The industrial design industry shapes how products function, look, and feel, merging creativity with engineering principles. Companies design everything from consumer electronics to transportation solutions, playing a pivotal role in enhancing usability and aesthetics. The sector increasingly focuses on sustainability and user experience, integrating technology like AI and IoT into designs. As consumers demand smarter and more efficient products, companies must adapt quickly to trends, ensuring designs not only impress but also meet real-world needs. Industry leaders are continuously innovating, laying the groundwork for techniques that redefine how we engage with the physical world around us.

This list presents 23 notable industrial design companies across the United States, varying in size from small teams to larger firms. Founded between the 1930s and the 2010s, these companies showcase a range of specializations, including product development, branding, and user experience design. With headquarters positioned in locations like California, New York, and Washington, these firms have influenced many sectors, from automotive to technology. Each company brings unique insights and approaches to industrial design, enhancing products and services for consumers and businesses alike.

Continue reading to learn more about the top industrial design companies in the US.

Top 23 Industrial Design Companies in the US

1. Teague

• Website: teague.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1926
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: teague

Teague is a Seattle-based design consultancy founded in 1926, specializing in product design, user experience, and innovation. The firm has built a reputation for addressing complex challenges through a human-centered design approach. Teague collaborates with a range of clients, from startups to established brands, particularly in the aviation and technology sectors. Their portfolio includes notable projects such as the design of the Boeing 787, the development of a virtual reality headset, and innovative concepts for passenger rail experiences. Teague's work reflects a commitment to enhancing product development processes and creating impactful user experiences. Their expertise spans various industries, including space, defense, mobility, and technology, showcasing their adaptability and forward-thinking approach to design.

2. Designworks, A BMW Group Company

• Website: bmwgroupdesignworks.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 49%, China 27%, Germany 24%
• Founded year: 1972
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: bmw-group-designworks

Designworks, A BMW Group Company, is a creative consultancy based in Santa Monica, California, with additional studios in Munich and Shanghai. Founded in 1972, the company specializes in design and innovation strategies, offering a wide range of services that include user experience design, industrial design, and automotive design. Their client portfolio features a variety of industries, showcasing their ability to enhance products and services through innovative design solutions. Designworks is known for its collaborative approach, bringing together design, digital, and strategy expertise to create impactful solutions. The company has worked on notable projects for clients such as BMW, ASUS, and Virgin Hyperloop One, demonstrating its capability to address complex design challenges across different sectors.

3. Ammunition

• Website: ammunitiongroup.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: ammunition

Ammunition is a San Francisco-based design studio founded in 2007, specializing in product development and branding. The firm is known for its expertise in industrial design, user experience, and packaging design. With a team of skilled designers, Ammunition collaborates closely with both startups and established brands to create innovative solutions that enhance product offerings and foster consumer connections. Their portfolio features a range of high-profile clients, including Beats by Dr. Dre, Square, and Polaroid, reflecting their ability to deliver impactful design across various industries. The studio has been recognized with over 200 awards, including the prestigious Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Product Design, underscoring their significant contributions to the field of industrial design.

4. Hatch Duo LLC

• Website: hatchduo.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: hatch-duo

Hatch Duo LLC is a Santa Clara-based design studio founded in 2018, specializing in industrial design and product engineering. The company offers a range of services, including prototyping, branding, and UX/UI design, aimed at helping both startups and established companies innovate and successfully bring products to market. Hatch Duo distinguishes itself by integrating artificial intelligence into its design processes, which enhances efficiency and fosters creativity. The firm has collaborated with various clients, including Rizse, where they developed an autonomous drone for aircraft inspection, and Aggregate, a brand of minimal analog watches made from concrete. Their commitment to understanding client needs and delivering tailored solutions has made them a notable player in the industrial design field.

5. StudioRed

• Website: studiored.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 72%, Russia 28%
• Founded year: 1983
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: studio-red

StudioRed, founded in 1983 and based in Palo Alto, California, is a product development firm that specializes in industrial design, engineering, UX/UI, and prototyping services. With a team of around 29 employees, they have successfully completed over 4,000 projects, demonstrating their capability in bringing innovative concepts to life. The firm has worked with a variety of clients, including major corporations in the biomedical, consumer products, and automation sectors. StudioRed's approach integrates technical expertise with creative design, ensuring that products are not only visually appealing but also manufacturable and user-friendly. Their commitment to quality and client satisfaction is reflected in a 90% client return rate. Additionally, they have garnered over 200 international design awards, further solidifying their reputation in the industry.

6. Ziba Design

• Website: ziba.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Portland, Oregon, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 91%, Japan 5%, United Kingdom (UK) 5%
• Founded year: 1984
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: ziba-design

Ziba Design, founded in 1984 and based in Portland, Oregon, is a design consultancy that specializes in crafting innovative solutions and enhancing customer experiences. The firm offers a wide range of services, including strategy development, product design, and brand consulting. Ziba has collaborated with a variety of clients across multiple sectors, addressing unique challenges and improving market presence. Their work spans from front-end innovation to comprehensive brand experiences, and they have successfully delivered over 3,452 projects. Ziba's team includes professionals from various backgrounds, such as anthropologists and engineers, which enriches their approach to design. They have received numerous accolades for their contributions to the industry, including over 250 awards and 276 patents granted. Ziba's commitment to user-centered design and their ability to transform complex problems into effective solutions positions them as a significant player in the industrial design field.

7. Smart Design

• Website: smartdesignworldwide.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Brooklyn, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 61%, Egypt 12%, India 3%, Other 25%
• Founded year: 1980
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: smart-design

Smart Design, founded in 1980 and based in Brooklyn, New York, is a strategic design consultancy that specializes in product and service design. The firm focuses on improving user experiences and driving innovation across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and consumer goods. With a team of 51-200 employees, Smart Design employs a research-driven approach to uncover insights that inform their design strategies. They have successfully brought over 1,000 products and services to market, showcasing their expertise in transforming complex business challenges into intuitive solutions. Their services include UX design, interaction design, and engineering, among others, which are essential components of industrial design. Smart Design's commitment to creating meaningful experiences positions them as a relevant player in the industrial design sector.

8. RKS Design

• Website: rksdesign.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Thousand Oaks, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 85%, Pakistan 7%, India 7%
• Founded year: 1980
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: rks-design

RKS Design is a product design consultancy based in Thousand Oaks, California, founded in 1980 by Ravi K. Sawhney. The firm specializes in product design, engineering, and innovation consulting, serving clients across various industries such as healthcare, consumer products, and industrial applications. RKS Design employs a human-centered approach, utilizing their proprietary Psycho-Aesthetics® methodology to create designs that resonate emotionally with users. This methodology is integral to their process, allowing them to conduct thorough research and develop products that enhance user experiences. The company has a track record of delivering innovative solutions, with a portfolio that includes projects for well-known clients like Unilever and Allergan. RKS Design operates from a solar-powered studio, reflecting their commitment to sustainability and innovation in design.

9. Whipsaw

• Website: whipsaw.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: whipsaw

Whipsaw is a San Francisco-based design consultancy that specializes in industrial design, digital experiences, and product development. Since its inception in 1999, the company has partnered with a variety of businesses across sectors like healthcare, consumer technology, and wellness. Whipsaw's approach is characterized by a focus on user-centered design, ensuring that the products they create not only meet functional requirements but also enhance user experiences. Their portfolio includes innovative projects such as automated wellness solutions and advanced medical devices, demonstrating their capability to address complex design challenges. The firm has received numerous accolades for its work, including multiple iF, IDEA, and Red Dot design awards, underscoring its impact in the industrial design field. Whipsaw's team of strategists, designers, and engineers collaborates closely with clients to turn insights into tangible results, making them a significant player in the design consultancy market.

10. fuseproject

• Website: fuseproject.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 87%, Portugal 13%
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: fuseproject

fuseproject is a design and innovation firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 1999 by Yves Béhar. The company specializes in product design, brand strategy, and digital experiences, working with a range of clients from startups to Fortune 100 companies. With a team of around 38 employees, fuseproject emphasizes a collaborative approach to design, integrating various disciplines to create impactful solutions. Their portfolio includes notable projects such as the August WiFi Smart Lock and the Cionic Neural Sleeve, reflecting their expertise in both consumer products and healthcare technology. The firm is recognized for its commitment to enhancing user experiences and driving business success through thoughtful design.

11. Product Ventures

• Website: productventures.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Fairfield, Connecticut, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: June 2024
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: product-ventures

Product Ventures, based in Fairfield, Connecticut, is a design agency that specializes in structural packaging design. Founded in 1994, the company has built a reputation for providing comprehensive services that include brand strategy, industrial design, and prototyping. They primarily serve Fortune 500 companies, focusing on creating innovative packaging solutions that not only meet consumer needs but also enhance brand identity. Their interdisciplinary team combines expertise in research, design, and engineering to deliver market-ready products. Product Ventures is known for its consumer-informed iterative design process, which leverages rapid prototyping to transform ideas into successful marketplace offerings. The agency has been involved in various notable projects, showcasing their ability to adapt to changing market trends and consumer preferences. Their commitment to sustainability and modernization in packaging design further underscores their relevance in the industrial design sector.

12. Rocketship, Inc.

• Website: rocketshipdesign.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Provo, Utah, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 81%, United Kingdom (UK) 19%
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: rocketship-inc

Rocketship, Inc. is a private design firm based in Provo, Utah, specializing in industrial design and product development since its inception in 2001. With a team of 16 employees, the company has successfully completed over 700 projects, catering to a mix of established global brands and innovative startups. Their services include design strategy, user research, engineering support, and design for manufacture, which help clients bring innovative products to market. Notable clients include Blendtec, Young Living, and Emergency Essentials, among others. Rocketship prides itself on its ability to transform concepts into market-ready products, emphasizing functionality and user experience. Their approach combines creativity with practical engineering, ensuring that the designs are not only appealing but also manufacturable. The firm has received recognition for its work, including awards for specific projects, further solidifying its reputation in the industrial design sector.

13. Pensa

• Website: pensa.co
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brooklyn, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 83%, Panama 8%, Nicaragua 8%
• Latest funding: Series A, June 2021
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: pensa_2

Pensa is an industrial design firm based in Brooklyn, New York, specializing in product development and engineering solutions. Established in 2005, the company offers a comprehensive range of services that include strategy, design, and commercialization. Pensa collaborates with businesses across various sectors to help them innovate and enhance their product offerings. Their work spans multiple industries, showcasing their ability to create impactful designs that resonate with users. Pensa has been involved in notable projects such as the ButterflyMX video intercoms and the OneBlade Dawn razor, both of which have received industry accolades. The firm prides itself on a human-centered design approach, ensuring that their products not only meet functional needs but also provide a positive user experience. With a team of experts in research, design, and engineering, Pensa is committed to enriching lives through better products and experiences.

14. Brooks Stevens, Inc.

• Website: brooksstevens.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1934
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: brooks-stevens-inc

Brooks Stevens, Inc. is a private design firm based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, with a workforce of 11 to 50 employees. Founded in 1934 by Clifford Brooks Stevens, the company has played a significant role in shaping modern product design. They specialize in industrial design and product development, providing services that include engineering, prototyping, and design research. Their client base spans multiple industries, particularly automotive and medical devices, where they help businesses enhance their product offerings. The firm prides itself on a collaborative and iterative design process, ensuring that products are not only functional but also resonate with users. Brooks Stevens has a rich legacy of successful projects, including the design of the OmniTom CT scanner, which emphasizes ergonomic considerations for both patients and technicians, and the Zeus marine propulsion system, which showcases their engineering prowess. Their commitment to understanding market needs and delivering innovative solutions positions them as a relevant player in the industrial design sector.

15. Laut Design

• Website: lautdesign.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: laut-design

Laut Design, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a design agency that specializes in industrial and graphic design services. Founded in 2007, the company has built a reputation for helping businesses transform their technologies and ideas into market-ready products. Laut Design employs a comprehensive design process that includes research, analysis, ideation, prototyping, and testing, ensuring that their clients' products are not only functional but also visually appealing. Their portfolio includes a range of projects, from medical devices to consumer products, demonstrating their capability to cater to various industries. The firm prides itself on its in-house prototyping capabilities, which allow for rapid iteration and refinement of designs. With a team of 27 employees, Laut Design is committed to delivering innovative solutions that enhance product appeal and functionality.

16. Speck Design

• Website: speckdesign.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States (USA)
• Latest funding: April 2016
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: speck-design

Speck Design, founded in 1996 and based in San Jose, California, is a product design consultancy that specializes in creating innovative product experiences. With a team of 34 employees, the company focuses on user-centered design solutions that address complex challenges across various sectors, including consumer goods, medical technology, telecommunications, and robotics. Speck Design has completed over 350 projects and holds more than 200 patents, showcasing their commitment to innovation and technical excellence. Their services include strategy development, industrial design, brand design, packaging design, UX design, and engineering, which collectively aim to enhance product offerings for their clients. The firm emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating user research and engineering to create products that resonate with users and meet market demands.

17. Huge Design

• Website: huge-design.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: huge-design

Huge Design is a San Francisco-based design studio founded in 2010, specializing in industrial design and user experience. With a team of 22 employees, the firm collaborates with clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies, delivering innovative product designs that prioritize user engagement. Their services include prototyping, branding, and market research, all aimed at providing effective design solutions. Huge Design has worked on a variety of projects, including the design of the Therabody SmartGoggles and the GoPro Hero product line, demonstrating their expertise in consumer electronics and wellness products. The studio is recognized for its user-centered approach and has received accolades for its work, including awards from Time Magazine and CES. Their commitment to understanding cultural trends and user needs positions them as a relevant player in the industrial design industry.

18. Ideo

• Website: ideo.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 70%, United Kingdom (UK) 13%, China 9%, Other 8%
• Latest funding: February 2016
• Founded year: 1978
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn: ideo

IDEO is a design consulting company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 1978. With a workforce of approximately 1,354 employees, IDEO specializes in creating innovative products, services, and experiences tailored to meet the needs of businesses and organizations. The firm is known for its human-centered design philosophy, which prioritizes the user experience in the development of solutions across various sectors, including healthcare and consumer electronics. IDEO has collaborated with notable clients to tackle complex challenges, driving growth and transformation through design. Their portfolio includes projects that range from medical innovations to consumer products, demonstrating their capability to blend creativity with practical application. IDEO's influence extends beyond product design, as they also engage in management consulting to help organizations navigate strategic challenges and foster a culture of innovation.

19. Essential | Part of PA Consulting

• Website: essentialdesign.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 92%, Canada 8%
• Latest funding: October 2018
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: essential

Essential | Part of PA Consulting, founded in 2001 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a design consultancy that focuses on innovation strategy and product design. The firm offers a range of services, including industrial design, user experience design, and engineering development. Their clientele primarily consists of businesses and organizations in sectors such as healthcare and consumer products, where they aim to improve offerings through thoughtful design solutions. Essential has been recognized for its impactful work, receiving awards for projects that highlight their expertise in creating user-friendly and market-ready products. As part of PA Consulting since 2018, they leverage a broader network of researchers, designers, and engineers to enhance their capabilities and deliver comprehensive solutions. Their commitment to design thinking and quality management further solidifies their position in the industrial design sector.

20. Design Central

• Website: designcentral.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 89%, India 6%, Nigeria 6%
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: design-central

Design Central Inc., based in Columbus, Ohio, is a private design consultancy and engineering firm founded in 1985. With a workforce of around 70 employees, the company specializes in product design, user experience, and prototyping services. They cater to a variety of sectors, notably healthcare and consumer products, by providing innovative solutions that enhance product usability and manufacturability. Design Central employs a collaborative approach, integrating research and engineering to achieve effective design outcomes. Their portfolio includes notable projects for well-known brands such as Procter & Gamble and Valvoline, showcasing their capability to deliver market-ready products. The firm emphasizes a human-centric design philosophy, ensuring that user needs and experiences are at the forefront of their design process. This focus on practical and sustainable solutions has allowed them to maintain relevance in the competitive industrial design market.

21. Tiger Studio

• Website: tigerstudiodesign.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Holland, Michigan, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: tiger-studio

Tiger Studio, based in Holland, Michigan, is a private design studio founded in 2001. With a team of 11 to 50 employees, they specialize in product design, brand development, and human-centered design. The studio works with businesses across various sectors, providing innovative design solutions that enhance user experiences. Their portfolio features collaborations with well-known companies, including Johnson Controls and Stryker, highlighting their expertise in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing products. Tiger Studio is also committed to giving back to the community through teaching design principles and entrepreneurship, further solidifying their role in the industry.

22. KEK Design

• Website: kekdesign.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Rochester, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1971
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: kek-associates

KEK Design, officially known as KEK Associates Inc., is a product development firm based in Rochester, New York. Founded in 1971, the company has evolved from a one-person consultancy into a multi-disciplined design and engineering firm with a team of approximately 39 employees. KEK Design specializes in industrial design and product development, offering a wide range of services that include mechanical engineering, model making, technical illustration, and visualization. The firm prides itself on its ability to bring products to market efficiently and effectively, focusing on meaningful innovation and design excellence. Over the years, KEK Design has built strong relationships with a variety of clients, including well-known brands like Kodak, Nike, and Disney, showcasing their capability to handle projects across different industries. Their approach emphasizes collaboration and a deep understanding of both aesthetics and functionality, making them a relevant player in the industrial design field.

23. Fahrenheit Design

• Website: fhtdesign.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Round Rock, Texas, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 82%, South Africa 18%
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: fahrenheit-design

Fahrenheit Design is a product design studio based in Round Rock, Texas, with a focus on industrial design and product development. Founded in 2002, the company has built a reputation for creating innovative products that enhance user experience and meet market demands. They offer a comprehensive suite of services, including branding, mechanical engineering, and UX/UI design, catering to a wide range of clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies. With a team of around 17 employees, Fahrenheit Design emphasizes collaboration and a tailored approach to each project, ensuring that they address the unique challenges faced by their clients. Their work has garnered over 70 international design awards, reflecting their commitment to excellence and creativity in the field. The firm actively engages in the entire product development process, from initial research and design to manufacturing and sourcing, making them a significant player in the industrial design sector.

Industrial Design Insights: Key Companies in the US

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