Jonathan Racek

Jon Racek is an innovative designer and educator whose work spans architecture, landscape, and industrial design, with a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation in design education. His recent research explores the intersection of design thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the Comprehensive Design program at Indiana University Bloomington.

As founder and director of the Comprehensive Design program, Racek has fostered an environment where students engage in human-centered design across objects, spaces, and systems, emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and entrepreneurial problem-solving. He also co-founded ServeDesign, a design outreach center at the Eskenazi School, where students apply innovative design solutions to real-world challenges, including the Rural Placemaking Studio, which supports rural Indiana communities through creative public space projects.

In 2008, Racek founded Play360, a non-profit that trains NGOs to develop low-cost educational resources worldwide. Play360 has built over 280 playgrounds in 20 countries, exemplifying Racek’s commitment to socially impactful design entrepreneurship.

Prior to academia, Racek led a successful furniture and architectural design firm, with work showcased globally in cities like Los Angeles, New York, Milan, and Beijing, and featured in renowned publications such as The New York Times and TIME Magazine. His entrepreneurial ventures and design excellence have earned him numerous accolades, including an AIA design award, a "40 Under 40" recognition in the AEC industry, and the Sanctae Crucis Award for distinguished service.

Jon Racek’s leadership in Comprehensive Design champions innovation, preparing students to become entrepreneurial designers ready to tackle complex global challenges through design thinking and forward-thinking solutions.