Founded in 1921 as a 'Workshop for the processing of brass and nickel silver sheet metal, with foundry', Alessi has always stood out for the high quality of its products. In almost a century of history, the company has gradually evolved to become one of the leading 'Factories of Italian design', capable of applying its expertise and excellence in design management to many different product types. Open to change and international development, Alessi at the same time has a strong bond with the traditions and cultural background of its area and continues to be synonymous with handcrafted objects produced with the help of machines. Alessis mission is to translate its quest for the most advanced cultural, aesthetic, design and functional quality into industrial production. Designer products are the result of the constant reconciliation of art and industry, of the 'Immensity of Creative Potential' and the needs of the market. The company is committed to work constantly onto a boundary line, in balance between the most advanced expressions of the international creativity and the desires of the general public. Alessi has been described as a 'Dream Factory', which uses its products to make peoples dreams come true, providing them with the Art and Poetry that they seek. Born in Indianapolis, he teaches architecture in Princeton since 1962. His architectural works include the Portland Building and the Humana Building, the extension of the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Newark Museum. He created the best-selling 9093 kettle for Alessi. Michael Graves died in 2015.