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Good design matters.

It touches everything around us. It drives innovation. And it has the power to make life better for everyone.

We make sense of the world for the benefit of the public. Our rigorous programs prepare students to develop solutions that serve the greater good, and our research has life-changing impact.

"If you’re interested in something — even if it’s not immediately relevant to whatever class you’re in — chase that."

From teaching science in Wake County classrooms to redesigning possibilities through industrial design, Caleb Zander’s journey has been anything but conventional.

A two-time NC State graduate, Caleb is earning his Master of Industrial Design after nearly a decade as a high school science teacher. What started as late-night woodworking, metalworking and rebuilding motorcycles eventually became a new creative path.

“At NC State, I learned it’s okay to admit you don’t know what you’re doing. Learn from people around you. If you don’t understand, ask.”

Through leadership in the Industrial Designers Society of America, mentoring undergraduate students and helping maintain the College of Design’s Materials Lab, Caleb has embraced every opportunity to create, test and explore.

🎓 💌 Are you a graduating designer? Share your story at the link in our bio!
Commencement is almost here, and we want to celebrate the next generation of designers.

💌 Soon-to-be grads: feeling a little nostalgic? Share your story with us!

Send us a grandma-friendly photo (cap and gown, throwback, studio shots, campus moments—whatever feels like you) along with a short reflection. You can include:

Favorite experiences or mentors
Lessons that shaped your work
How you’ve grown during your time here
What’s next after graduation
Shoutouts to the people who got you through

Submissions are open through our May 8 commencement ceremony. Let’s give your time here the sendoff it deserves. 

📩 Use the link in our bio to shout your story from the rooftops.
Something is taking shape.
In the seams. In the shadows.

On April 23 + 24, Art2Wear takes over, bringing you a glance behind the scenes from the student minds behind Symbiosis.
Grab your sunglasses. The future looks bright. ☀️

Support the Future of Design

Donors make life-changing education possible for students from all backgrounds, so when students come to us ready to change the world, they can.