Cindy Crane

Cindy Crane is a part-time Professor of Foundation Studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), holding dual M.F.A. and M.A. degrees in furniture design and historic preservation from SCAD, alongside a B.I.D. in industrial design from North Carolina State University. She has held roles including Professor of Industrial Design (2015–2016) and has led educational initiatives such as founding IDEA, LLC, which offers free design mentorship to youth. Her work spans furniture design, historic preservation, and therapeutic art instruction for psychiatric patients.

Education:

• M.F.A., Furniture Design, Savannah College of Art and Design
• M.A., Historic Preservation, Savannah College of Art and Design
• B.I.D., Industrial Design, North Carolina State University

Research Focus: Crane specializes in furniture design, product design, and historic preservation, with a focus on interior layout optimization, custom millwork, and educational outreach. Her projects include designing for commercial spaces, restoring historic buildings, and creating therapeutic art programs for youth. She advocates for design education accessibility, particularly through her nonprofit work with IDEA, LLC.

Notable Projects:

• Designed interior layouts for Blend and Press and La Bastille
• Restored 139 E 51st St and other historic Savannah properties
• Launched furniture lines with sculptural tables and fireplace mantels

Awards:

• Second Place Winner for Dust and Grain barstools (2019)
• Artist in Residence at Art Works of Johnstown (2010)
• Featured in Architectural Record, Surface Magazine, and Domus

Grants & Mentorship:

• Advised youth through IDEA LLC and Maven Makers
• Collaborated with nARCHITECTS on the Windshape sculpture
• Conducted therapeutic art sessions at Lakeside Crisis Stabilization

Labs/Teams: Leads IDEA, LLC, a nonprofit design mentorship program, and collaborates with firms like Synthesis Design Labs on architectural expansions in historic districts.