Bruce Mau Speaking Fee: $30,000 to $50,000

Bruce Mau is a Canadian-born designer, educator, and author renowned for his expansive approach to creativity and design. Born in Sudbury, Ontario, in 1959, Mau's early life was shaped by a challenging upbringing. His father, a miner, struggled with alcoholism and violence, creating a tumultuous home environment. Despite these hardships, Mau found solace and direction in the arts, particularly through a high school art program that ignited his passion for design. He later studied at the Ontario College of Art & Design in Toronto, though he left before completing his degree to pursue practical experience in the field. In 1985, Mau founded Bruce Mau Design in Toronto, quickly gaining recognition for his innovative work on the Zone Books series. His collaboration with architect Rem Koolhaas on the monumental book S,M,L,XL in 1995 further cemented his status in the design world. The book's 1,300 pages and its integration of architecture, design, and philosophy showcased Mau's ability to blend disciplines and challenge conventional design norms. This work led to a series of influential projects, including environmental graphics for Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall and identity design for the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Mau's philosophy centers on the idea that design is a powerful tool for societal transformation. In 1998, he authored An Incomplete Manifesto for Growth, a 43-point guide to fostering creativity and innovation. The manifesto, which encourages principles like "forget about good" and "ask stupid questions," has been widely circulated and remains a touchstone for designers worldwide. His 2004 project, Massive Change, expanded this ethos into a global context, exploring how design can address complex issues such as sustainability, urban development, and cultural identity. In 2010, Mau co-founded the Massive Change Network (MCN) with his wife, Aiyemobisi “Bisi” Williams, in Chicago. MCN is a multidisciplinary design consultancy focused on applying innovative design principles to global challenges. One of its key initiatives is the MC24, a set of 24 design principles aimed at fostering positive change across various sectors. Mau's work continues to influence a wide range of fields, from education to urban planning, as he advocates for a holistic, life-centered approach to design. Throughout his career, Mau has received numerous accolades, including the AIGA Gold Medal in 2007 and the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award in 2016. He has served as a professor and advisor at several institutions, including Arizona State University and Northwestern University. His life and work were the subject of the 2021 documentary MAU, which premiered at the SXSW Film Festival. Today, Mau remains a leading voice in design, committed to using creativity as a means to envision and realize a more sustainable and equitable future.