Dr. Jennifer Kaufmann Buhler

Biography

Jennifer Kaufmann-Buhler is an Associate Professor of Design History in the Department of Art and Design at Purdue University. Prior to joining Purdue, she worked as an Associate Professor in the Department of Art and Design History at Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio. Jennifer earned her PhD in Design Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an MA in History of Design from the Royal College of Art and Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and a BA in American Culture from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. Her research focuses on the role of objects and spaces in everyday life, with an emphasis on the experiences and perspectives of consumers and users. Her current project investigates the history of the American open plan office, analyzing the tension between the progressive ideals promoted by architects, designers, and furniture manufacturers and the material, political, social, and technological challenges faced by workers and organizations as the open plan concept became mainstream in American office design during the late 20th century. Jennifer has presented her research at various conferences, including the Popular Culture Association, the Business History Conference, and the Design History Society. She has also published an article related to her open plan research in the journal Design Culture.

Research Interests