Zackary Kamen [2009, Industrial Design]

Zack Kamen, RISD ID ’09, and Patrick McCluskey, Harvard Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences, cofounded VITRI to create thoughtfully designed products that reduce the use of plastics in food wares. Building on a successful showing at the RISD Craft Fair last spring, VITRI returns with its core glassware collection, anchored by the VITRI Cup, a 12oz Glass & Straw set.

Made from premium, synthetic-chemical-free borosilicate glass, the VITRI Cup offers a pure and natural drinking experience. Its double-walled, insulating construction keeps beverages hot or cold longer while eliminating condensation. Subtle micro-textured touchpoints are integrated directly into the glass, providing grip and visual character while reinforcing a clean, material-forward brand identity.

Designed for versatility, the VITRI Cup performs equally well for hot tea or iced coffee. It is intended for users who are sensitive to the taste that plastic can introduce to drinks, or who are concerned about long-term exposure to synthetic materials. The result is a clean, all-glass drinking experience that prioritizes taste, health, and longevity.

Each set includes a dishwasher-safe glass straw for cold beverages, while remaining fully functional without it. The cup is freezer safe, easy to clean, and packaged in a thoughtfully designed, plastic-free gift box. Pending final production timelines, VITRI may also introduce an expanded tumbler format featuring a patented all-glass, sip-through lid, continuing the studio’s exploration of fully glass solutions for everyday use.

VITRI’s work reflects a commitment to clarity in form, restraint in material use, and rigor in manufacturing. The creative process centers on designing for borosilicate glass, a durable but technically demanding material. Through extensive prototyping and close collaboration with manufacturing partners, the designs are refined for repeatability and scale, allowing thoughtfully made glassware to reach a broader market. Products are responsibly manufactured in China, with all design and development led from New Hampshire.

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