Design Legends documents the experiences and perspectives of distinguished designers, architects, design writers, and design critics.

Designer and artist Elaine Lustig Cohen was married to Alvin Lustig from 1948 to 1955. She managed her husband’s studio, serving as a secretary, production assistant, and draftsperson—the “office slave,” as she recalls. As Lustig lost his eyesight to diabetes, he increasingly relied on his wife to execute his concepts. Following Lustig’s death in 1955,...

Artist Damián Ortega speaks about his piece, Controller of the Universe, which is on view at Cooper Hewitt as part of our Tools exhibition, opening 12/12/14.

Maker Michael Eden talks about the thinking and process behind his “Tall Green Bloom” urn, created with CAD software and 3D printing techniques. This urn will be on view at Cooper Hewitt as part of “Making Design,” our new exhibition of works from the permanent collection. Opening 12/12/14.

Graphic designer Philippe Apeloig describes the process and thinking behind the VIVO IN TYPO poster. The gigantic poster is part of the Cooper Hewitt permanent collection. You can see it on 12/12 when the museum re-opens, as part of our “Making Design” exhibition. Thanks to Erik Hougen at the Lower East Side Printshop for demonstrating...