The Nierenberg Chair of Design is one of the most prestigious visiting appointments within design education in the United States. It was established through a generous gift from the late Mr. Theodore D. Nierenberg and his wife, Martha.

Nierenberg, a Carnegie Mellon alumnus (BS, Engineering Management, 1944) who also served as a life trustee of the university, was one of the founders of Dansk International Designs. The chair is given to an outstanding individual who has achieved national or international prominence in design or a design-related field.

The goal in establishing the Nierenberg Chair was to enhance the vitality of the School of Design for students and faculty alike by encouraging dialogue on important issues of the field, exploration of contemporary forms of design practice, and research that affects future practice and understanding. Nominees for the chair are identified by the faculty, and individuals are selected to meet the needs of the school at the current stage of its development.