my whole world.” Charged with coming up with the next lot of innovative toys and games, including electronic gadgets, Morris’ design philosophy is straightforward: “Keep it fun, simple, and safe.” —Sonya A. Donaldson
ALLISON G. WILLIAMS, SAN FRANCISCO, PRINCIPAL | DESIGN DIRECTOR,: Ai: Allison Williams is one of a handful of African American women who have been named an American Institute of Architects fellow. Her latest accolade, awarded in association with Leddy Maytum Stacy of San Francisco, is as lead designer of the $120 million International Museum of Women, a 120,000-square-foot facility that will make its home
on one of San Francisco’s piers. Says Williams, “Defining a museum in a building that had once functioned as a warehouse pier … the potential for how that building’s previous grandeur can be retained and incorporated … is really our challenge.” Williams, 54, distinguished herself in the industry with design leadership work on several large-scale commissions. At present, she is the lead designer of the $33 million African American Cultural Center, an 80,000-square-foot performing arts center in downtown Pittsburgh. Williams says, “Architecture should be an outgrowth of the needs and aspirations of those it serves, and ideally engages in a dialogue with the context of its specific place or site.” —AC
IVAN YAEGER, MIAMI, CEO, THE YAEGER COS.: Remember the classic ’70s series, The Six Million Dollar Man? Amazing what a TV show and a few old-school toys can do. They lit the spark for Ivan Yaeger, inspiring the then-seventh grader to create his first working bionic arm for a science fair in 1979. Today, Yaeger’s prosthetic arm has come a long way from the initial merger of the Erector set, remote control cars, and old appliances. But one thing has not changed: Yaeger is still working on ways to make it better, stronger, faster. And he has the technology to do it. The arm is unique in that it features an electrically powered wrist that rotates to the same degree as a natural hand. “We wanted to make a limb that could be used in sections so that if someone just needed the hand and wrist section, they could adopt other manufacturers’ products to our design.” Thousands of products based on the Yaeger arm patent have been sold. Still, the 37-year-old scientist hopes to capture a larger piece of the multibillion-dollar prosthetic market. With his Bionic/Robotic Hand Kit now being sold to schools nationwide, Yaeger has the chance to ignite the next generation of inventors and engineers. —SAD
RALPH GILLES, DETROIT, DESIGN DIRECTOR, CHRYSLER GROUP: Ralph Gilles is the design whiz who is breathing new life into Chrysler’s premium brand. His innovative work on the Chrysler 300C has captured more than 30 awards. Worldwide sales totaled 120,857 units last year for the flagship vehicle, that commands a 33% market share. What’s so alluring about the 300C is its long hood, prominent grille, and low roofline. Its shape is based on the automaker’s new rear-drive architecture. Premium details are the 20-inch wheels and tires, unique chrome appearance, and