In Conversation with Carole Segal: A Design Pioneer

Thu Feb 19 2026 at 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm UTC-06:00

Institute of Design (ID) at Illinois Tech | Chicago

Institute of Design (ID)
Publisher/HostInstitute of Design (ID)
In Conversation with Carole Segal: A Design Pioneer
Advertisement
Celebrating the trailblazing work of design leader Carole Segal, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Crate & Barrel. In-person only.
About this Event

Join Us in Celebration

A limited number of paid tickets* (in-person at the Institute of Design in Chicago only) are available to enjoy a conversation between Carole Segal, co-founder of Crate & Barrel, and her friend Eric Larson, co-founder, chairman, and co-CEO of Tilia Holdings.

Expect tales of Carole’s experiences as a design leader with lively anecdotes about individuals ranging from Mies van der Rohe to Harrison Ford. In advance of Women’s History Month, the Institute of Design is proud to host and celebrate a major Chicago figure, one whose experience with design has mirrored design’s own evolution and who has blazed trails for women in design.

* Proceeds will support scholarships at ID.




About Carole Segal

Carole Segal co-founded Crate & Barrel in 1962, transforming how Americans think about home design by making European-inspired, functional design accessible to everyone. Beyond building a retail phenomenon from a single Chicago storefront, Carole has devoted herself to strengthening the city's civic and cultural life. As president of the Segal Family Foundation, a life trustee of Illinois Institute of Technology, and a board member of institutions including Rush University Medical Center, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and WBEZ-Chicago Public Media, she practices what she calls "venture philanthropy"—supporting young medical investigators and backing the institutions that shape Chicago's future.



The Institute of Design (ID) advances the study and use of design in our world through its degree-granting Graduate School at the Illinois Institute of Technology, its Executive Academy, and its Action Labs. Visionary László Moholy-Nagy founded ID in 1937 as The New Bauhaus. Today, we are known for introducing the world to human-centered design and systems design—and for preparing the strategic designers, leaders, and changemakers who are creating tomorrow. We believe in rigorous creativity and rapid iteration, and we believe anyone can learn to use design to transform the systems that shape our lives. Learn more about ID at id.iit.edu. Learn more about ID at id.iit.edu.


Agenda

🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:15 PM
Welcome
Host: Anijo Mathew
🕑: 06:15 PM - 06:20 PM
Introduction
Host: Eric Larson
🕑: 06:20 PM - 06:30 PM
Part 1: Crate & Barrel
Host: Carole Segal
🕑: 06:30 PM - 06:40 PM
Part 2: Before Crate & Barrel
Host: Carole Segal
🕑: 06:40 PM - 06:50 PM
Part 3: Beyond Crate & Barrel: Venture Philanthropy
Host: Carole Segal
🕑: 06:50 PM - 07:00 PM
Part 4: Advice for Emerging Designers, Q&A
Host: Carole Segal
🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Reception
Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Institute of Design (ID) at Illinois Tech, 3137 South Federal Street, Chicago, United States

Tickets

USD 19.99

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Chicago

Breakthrough T1D Post-Gala Celebration
Thu, 19 Feb at 05:30 pm Breakthrough T1D Post-Gala Celebration

Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom

Art After Work: Self-taught Artist Bingo Happy Hour
Thu, 19 Feb at 05:30 pm Art After Work: Self-taught Artist Bingo Happy Hour

Intuit Art Museum

Tiny Dog Meetup
Thu, 19 Feb at 05:30 pm Tiny Dog Meetup

Pup Social

Alhambra Palace Ramadan Iftar Buffet
Thu, 19 Feb at 05:30 pm Alhambra Palace Ramadan Iftar Buffet

Alhambra Palace Restaurant

IMAGINE THE FUTURE
Thu, 19 Feb at 05:30 pm IMAGINE THE FUTURE

Hyatt Regency Chicago

Werkz in the Archive: Film Screening and Dance Cypher
Thu, 19 Feb at 05:30 pm Werkz in the Archive: Film Screening and Dance Cypher

National Public Housing Museum

2026 Raised to Read Silent Book Club
Thu, 19 Feb at 06:30 pm 2026 Raised to Read Silent Book Club

124 Main Street, West Chicago, IL, United States, Illinois 60185

The Mill | variety show & open mic
Thu, 19 Feb at 06:30 pm The Mill | variety show & open mic

Burlington Bar

Sort & Sip (Volunteering & Socializing)
Thu, 19 Feb at 06:30 pm Sort & Sip (Volunteering & Socializing)

3248 N Pulaski Rd

Toronto Raptors at Chicago Bulls at United Center
Thu, 19 Feb at 07:00 pm Toronto Raptors at Chicago Bulls at United Center

United Center

Cordell Winter
Thu, 19 Feb at 07:00 pm Cordell Winter

UncommonGround - Lakeview

Chicago is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Chicago Events