Maureen Thurston founded ACCESS International,
the first brokerage for state-of–the-art
product design application in 1987. Over the
years, ACCESS has grown into an innovative, successful
consultancy, leveraging design methodologies
into optimum profits. Maureen has a track record
of leading transformational programs that link
design initiatives to business strategy and operations
for clients in the automotive, consumer and scientific
product markets. Retained to create procedural
frameworks that integrate design organizationally,
logistically and culturally, Maureen aids her
clients in leveraging design as a strategic asset.
Representing the industrial design community-at-large
for over 20 years, Maureen chaired the 1992 WORLDESIGN
Conference, co-chaired the 2001 CREATING THE
FUTURE Conference and serves on the Design Advisory
Board of Istituto Italiano di Cultura. The Industrial
Designers Society of America selected Maureen
to co-chair a campaign to lobby Congress and
the U.S. Department of Commerce to launch the
first federally designated US Design Council.
Maureen also consulted with Congressman Howard
Berman’s office on the Manufacturing Technology
Initiative, a jobs/competitiveness program for
the state of California.
Aside from her entrepreneurial achievements,
Maureen teaches Design Leadership at Pasadena’s
notable Art Center College of Design. The 2003 “Great
Teacher Award” distinguished Maureen as
an important influence on her Product Design
students. She was also honored by the Tournament
of Roses to be one of three Float Judges for
the internationally renown 115th Rose Parade,
held January 1, 2004.
Before launching ACCESS International, Maureen
held management positions with two of New York’s
leading industrial design consultant firms. She
received her BFA from Rochester Institute of
Technology in Industrial Design. She lives in
southern California with her husband, five-time
Stanley Cup Champion, Rick Chartraw.
Maureen's design
lectures and articles >
