Our Bonfires & Breakthroughs event was a night to remember! Celebrating Sundberg Ferar’s 90th anniversary at our Walled Lake studio, we were honored to host an incredible evening filled with warmth, connection, and inspiration. The event was a testament to our legacy, shared journey, and the enduring partnerships that have shaped our work in design and innovation for nearly a century.

As the afternoon began, our studio welcomed Michigan’s brightest minds—longtime partners, clients, government and industry friends who have been instrumental in reaching this milestone. We were honored to host some of our most valued Michigan partners, each contributing to the creative synergy and collaborative spirit that defines our state’s innovation. Throughout the night, all nine partners shared insights into our joint efforts, highlighting projects that exemplify the power of design, innovation, and excellence.

The Showcase included a range of groundbreaking work: EAVX introduced transformative mobility solutions, while Bora advanced product development with sustainable materials and technology. Michigan Virtual presented technology-driven advancements in education, and HATCI elevated user experiences through impactful design strategies. Red Aligndemonstrated leadership in strategic branding and product identity, and M3D pushed the boundaries of 3D printing technology. Meanwhile, APT Solar showcased innovations in sustainable energy, BioRad shared advancements in life sciences through intelligent design, and ADAC revealed immersive and transformative vehicle experiences.

This celebration of design, innovation, and excellence would not have been possible without the collaborative spirit and dedication of our valued partners.

The energy was palpable as attendees mingled, sharing stories, laughter, and memories that highlighted the many creative breakthroughs we’ve achieved together.

Surrounded by warm lights and a crackling bonfire, guests enjoyed a spread of gourmet food and beverages that set the perfect backdrop for networking, celebration, and inspiration.

Bonfires and Breakthroughs also provided a moment of reflection on our journey—from our founding days, through ninety years of design transformation, to today as leaders in the field of product design and innovation. As we shared highlights of past projects and talked about the exciting road ahead, it became clear that our story has always been fueled by collaboration and a shared vision for what design can achieve.

Bonfire symbolizes more than just warmth; it represents the spark of new ideas and the bonds we’ve built along the way. Conversations throughout the night reflected our commitment to driving meaningful change and creating designs that impact people’s lives. From discussing recent projects with partners to exploring possibilities for future innovations, the evening underscored our ecosystems collective dedication to pushing the boundaries of design.

 To sum it all up we are grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating Sundberg-Ferar’s 90th anniversary. This milestone reflects the legacy, creativity, and partnerships that have shaped our journey in design and innovation. Born and bred in Detroit, Sundberg Ferar continues to spread the Michigan values and design from automotive innovations to cutting-edge technology and sustainable solutions that enhance daily life.   As we continue on our Road to 100, we’re more excited than ever to push boundaries and redefine possibilities together. Be sure to check out the images below to relive the night and catch some of the event’s memorable moments!