SAIC Students and Home Decor Brand CB2 Partner to Launch SAIC Line of Products

Twelve graduate and undergraduate students from SAIC's unique Industry Projects course recently partnered with furniture and décor mainstay CB2 to craft a line of elegant objects made for “living well.” Marking the second year of this collaboration, the CB2+SAIC collection is now available online and at the retailer’s dozen urban locations, and features inspired lighting, furniture, and home accessories.

Led by Designed Objects faculty members Tim Parsons and Casey Lurie, the Industry Projects students answered CB2’s question of “What does it mean to live well within the context of home design?” Blending heritage and memory with modern organization, each student worked directly with CB2 staff throughout the design process and took their concepts from imagination to creation. This opportunity gave the students real-world experience with merchandising, marketing, and development in a major retail outlet.

The CB2 blog, Idea Central, recently spotlighted the SAIC group and spoke highly of the School’s commitment to innovation. “We’re continuously inspired by SAIC students’ energy and fresh approach to the industry,” remarked CB2’s Managing Director, Ryan Turf, “so it was only natural that we partner with them again.” Relationships such as this are made possible by SAIC’s Earl and Brenda Shapiro Center for Research and Collaboration, which connects the School’s creative classrooms to thriving outside organizations.