Eric Heiman

Eric Heiman is a Professor in the Graphic Design Program at California College of the Arts (CCA), where he has taught since 1999. He is also the principal and co-founder of Volume Inc., a multidisciplinary design studio with a national reputation for impactful work in branding, environments, publications, and interactive media. He holds a BFA in Graphic Design from CCA and a Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University, both with high honors.

His research and professional practice focus on graphic design as a tool for civic engagement, cultural expression, and social impact. Through Volume Inc., he has collaborated with institutions such as the California Academy of Sciences, SFMOMA, Google, Adobe, AIGA, and the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. His work has been exhibited at the Cooper Hewitt, SFMOMA, the DeYoung Museum, and internationally, and recognized by Communication Arts, Print, ID, and the Type Directors Club.

Eric was named an AIGA Fellow in 2017 for his contributions to design excellence in the Bay Area. He manages TBD*, a student-staffed design studio at CCA that partners with local nonprofits and civic organizations, fostering experiential learning and community engagement. He has written for Design Observer, Eye, Emigre, and AIGA’s Voice, and was a founding writer for SFMOMA’s Open Space blog. He has lectured widely, curated a film festival, and juried design competitions, reinforcing his role as a leader in design education and practice.

• AIGA Fellow (2017)

Eric mentors students through TBD*, providing real-world design experience while supporting community causes. He received the CCA Excellence in Teaching Award from the class of 2003, underscoring his lasting impact on design education. While no formal grants are mentioned, his studio’s civic projects reflect a sustained commitment to service-oriented design. His leadership in both academic and professional design spheres exemplifies a deeply integrated practice of teaching, making, and public engagement.

Through Volume Inc. and TBD*, Eric leads creative teams that bridge academic training with professional execution. These studios serve as living laboratories where students develop portfolios while contributing to meaningful cultural and civic projects across the Bay Area.