First Lady Michelle Obama Celebrates Designers

By Christina Smith

When someone says the word, "design", what comes to mind? Graphic designers think of brochures, annual reports, logos or websites. Architects envision buildings, houses, bridges, or skyscrapers. Fashion designers picture skirts, dresses, jackets, or blouses. In today's world, there are many different forms of design. Because of this, every year, Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum recognizes the most talented designers in America. The awards highlight ten design categories that range from landscape architecture to communication design. Two weeks ago, Michelle Obama hosted a luncheon at the White House to honor those who received the awards. In her speech she spoke about what it means to be a designer and celebrated those who are talented enough to produce such amazing work. Below is a short excerpt from her speech:

"What I love about design is the artistic and scientific complexity that also becomes useful: a laptop, a bridge, an outfit, a garden, all drawn from a thousand wells of inspiration and yet grounded in the basic principles of math or science.... Great designers also pursue a mission. Great designers design with mankind in mind. Building on the innovations of the past, you help to shape a better future."

You can also watch the First Lady's speech in its entirety below:

Oftentimes, I find design to be an afterthought in American culture. For anyone who has visited Europe, design seems to be a much more respected career than it is in America. However, I may have been wrong. Michelle Obama is a great proponent of American design. Through her words and actions, she has shown that she supports the recognition of many prominent designers. As stated by Wayne Clough, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, "The National Design Awards recognize and promote design excellence, innovation and public impact, and the support of Mrs. Obama will immeasurable increase national awareness of design's important role." I couldn't agree more! It's good to see someone of such high regard, such as the First Lady recognizing the amazing talents of such great designers.