The Optima® blog series, “Women in Design,” highlights the careers and accomplishments of pioneering women who have made remarkable contributions to the fields of architecture and design. These visionaries challenge conventions, push the boundaries of creativity, and inspire future generations with their passion and dedication to shaping our built environment. Among these distinguished individuals is Llisa Demetrios, the chief curator of the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity, dedicated to preserving, exploring, and expanding upon the legacy of her iconic grandparents Charles and Ray Eames — two of the most influential designers of the 20th century. In her role, Demetrios not only preserves their invaluable contributions to design but also advances the mission of making design accessible and meaningful to all, creating a space for current and future generations to learn from their approach to design thinking.
Growing up in a family so deeply entrenched in the world of design, Demetrios developed a strong connection to the Eameses’ ethos from an early age. Her mother, Lucia Eames, was also a prominent figure in the arts, and her family environment encouraged creativity and curiosity. This upbringing has given Demetrios a unique perspective on the legacy of her grandparents and the cultural significance of their work. She sees her role at the Eames Institute as a bridge between past and future, allowing her to bring the timeless principles of Eames design to contemporary audiences.
Under Demetrios’s guidance, the Eames Institute focuses on “infinite curiosity” as a guiding principle. This concept reflects the Eameses’ belief in continuous exploration, problem-solving, and curiosity about the world around them. Through the institute’s collections, exhibitions, and public programs, Demetrios helps bring to life the Eames philosophy that design is not just about aesthetics but about improving lives through thoughtful, functional, and accessible solutions. The institute houses an extensive archive of the Eameses’ work, including prototypes, furniture, films, and other artifacts that provide insight into their design process and philosophy.
Demetrios is committed to making these archives accessible, both to designers and the public, to inspire a new generation of creators. By examining the Eameses’ iterative processes, hands-on experimentation, and their focus on human-centered design, visitors to the Eames Institute can gain valuable insights into how design can address real-world problems. Demetrios emphasizes that her grandparents’ work was always about finding innovative solutions to challenges, a philosophy that continues to resonate in today’s design landscape.
Beyond preserving the legacy of her grandparents, Demetrios has a broader goal of fostering a deeper understanding of the role design plays in everyday life. Through her work, she encourages people to view design as an integral part of their environment and not merely as a luxury or an afterthought. She believes that by learning from the Eameses’ approach — rooted in simplicity, functionality, and empathy—contemporary designers can continue to create work that enriches lives and addresses practical needs.
In her curatorial role, Demetrios also champions the importance of sustainability, a value that was central to the Eameses’ work long before it became a global imperative. By showcasing how the Eameses utilized materials efficiently, minimized waste, and emphasized durability, she highlights the relevance of their design principles in addressing today’s environmental challenges.
Through her work at the Eames Institute, Llisa Demetrios not only honors her family’s contributions to design but also advances their enduring philosophy, demonstrating how timeless principles can evolve and inspire future generations. Her commitment to keeping the spirit of curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving alive makes her a pivotal figure in the world of modern design, ensuring that the Eames legacy continues to influence and inspire. To learn more about the Eames Institute, visit their website.
