Eames Institute

The Eames Institute is a non-profit organization that aims to bring the lessons of Ray and Charles Eames to those looking to solve today’s most challenging issues. Supported by Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, and led by President & CEO John Cary and Chief Curator Llisa Demetrios, the youngest granddaughter of Ray and Charles Eames, the Institute aims to bring to life the Eameses’ iterative process, deep well of curiosity, and love of discovery through digital exhibitions, diverse storytelling, and live events. 

The Institute is headquartered at the Eames Archives, located in Richmond, California. Opened in February 2024, the newly refurbished space consolidates the Institute’s collection – the majority of which originates from the Eames Office at 901 Washington Boulevard in Venice, California – under one roof for the first time. The Eames Archives is open to the public, featuring tours led by Llisa Demetrios, chief curator and youngest granddaughter of Ray and Charles of the vast Eames Collection.

Ray and Charles Eames are two of the best-known designers in the world, but not as much focus has been put on their design process. The Eames Institute believes there are infinite lessons in their methodology, and will champion active learning through iteration, encourage experimentation, and equip guests with the tools to solve problems at any scale. The Eames Institute focuses on key learnings from the design processes of the Eameses in the past, and the ways that this curiosity can be applied to designers in the future.