Alumni

Combining fluency in hardware and software, Samuel Matson designs products that make revolutionary technology feel familiar. With a background pioneering immersive computing at Google and Microsoft, Matson has invented foundational technologies for mixed reality, and has designed acclaimed products recognized by the Cannes Grand Prix, a spot in the MoMA permanent collection, and a few million happy users.

Ada Mayer is a creative director turning curiosity into meaningful brand worlds. Mayer is currently the creative director of Global Brand Design at Meta, and has previously worked at Landor, Red Antler, Wolff Olins, and more.

Norman Teague is a Chicago-based designer and educator focused on projects and pedagogy that address the systematic complexity of urbanism and the culture of communities. Teague's past projects have included consumer products, public sculpture, performances, and specially designed retail spaces. 

Nivine Perez is a multi-disciplinary designer interested in giving back and designing for a purpose. Perez is a member of the NEXT Council, CannonDesign’s global leadership program, and was named one of the Women of Influence in Architecture and Design in 2022 by the San Diego Business Journal. Perez is a member of AIA and IIDA, is registered with NCARB, and is currently pursuing an architecture license within the State of California.

Tizziana Baldenebro is the executive director at SPACES in Cleveland. An arts administrator, curator, writer, and critic, her practice focuses on emerging artists and designers. She is an organizer and activist in the effort to produce equitable cultural centers. She currently sits on the board of FRONT International, is a member of the steering committee for the Boston Mills Activation Project of the Conservancy of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and is a 2021 curator-in-residence at Red Bull Arts Detroit.

After earning his master's degree in Historic Preservation in 2016, Austin Eighmey first came to The Henry Ford Estate as an artisan subcontractor working to restore the original decorative finishes of the National Historic Landmark. After three years spent physically restoring the Estate, he joined the Fair Lane team in earnest. As of 2023, Austin is the director of Historic Resources at Fair Lane.

Maura Pilcher currently serves as the director of the Grant Wood Art Colony at the University of Iowa. She holds Bachelors of Art in Anthropology and Art History from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.