Jeremy Levitt: From Creative Student to Design Innovator

Jeremy Levitt, Andover High School Class of 1994 graduate, always had a creative streak. From art class at Lone Pine Elementary to an architectural drafting class in high school, Levitt threw himself into the arts at Bloomfield Hills Schools and ultimately settled in a career doing something he loves. Today, Levitt’s company, Parts and Labor Design, serves boutique high-end hospitality, commercial, retail, and residential clients globally, with work featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, Travel & Leisure, and Bon Appétit. The company also earned a place in the Wallpaper* USA 400 as well as the Sight Unseen’s American Design Hot List.

Levitt's artistic journey began early. "Growing up, it was like I was self-propelled to do artwork," he recalled. "I loved Lego-building, sketching, and drawing - anything centered around art and creativity." Later, he was particularly inspired by art classes at Andover High School, as well as English lessons that emphasized the creative side of research and writing. "The teachers were good at harnessing the 'wild child' in me," Levitt said with a smile.

Levitt didn’t leave high school with a career plan mapped out, but after a few years of self-discovery he landed at The College for Creative Studies (CCS), where he earned an MFA in Industrial Design & Crafts. There, he discovered a passion for the practical applications of art: furniture design, lighting, and other ways that sculptures could be transformed into beautiful, functional objects. 

In 2009 while working in design in NYC, Levitt founded Parts and Labor Design with a vision for boutique, high-end design work. The firm employs 15 full-time staff members and additional consultants, completing projects across the United States and internationally in Dubai, Qatar, and Hong Kong. Several of these projects have resulted in prestigious awards in the design, restaurant, and travel industries. Currently, a pending project in Detroit on the 12th floor of the new Hudson’s building has Levitt returning to his roots here in Michigan.

Levitt also co-owns Known Work, a NYC-based retail design studio specializing in high-end home furnishings for galleries and online retail. 

When asked what advice he would give to current students, Levitt didn’t hesitate. “The foundation of everything is hard work and being a good person. You might have a vision now about what you want to do, but those things can change, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have everything mapped out in high school, or even early in college. Try to let the chips fall where they may in some way. As long as you’re working hard and being a good person, you’ll probably fall into a good place.”