched window corner, with a bottle sitting in the window ledge. The design showcases subtle curvature and a soft, muted color palette. Right Image: A smooth, conical column supports an interior archway, creating a visually strong and clean architectural feature. The column's proportions contrast with the more traditional furniture in the background.

I am beyond grateful for my summer with Michael Graves Design, and cannot thank them enough for taking the time to provide a truly holistic exposure to all things Michael Graves. Thank you to The Henry Ford for hosting me to explore their vast collection, and Kean University for providing me access to the sublime Warehouse.