Stephen Burks believes in a pluralistic vision of design that is inclusive of all cultural perspectives. His ongoing Man Made project bridges the gap separating authentic developing-world production, industrial manufacturing, and contemporary design. Independently and through association with many nonprofit organizations, he has worked as a product development consultant throughout the globe. Through his New York studio, Stephen Burks Man Made, many of the world’s leading design-driven brands have commissioned Burks to develop collections that engage hand production as a strategy for innovation for manufacturers worldwide. His work has been exhibited internationally, including solo museum exhibitions at the Studio Museum in Harlem and the Museum of Arts & Design. He has received the Illinois Institute of Technology Alumni Professional Achievement Award, the Brooklyn Museum Young Modernist Award, the Architektur & Wohnen Audi Mentor Prize, and the 2008 United States Artists Architecture & Design Target Fellowship Grant, as well as the 2015 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award in product design.

This Penny Stamps Speaker Series event is supported by the Detroit Creative Corridor Center, stewards of the UNESCO City of Design designation.