Carole Segal in Conversation: A Design Pioneer

Описание: The Institute of Design hosted Carole Segal, co-founder of the iconic retail brand Crate & Barrel and longtime ID advisory board member, in celebration of International Women's Day. In conversation with Eric Larson, Chairman and Co-CEO of Tilia Holdings, Carole shared her remarkable journey—from growing up in a small Indiana town where she learned to set a proper "Tisch" table, to discovering Scandinavian design on her honeymoon, to building a retail empire with her husband Gordon that made good design accessible to people with "more taste than money."

Carole has been recognized by the Smithsonian as one of America's greatest entrepreneurs. Beyond Crate & Barrel, she went on to found Foodstuffs, bringing European food hall culture to American suburbia. Her father's advice—"never make an excuse that you can't do something because you're a girl"—shaped her boundary-breaking career as she advocated for educating (not training) employees, building strong workforces, and staying resilient.

Carole also discussed her philosophy of venture philanthropy as the "seed money queen," supporting healthcare innovation, the Girl Scouts, and ID students. Her life lessons for young designers: design requires courage and optimism, stay calm, think of the "big we," and remember: we are stronger together. Through the Carole and Gordon Segal Fellowship, her support of ID's Equitable Healthcare Lab, and more, Carole continues to inspire design leaders.

#WomensHistoryMonth and #InternationalWomensDay