Designing Detroit Community Reception & Conversation

Join us for an evening of conversation, connection, and creativity as we celebrate Designing Detroit. This exhibition reflects on a decade since Detroit became a UNESCO City of Design, showcasing the impact of design, technology.

4:30 – 7:00 pm | Remarks at 5:30 pm

This special CCS community reception will feature: A discussion with alumnus Tracy Irwin, Chief Exhibitions and Enrichment Officer at the Detroit Historical Society, on their role in curating the exhibition Insights from Kiana Wenzell, Co-Executive Director of Design Core Detroit, stewards of the UNESCO City of Design designation, who will share resources and opportunities for creative professionals.  Connect with your CCS family and celebrate Detroit’s creative spirit over refreshments and inspiring conversation. Presented in the Valade Family Gallery, Designing Detroit reflects on ten years of transformation, collaboration, and innovation — exploring how design has shaped Detroit’s identity and future across transportation, architecture, product, fashion, and urban design. Let’s come together to honor Detroit’s design legacy and the CCS alumni who continue to shape it.

We are proud to highlight the work and contributions of CCS Alumni featured in the exhibition:

John Kaloustian, 79, Industrial Design — designer of the Reece Chair (Red) and Felix Chair (Green)
Veronika Scott, 11, Product Design — Prototype Element S[urvival] Coat, designed during her time at CCS and donated by The Empowerment Plan
Art Fitzpatrick — noted automotive illustrator and early student of the Detroit Society of Arts & Crafts, whose legacy continues to inspire CCS designers
Suchi Reddy, Honorary Doctorate — architect, designer, and founder of Reddymade, whose human-centered approach to design exemplifies the spirit of innovation celebrated in this exhibition
Dave Chow, 87, Graphic Communication and Marcyanna Parzych, 94, Fine Arts — loaned the original terra cotta roof tile from the historic Detroit Society of Arts & Crafts building (1916)
Chris Piscitelli, ’06 Industrial Design — Automotive Design — designer of the Acura Ronin Concept Model
Vidit Chhikara ’22, Product Design – Designer of Serpa Serpa — a sculptural handbag that blurs the line between art object and accessory