Graves has designed everything from charm bracelets to kitchen china. However, his most well-known home design is the Alessi teapot. The teapot, a stainless steel tea kettle with a bird spout, was designed in 1985 and has become one Graves' personal favorites. Graves is known for being particularly cordial and a wonderful person to work with. This is coupled with his numerous home designs and his teaching profession.
Graves has a very distinct style that uses bold, geometric shapes and lots of color.
Many designs seem quite whimsical, but the classical Italian influence offers his buildings' a sense of eloquence. Today, at age 67, Graves is still a very popular and successful architect. His buildings seem to either have a strong appeal to a person, or completely turn them off. But, whatever the case, Michael Graves will be known for his great contribution to architecture and design at the turn of the millenium.