Before Industrial Design became a specialized profession, visionary creators worked across disciplines with remarkable freedom—designing everything from cars and radios to appliances, architecture and exhibits.

This presentation offers a visual feast of bold renderings, futuristic prototypes and immersive spectacles—like GM’s legendary “Futurama” and the “Kitchen of Tomorrow”—that captured the public imagination and reshaped everyday life. Discover how artistry, ingenuity and fearless cross-disciplinary thinking not only fueled innovation, but also helped define the look and spirit of post-war American modern life.

Susan Skarsgard is an internationally recognized Detroit-based designer and artist. During her 25 years at General Motors Design, she created iconic vehicle emblems and lettering; ultimately establishing the GM Design Archive & Special Collections—the corporation's first dedicated repository for the history of design at General Motors.

Her extensive research into the architectural and cultural legacy of the General Motors Technical Center culminated in the publication of Where Today Meets Tomorrow: Eero Saarinen and the General Motors Technical Center (Princeton Architectural Press), recipient of the 2020 Michigan Notable Book Award; also featured in Architectural Digest. Following the presentation will be a book signing.