About
Peter J Pless Design is a multi-disciplinary industrial design firm dedicated to transforming ideas into impactful products through a human-centered approach. Our design philosophy places people at the core of every decision, ensuring that our solutions resonate deeply with users while addressing business objectives. Our expertise spans the entire design journey, from research and strategy to execution and implementation.
Founder & CEO
Peter J. Pless
Peter founded Peter J Pless Design in 2021 following a fifteen-year career as a professor of Human-Centered Design at Northern Michigan University.
His passion and curiosity for design fuel innovation through research, collaboration, and experimentation. Peter’s active involvement in international exhibitions, conferences, and professional work has contributed to his perspective of adding value beyond form in his projects.
Upon completing a Master of Fine Art in 3D Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Peter has designed in the fields of architecture, furniture design, luxury goods, and technology. He continues to seek new, challenging opportunities that create meaningful relationships between product and person.
Industrial Designer
Nick Mailhiot
With over 12 years of experience, Nick is a passionate industrial designer known for his innovative, user-centric approach.
His portfolio includes work for renowned brands like Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Carhartt, and Hurley. Nick’s strength lies in his ability to turn complex challenges into sleek, functional designs through creative problem-solving and strategic thinking. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of design ensures that his products not only meet user needs but also create meaningful connections between products and people.
Our Approach
Research & Strategy
We begin by immersing ourselves in understanding user behaviors, cultural contexts, and market dynamics. We develop solutions that meet real user needs by combining these insights with strategic foresight. Our validation processes ensure that every concept aligns with user expectations and business goals, creating products that are as meaningful as they are innovative..
Design & Development
Our human-centered ideologies drive thoughtful concept development, where empathy fuels creativity. We carefully shape product architecture to enhance usability, ergonomics, and functionality while maintaining a strong physical brand identity. Through innovative industrial design, we create intuitive, aesthetically pleasing solutions that forge lasting connections between products and their users.
Execution & Implementation
Bringing designs to life with precision and technical expertise, we use advanced 3D modeling and CAD tools to craft accurate, user-friendly digital representations. High-quality renderings provide a clear vision of the final product in real-world scenarios, while prototyping allows us to test, refine, and ensure designs meet user needs.
Industry Partnerships
We want to collaborate with forward-thinking clients across various industries. These sectors are defined by dynamic innovation and evolving user expectations. We thrive on the challenge of creating products and experiences that seamlessly blend technology, form, and function—whether it’s crafting smart home devices, designing user-centric connected systems, developing functional yet beautiful furniture, or reimagining public and private spaces through spatial design.