Ken Hiebert

Ken Hiebert (1930–2024)studied at the Basel School of Design under Armin Hofmann, Emil Ruder, and Kurt Hauert, from 1959–1964. In 1966 he was founding chair of the Graphic Design Department at Philadelphia College of Art (PCA, later University of the Arts, or UARTS) where he developed the principles of a unique teaching program which lasted over 50 years.

Hiebert retired as Professor Emeritus from UArts in 1999, having taught in the program for 33 years. He was also visiting faculty at Yale University, Maine College of Art summer program, and Carnegie Mellon University, where he was Nierenberg Distinguished Chair in the School of Design. He was an early proponent of the computer in design education, as demonstrated in his books Graphic Design Processes and Graphic Design Sources, and in his multi-media presentations of personal artistic work. He died in late 2024 in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania.

The materials in the archive document Hiebert’s work at the Basel School of Design and his pioneering program of graphic design at the UArts. They provide insight into his influential design books, public lectures and graphic work, and include samples of student work, as well as curricula he taught at UArts and as visiting faculty at Yale University and Carnegie Mellon. The collection highlights the impact of Swiss design on American Modernist style.

To learn more about Ken Hiebert's life and work, please visit: https://www.kenhiebertdesigner.com.