Pete Oyler

Pete Oyler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Furniture Design at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). His work bridges design, craft, contemporary culture, and historical contexts, employing both traditional and experimental methods. He designs for diverse contexts, with clients including Areaware, Tetra, and Umbra. His design work has been exhibited globally in cities like Chicago, New York, London, Milan, Oslo, and Paris.

Education:

• B.A. in American Studies, Smith College
• M.F.A. in Furniture Design, RISD

Research & Creative Work: Oyler explores intersections of design, craft, and culture through object and furniture design. His practice emphasizes material innovation and production techniques. He also writes about design and co-founded Outpost Journal, a publication highlighting art, design, and community-based activism in smaller urban areas. The journal collaborated with institutions like the Warhol Museum and RISD Museum, creating temporary public installations in cities such as Providence, RI.

Awards:

• Forbes 30 Under 30 for Art & Design
• Metropolis Likes Award for Innovation in Design
• Sight Unseen’s American Design Hot List
• New City’s Design 50: Who Shapes Chicago

Labs/Teams: Co-founder and creative director of Outpost Journal, which fostered collaborations between artists, students, and local businesses to create public installations. The final issue (2014) focused on Providence, RI.