Gordon & Carole Segal Fellowship
Gordon & Carole Segal Fellowship
The Gordon & Carole Segal Fellowship honors two visionary entrepreneurs whose belief in accessible, well-designed everyday objects transformed American retail and domestic life. As co-founders of Crate & Barrel, the Segals introduced generations of consumers to modern design that was functional, beautiful, and affordable, reshaping how people furnish and experience their homes. Their work demonstrated that thoughtful design is not a luxury reserved for a few, but a powerful force that can improve daily life for many.
The Segals opened their first Crate & Barrel store in Chicago in 1962 with little capital but a clear vision: to connect ordinary households with well-crafted objects sourced directly from designers and makers. Displaying merchandise on the very crates and barrels in which it arrived, they created a radically informal retail experience that emphasized authenticity, value, and usability over status. This approach democratized modern design in the United States and influenced retail practices worldwide.
This fellowship, established in their name, celebrates their legacy by supporting students whose work demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit, human-centered thinking, and the capacity to translate design into meaningful real-world impact.
Carole Segal is also a member of the ID Advisory Board.
Recipients
Azra Sungu (PhD 2024)
“It’s not about being a design nomad who swoops in to solve problems. It’s about being an ally who commits to the messy, ongoing work of building better worlds wherever we find ourselves. How can we, as designers, be in the service of those worlds?”
Zeya Chen (PhD 2027)
“Getting the interaction right is not enough. The question is whether the person on the other side of it is genuinely served.”
Cecilia MoSze Tham (PhD 2026)
“We have built the track…but this train is currently broken. We need to be intentional about the consequences that we are designing today.”
Benefactors
Beyond their business achievements, Carole and Gordon Segal have been deeply engaged in civic life, philanthropy, and education. Their support of cultural institutions, healthcare organizations, and universities reflects a broader commitment to nurturing innovation, leadership, and public good.
