James Meraz is a distinguished artist/designer and educator with a career spanning over two decades, marked by his contributions to product design, architecture, spatial and experiential design. Following his graduation from the Southern California Institute of Architecture and his experiences in studying abroad at the Architectural Association London, England, Meraz has cultivated a diverse portfolio including high-profile projects including showroom design, architectural and interior design for residential and commercial spaces, and large-scale public art installations including sculptures for Horton Plaza in San Diego and Universal City Walk, Las Vegas, Nevada and Miami, Florida, Barcelona, Spain. He is known for his private eco retreats he has created in Costa Rica and the Mojave Desert. 

In addition to his professional achievements, Meraz has played a significant role in design education. He is Associate Chair of Graduate Spatial Experience Design and Furniture, Lighting and Fixtures as well as a professor at the ArtCenter College of Design in the Spatial Experience Design, Product Design, and Industrial Design Foundation departments. Over the years, Meraz has led numerous academic initiatives and workshops, both locally and internationally, including collaborations with institutions such as Tama Art University in Tokyo and the British Columbia Creative Center. His commitment to sustainability is evident in his leadership of the ArtCenter Eco Research Lab, focusing on sustainable design solutions, which has garnered recognition and awards for his students.

Meraz’s influence extends beyond the classroom through his involvement in significant exhibitions, conferences and workshops, including the Dwell on Design Conference and Wanted Design during New York Design Week. His work and his students’ projects have been featured in prominent publications and have received numerous awards, reflecting his dedication to fostering innovation and ecological responsibility in design.