After many years working together, Sussman accompanied Charles and Ray to an Aspen Design Conference, where Ray saw a Jeep on the street and turned to her and said, “The Jeep, now, that’s an automobile America can be proud of.” Early on, as a summer intern, Sussman worked with the couple on everything from films and exhibitions to ads and toys and quickly became an integral member of the Office team. “When fall came around, I said, ‘Charles, I’m gonna have to say goodbye,’” says Sussman. “I said, ‘I have one semester to get my degree,’ but Charles said, ‘Why? I don’t have a degree, besides, Ray and I are going to Europe, why don’t you stay at the house while we’re away.’” Sussman stayed.