023. Ray Eames: The Hidden Genius Who Shaped Modernism (w/ Amanda Jane Jones)

Women Designers You Should Know

Explore the genius of Ray Eames, from her key role in shaping mid-century modernism to the iconic Eames Lounge Chair, with insights from guest Amanda Jane Jones, designer and author of Mother / Founder.

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Sources:

• Documentary — Eames: The Architect and the Painter (2011)
• Podcast — New Angle: Voice — Ray Eames: Beauty in the Everyday
• Website — Pioneering Women of Architecture: Ray Kaiser Eames
• Book — Eames: Beautiful Details
• Website — Eames Office Official Website

About Ray

Ray Eames was more than a design partner—she was the quiet force behind every iconic creation that bears the Eames name. From the revolutionary Lounge Chair to the vibrant, Mondrian-inspired glass walls of their Case Study House, Ray’s vision and meticulous artistry shaped modernism as we know it.
But behind the sleek lines and bold colors was a woman often mistaken for a man—'Ray,' they assumed, must surely be Charles's male counterpart. This misconception gave her an unexpected advantage, opening doors that might have otherwise stayed closed.
Yet, Ray’s journey was anything but easy. She endured a lifetime of her contributions being overshadowed, her name eclipsed by Charles’s fame, and even the painful betrayal of his infidelity. Still, she poured everything into their work, her impact far deeper than most people know.

About Amanda

NEW BOOK! Mother / Founder

Amanda Jane Jones is a graphic designer, author, and illustrator whose minimalist aesthetic has redefined modern editorial and product design. Amanda’s talent became widely recognized through her role as the founding designer of Kinfolk, where she crafted the magazine's iconic, minimalist style, inspiring countless designers and publications.

Her creative influence extends beyond editorial design; she has collaborated with major brands such as Opinel, Revival Rugs, Solly Baby, and Schoolhouse Electric, blending her clean and thoughtful aesthetic across diverse projects. In addition to brand collaborations, Amanda has illustrated children’s books, including Yum Yummy Yuck and The Hair Book, inspired by her own children and designed to engage young readers with playful simplicity.

Amanda’s latest project, Mother / Founder, celebrates the journeys of 68 women balancing the challenges of entrepreneurship and motherhood. Her work has been featured by Architectural Digest, The New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, and online platforms such as Mother Mag, Cup of Jo, and Domino. Now based in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Amanda continues to shape the design world with her distinctive vision, seamlessly blending elegance, versatility, and purpose into each project​

Follow Amanda:
Instagram
Website: amandajanejones.com

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