I have a confession to make. I have scarcely felt more inadequate as a designer than the half-hour we spent with Robert Brunner. A Pentagram Partner, formerly of Lunar Design, and former lead industrial designer for Apple (he hired Jonathan Ive), Robert’s command over the idea of what design is and what is possible through wielding it is commanding to say the least. If Robert Brunner were to judge a design competition, the non-winning entries would simply burst into flames upon his steely gaze. If Hollywood made a movie about Robert Brunner, the only man who could play him would be Steve McQueen, and this is why there is not a movie about Robert Brunner. When I sit down to design now, having met him, I feel the eyes of Robert Brunner on my back, telling me it is not good enough. In short, Robert Brunner is design’s Chuck Norris.

This is my impression of Robert while he was both jet-lagged and battling a cold. So you can imagine. But don’t let me give you the wrong idea. Robert was a wonderfully nice, down-to-Earth fellow, and he gave us a great interview. Hats off.

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