A restless traveller and innately curious Stephen Burks has a unique vision of design that he describes as “bringing the hand to industry”.

stephenburksmanmade.com

Stephen Burks (Chicago, 1969) studied architecture and product design at the Illinois Institute of Technology and Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture. For over a decade he has dedicated his work to building a bridge between authentic craft traditions, industrial manufacturing, and contemporary design. Since 2005, Burks has consulted for non-profits including Aid to Artisans, the Clinton Global Initiative, Design Network Africa, Artesanias de Colombia and the Nature Conservancy, uniting the artisan, the designer, and global brands in a triangle of immersive development.

With his New York–based studio, Stephen Burks Man Made, Burks has produced innovative products, furniture, lighting, and exhibitions for a range of international clients including B&B Italia, Boffi, Cappellini, Dedar, Dedon, Harry Winston, Missoni, Moroso, Parachilna, Roche Bobois and Swarovski. Stephen Burks is the 2015 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award winner in Product Design.