Design is not a single discipline, but a multifaceted approach to problem-solving that spans across various fields. Nobody understood this better than design power couple Charles and Ray Eames.

At Nollie, we celebrate designers who push beyond conventional boundaries, embracing a holistic view of creativity. We do this to show you that multidisciplinary design isn’t a new buzzword, but something that interconnects the greatest designers of history.

Our Past Masters series shines a spotlight on legendary creatives whose work transcended traditional categorizations, proving that the most innovative solutions often arise from a diverse skill set.

Today, we dive into the extraordinary world of Charles and Ray Eames, a husband-wife duo whose collaborative genius reshaped mid-20th century design. From furniture to architecture, filmmaking to exhibitions, the Eameses embodied the spirit of multidisciplinary design long before it became a buzzword.

Check out our 12 Principles of Multidisciplinary Design.

Their story is not just about creating iconic chairs or groundbreaking films; it’s about approaching every challenge with curiosity, playfulness, and a willingness to experiment across mediums.

By exploring the Eames’ journey, we hope to inspire a new generation of designers to break free from silos and embrace a more interconnected approach to creativity.

Who were Charles and Ray Eames?

Charles Eames (1907-1978) and Ray Eames (1912-1988) were American designers who made groundbreaking contributions to modern architecture, furniture design, industrial design, and the visual arts. Their work was characterized by innovation, functionality, and a deep understanding of human needs.

Charles was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and studied architecture at Washington University. He later taught at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, where he met Ray Kaiser, a painter and sculptor from Sacramento, California.

They married in 1941 and moved to Los Angeles, where they began their remarkable creative partnership.

The Eameses’ career took off in the 1940s when they began experimenting with molded plywood techniques to create affordable, high-quality furniture.

Their iconic Eames Lounge Chair, introduced in 1956, became a symbol of mid-century modern design and remains highly sought after today.

However, the Eames’ were far more than just furniture designers. They created exhibition designs, toys, films, and multimedia presentations.

Their work for IBM, including the groundbreaking film “Powers of Ten” (1977), showcased their ability to communicate complex ideas through visual storytelling.

Throughout their careers, Charles and Ray Eames consistently pushed the boundaries of design, always seeking new ways to improve people’s lives through thoughtful, innovative solutions.

Lessons from Charles and Ray Eames for Modern Designers

Embrace Collaboration

The Eames’ success was built on their extraordinary collaborative relationship. They worked together seamlessly, complementing each other’s strengths and pushing each other to greater heights of creativity.

Charles once said, “Eventually everything connects – people, ideas, objects. The quality of the connections is the key to quality per se.” This philosophy was evident in how they approached their work together.

Lesson for designers

Don’t be afraid to collaborate with others, especially those with different skill sets or perspectives. The synergy created by diverse talents can lead to truly innovative solutions.

Learn by Doing

The Eameses were famous for their hands-on approach to design. They believed in learning through experimentation and were not afraid to fail in the pursuit of new ideas.

Ray Eames emphasized this point: “What works good is better than what looks good, because what works good lasts.” This practical approach led to many of their most successful designs.

Lesson for designers

Don’t just theorize – get your hands dirty. Build prototypes, test your ideas, and be willing to learn from failures as well as successes.

Find Inspiration Everywhere

The Eameses drew inspiration from a wide range of sources. They were deeply curious about the world around them and constantly sought new knowledge and experiences.

Charles Eames once said, “The details are not the details. They make the design.” This attention to detail and appreciation for the seemingly mundane aspects of life informed their work across all disciplines.

Lesson for designers

Cultivate a wide range of interests and stay curious about the world around you. Inspiration can come from unexpected places, so keep your eyes and mind open.

Blur the Lines Between Disciplines

The Eames’ didn’t see themselves as just furniture designers or architects or filmmakers. They approached each project with the same creative spirit, regardless of the medium.

Charles Eames explained their approach: “Design is a plan for arranging elements in such a way as best to accomplish a particular purpose.” This philosophy allowed them to move fluidly between different design disciplines.

Lesson for designers

Don’t limit yourself to a single specialty. Experiment with applying your skills to different areas of design. The principles of good design are often universal and can be applied across various fields.

Prioritize Function and User Experience

While the Eameses created beautiful objects, they always prioritized function and user experience. Their designs were intended to solve problems and improve people’s lives.

Ray Eames emphasized this point: “What works good is better than what looks good, because what works good lasts.” This focus on functionality and durability has made their designs timeless.

Lesson for designers

Always consider the end-user and the purpose of your design. Aesthetics are important, but they should never come at the expense of functionality.

Embrace New Technologies

The Eameses were always eager to explore new materials and technologies. Their experiments with molded plywood and fiberglass revolutionized furniture design.

Charles Eames said, “Recognizing the need is the primary condition for design.” They saw new technologies as opportunities to address these needs in innovative ways.

Lesson for designers

Stay current with emerging technologies. Be willing to learn new tools and techniques that can enhance your design process and outcomes.

Innovation comes when designers can utilise this new technology to create something unexpected.

Communicate Complex Ideas Simply

The Eameses had a remarkable ability to explain complex concepts through simple, visual means. Their films and exhibitions for IBM and other clients demonstrated this skill.

Charles Eames believed that “The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.” This approach guided their communication design work.

Lesson for designers

Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms. Use visual storytelling techniques to make your designs and concepts more accessible to a wider audience.

Balance Work and Play

Despite their prolific output, the Eameses understood the importance of play and relaxation in the creative process. Their home and studio were filled with toys, collections, and objects that inspired them.

Ray Eames said, “What works good is better than what looks good, because what works good lasts.” This philosophy extended to their approach to work-life balance.

Lesson for designers

Don’t forget to have fun and make time for play. Creative breakthroughs often come when you’re relaxed and open to new ideas.

Design for the Future

The Eameses were always looking ahead, considering how their designs would function in the future. Their work often anticipated societal changes and technological advancements.

Charles Eames famously said, “The future is not a destination, it is a direction.” This forward-thinking approach kept their work relevant and influential for decades.

Lesson for designers

Consider the long-term impact of your designs. How will they function in the future? Can they adapt to changing needs and technologies?

Collaborate Across Industries

The Eameses worked with a wide range of clients, from furniture manufacturers to technology companies. This diverse client base allowed them to apply their design thinking to various industries.

Charles Eames believed that “The extent to which you have a design style is the extent to which you have not solved the design problem.” This flexibility allowed them to adapt their approach to each unique project.

Lesson for designers

Don’t limit yourself to one industry or type of client. Seek out diverse projects that challenge you to apply your skills in new ways.

The Power of a Design Partnership

One of the most remarkable aspects of Charles and Ray Eames’ career was their partnership as a married couple. Their personal and professional lives were deeply intertwined, creating a unique synergy that fueled their creativity.

Charles once said, “Anything I can do, Ray can do better.” This mutual respect and admiration was the foundation of their successful collaboration. They complemented each other’s strengths and challenged each other to grow as designers.

Ray brought a keen eye for color, texture, and detail to their work, while Charles excelled at structural and technical aspects of design. Together, they created a body of work that was greater than the sum of its parts.

Their partnership also challenged gender norms of their time. While Charles was often the more public face of their work (due to societal expectations of the era), Ray was an equal partner in all aspects of their design process. In later years, efforts have been made to ensure Ray receives proper recognition for her contributions.

Lesson for designers

If you have the opportunity to form a close creative partnership, embrace it. Look for collaborators who complement your skills and share your passion for design. Remember that great partnerships are built on mutual respect, open communication, and a willingness to challenge each other.

Conclusion

Charles and Ray Eames’ remarkable career as multidisciplinary designers serves as a powerful reminder that creativity knows no bounds. Their ability to seamlessly transition between furniture design, architecture, filmmaking, and graphic design demonstrates the interconnectedness of various design disciplines.

As we face the complex design challenges of the 21st century, the Eameses’ example encourages us to break free from the constraints of specialization. By embracing a multidisciplinary approach, designers can create more innovative, holistic solutions that draw upon a diverse range of skills and experiences.

Remember, as Charles Eames said, “Design is a plan for arranging elements in such a way as best to accomplish a particular purpose.” So, let their legacy inspire you to expand your creative boundaries, master multiple disciplines, and make your mark across the wide world of design.

In the spirit of Charles and Ray Eames, don’t just stay in your lane – create your own multifaceted highway of design possibilities. The world of multidisciplinary design is waiting for you to make your unique mark.

More Resources for Charles and Ray Eames:

Get the book Eames by Gloria Koenig on Amazon.