Charlotte McCurdy - Interdisciplinary Material Design and Climate Research

Charlotte McCurdy is an interdisciplinary designer, researcher, and educator based in San Francisco, California, who works at the intersection of climate change, futures, and materials. Currently teaching at the Stanford d.school, Charlotte McCurdy focuses on using the tools of design to transform the public imaginary surrounding the climate crisis. She is widely recognized for her project After Ancient Sunlight, which features a translucent, water-resistant raincoat made from a plastic-like material derived from algae that naturally sequesters carbon. This carbon-negative material serves as a charismatic object, a proof of concept that demonstrates the potential for a bio-based future that actively supports planetary healing rather than just reducing harm. Her collaborative work includes the Algae Sequin dress developed with fashion designer Phillip Lim, which is now part of the permanent collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Charlotte McCurdy has held academic positions as an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Her research-led practice, Charlotte McCurdy Research, provides design strategy and materials R&D for global partners like Swarovski and the UN Office for Partnerships. Her work has been exhibited at the London Design Museum, the Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial, and the Met, and she has been recognized as a PopTech Fellow and a member of NEW INC. Through her practice, Charlotte McCurdy shifts the narrative of sustainability from personal sacrifice toward a bright, regenerative, and aspirational future grounded in practical, scalable industrial solutions.