Ian Klipa and Jacob Saphier: 2021 City of Design Challenge Finalists

Stamps alumni Ian Klipa (BFA ​‘15) and Jacob Saphier (BFA and B.S.E.Mech ​‘16), founders of the Detroit design studio Donut Shop, have earned a spot among the final six teams in the 2021 City of Design Challenge in a partnership with self-taught artist and active community member DaTrice ​“Trice” Clark.

The challenge encourages artists and policymakers alike to develop community-centered public services. The 2021 theme, ​“Community Tech Hubs,” focuses specifically on the gaps in access to technology and internet exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their project, Crosstown Connection, (named ​“in honor of the bus route that once ran the furthest distance across the city”) is intended to serve Detroit’s MorningSide neighborhood by providing connectivity resources.

Donut Shop is no stranger to competitions and work for social good; in September of 2020 for Detroit Month of Design, Klipa and Saphier encouraged artists to have a hand at designing their aptly-named ​“Doodle Chairs.” Winner Grace Ludmer​’s Candle Doodle Chair design was added to Donut Shop’s permanent collection, and the manifested chair itself was auctioned off to benefit anti-systemic racism organization Detroit Will Breathe.