Ian Lambert

Dr. Ian Lambert serves as the Dean of Graduate Studies & Research and a Professor at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit. He chairs the MA/MFA programs in Design for Sustainability, Interdisciplinary Design Studies, and User Experience Design. His academic journey includes a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, an MA from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, and a BA from Birmingham Polytechnic.

Dr. Lambert’s research focuses on climate action, material practice, and making-as-thinking. He leads projects like the d.Tree Studio, exploring urban lumber and climate justice, and collaborates with organizations such as the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Detroit River Coalition. His award-winning work with ocean plastic in Scotland has been widely recognized, including the 2023 ISSIP Service Design Award and the 2018 Elsevier Innovation Prize.

He is actively involved in Detroit’s sustainability initiatives, serving on the City of Detroit Waste Diversion Advisory Committee. His professional career spans over 30 years as a designer, maker, and academic, with exhibitions and collaborations across the UK, China, and the US. Key roles include co-chairing the Design for Adaptation: Cumulus Detroit 2022 conference and curating exhibitions like the d.Tree Studio at the Charles H. Wright Museum.