1. Take a train over airplane whenever possible. This is one of the biggest life lessons Sussman learned from Charles Eames. Not only is the design and functionality of the train much more interesting than that of an airplane but also the scenery and beauty one is exposed to while on a train is unparalleled.
2. Sussman, while working at the Eames house, learned to appreciate uncommon beauty in common items. For example, she described the mesmerizing beauty of the shadows of the willow tree branches on the plastic windows overlooking the meadow and ocean. The ability to look at common, everyday objects and see the uniqueness in them is a special gift. There is a great beauty in designing simple, yet practical pieces.
3. Use the material in the way it wants to be used. Do not try to force something out of a specific material but rather, use it in its natural form.
4. You are what you wear. I also greatly enjoyed Sussman's brief description of her work and life through her dozens of hats. From her work on the 1984 LA Olympics and Finland Olympics to her studies in France, she has a hat marking every major turning point in her life.
5. Collaborating with like minded people is one of the most important and valuable things for a designer. Being aware of your own limitations will only hinder you and working with others will help your creativity and potential. Sussman's largest collaboration project was working on the 1984 Olympics under a serious time an money constraint.
6. The most important thing is not winning but rather taking part.
7. It is important to look at the past and present in order to effectively contribute in the future.
