Charles & Ray Eames

Charles (American, born June 17, 1907, in St. Louis – died August 21, 1978, in St. Louis) and Ray Eames (American, born December 15, 1912, in Sacramento – died August 21, 1988, in Los Angeles) are renowned designers known for their groundbreaking contributions to architecture, furniture, industrial design, and manufacturing. They are especially recognized for their mid-century modern furniture crafted from innovative materials such as molded plywood, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, wire mesh, and bent aluminum, offering aesthetically pleasing and functional products at affordable prices to consumers.

Charles, who studied engineering and architecture in St. Louis, opened his own architectural firm after being dismissed from the University of Washington for defending Frank Lloyd Wright. Ray studied painting in New York before joining the Cranbrook Academy, where she collaborated with Charles and Eero Saarinen on award-winning designs. Following their marriage in 1941, they moved to California, where they continued to design furniture, including their iconic molded plywood chair. They are also known for their landmark home in Pacific Palisades, a standout achievement of the Case Study House Program.