Profile
Karol Murlak is a designer, researcher and educator. He is an Associate Professor at SWPS University’s School of Form and a Professor at Pratt Institute, in New York. In his professional career he blends design with science, and theory with practice. He finds practical applications for scientific discoveries, and creates cutting-edge knowledge through design practice.
He graduated from the Spatial Design program in Falmouth College of Art (UK). He also holds a Doctoral Degree in Design and a Master’s Degree in Interior Architecture, both from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Poland.
In his research, Professor Murlak explores the role of materiality in design and everyday life. He specializes in creating new materials and developing manufacturing processes. His research focuses on multisensory human interaction with materials and the role of physical prototypes in the design process and education. He developed a patented technology of expanding wood and co-developed a plant-based hydrogel – the project was financed by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
His publications appeared in Craft Research, European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, and Formy.
He has designed over fifty products and spaces, including furniture, lighting, exhibitions, interiors and public installations.
Over the years, he has worked with many European and American institutions, such as Deutsche Bank, Boston Consulting Group, Martinelli Luce and The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. His projects were presented at exhibitions in New York, Washington, DC, London, Milan, Berlin, Frankfurt, Dresden, Budapest, Prague, Bucharest, Sofia, Ljubljana, São Paulo, Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Toyama, and many cities in Poland.
He is the winner of numerous acclaimed design awards and competitions, such as the Design by… Competition.