This popped up on my Google Alerts today, so I thought that it would be a good reason to register with Core77 and join in the conversation. I’m responsible for working with new freelance product designers for Crate and Barrel. It’s true that we don’t have product or surface designers on staff. We’re pretty selective, but we do routinely work with freelancers directly. We also work with both wholesalers and factories who bring us designs from their own staff designers or their own freelancers. Unlike years ago, today a majority of our products have been designed and developed just for us.
If you are a serious designer interested in freelance design work, feel free to contact me (nmaile@crateandbarrel.com). You’re going to have to show us designs that you have done for others and/or new work that is available to us. I can tell you pretty quickly whether or not your work is going to be right for us. We work with professionals who have distinctive design skills - not with folks who simply have a ‘great idea’ to sell. Whether you’re a new designer or have a lot of experience, to be seriously considered you’re going to have to have something in your portfolio that relates to the categories that we carry, and reflects our aesthetic. I advise potential designers to study our current assortment closely before they contact us. Almost everything in our assortment is shown on our website (http://www.crateandbarrel.com). Or visit one of our stores to see the design details in person. We look to partner with designers whose work would blend well with what we currently offer.
I’m not going to spill the beans on the accuracy of the other comments. You’ll have to become part of the Crate family to get those details!