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🎓 Designers, you did the dang thing.
From sketchbooks to the stage — we caught your best angles (and a few happy tears).
Find your face (or your glowed-up cap), tag your studio family and revisit this massive milestone.
📸 Check out the full photo gallery from the COD’s Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony in our bio.
🎓 Designers, you did the dang thing.
From sketchbooks to the stage — we caught your best angles (and a few happy tears).
Find your face (or your glowed-up cap), tag your studio family and revisit this massive milestone.
📸 Check out the full photo gallery from the COD’s Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony in our bio.
“It was such a big deal for me to come here. I never thought I was good enough. But I was a late bloomer.”
🎓 Big shoutout to Industrial Design senior Xzavier Taylor, representing the College of Design in @ncstate’s #NCState25 graduate stories roundup. From sketchbook to spotlight, he’s one of five grads reflecting on the journey that got them here.
📖 Read Xzavier’s story (and meet the other standout grads) at the link in our bio.
“It was such a big deal for me to come here. I never thought I was good enough. But I was a late bloomer.”
🎓 Big shoutout to Industrial Design senior Xzavier Taylor, representing the College of Design in @ncstate’s #NCState25 graduate stories roundup. From sketchbook to spotlight, he’s one of five grads reflecting on the journey that got them here.
📖 Read Xzavier’s story (and meet the other standout grads) at the link in our bio.
To the designers of #NCState25: Stay iconic. 🎓❤️
"This journey has never been a solo one."
Meet Valerie Ryba, who will be walking the stage with the designers of #NCState25 this week to receive her Bachelor of Architecture. 🎓❤️
"I came to architecture through the stories of my parents, who grew up on the South Side of Chicago. Hearing and seeing the housing conditions they experienced opened my eyes to the way entire communities can be left behind by systems meant to serve them. I saw architecture as a way to change that — to create spaces rooted in dignity, safety, and beauty for people who are too often overlooked.
Over time, my understanding of design deepened. I began to see the nuance — the tradeoffs, the complexity, and most importantly, the value of listening. That clarity was reignited in my current studio with Matt Griffith, whose approach to design — thoughtful, patient, and deeply human — reminded me why I fell in love with this work in the first place. It’s not just about building; it’s about creating meaningful, functional spaces that improve people’s lives.
This journey has never been a solo one. At NC State, I’ve been surrounded by incredible opportunities and communities that have shaped me. One of the most transformative experiences was pursuing the Outdoor Leadership Minor. The instructors and peers I met through that program helped me grow both personally and professionally. They taught me how to lead, how to listen, and how the outdoor world and the built world can inform and enrich one another.
The Caldwell Fellows program has been another grounding force. Through its emphasis on reflection, authenticity, and servant leadership, I’ve learned to move through this world with greater intentionality. The Caldwell community —students, mentors, and alumni — has offered me perspective and support through both uncertainty and growth.
Finally, I owe everything to the people who’ve walked beside me. To my family, whose sacrifices made this journey possible. To my friends, who reminded me to laugh and breathe. And to my partner, George — thank you. Your steady belief in me, especially on the hardest days, carried me through. You’ve been my rock and my joy."
"This journey has never been a solo one."
Meet Valerie Ryba, who will be walking the stage with the designers of #NCState25 this week to receive her Bachelor of Architecture. 🎓❤️
"I came to architecture through the stories of my parents, who grew up on the South Side of Chicago. Hearing and seeing the housing conditions they experienced opened my eyes to the way entire communities can be left behind by systems meant to serve them. I saw architecture as a way to change that — to create spaces rooted in dignity, safety, and beauty for people who are too often overlooked.
Over time, my understanding of design deepened. I began to see the nuance — the tradeoffs, the complexity, and most importantly, the value of listening. That clarity was reignited in my current studio with Matt Griffith, whose approach to design — thoughtful, patient, and deeply human — reminded me why I fell in love with this work in the first place. It’s not just about building; it’s about creating meaningful, functional spaces that improve people’s lives.
This journey has never been a solo one. At NC State, I’ve been surrounded by incredible opportunities and communities that have shaped me. One of the most transformative experiences was pursuing the Outdoor Leadership Minor. The instructors and peers I met through that program helped me grow both personally and professionally. They taught me how to lead, how to listen, and how the outdoor world and the built world can inform and enrich one another.
The Caldwell Fellows program has been another grounding force. Through its emphasis on reflection, authenticity, and servant leadership, I’ve learned to move through this world with greater intentionality. The Caldwell community —students, mentors, and alumni — has offered me perspective and support through both uncertainty and growth.
Finally, I owe everything to the people who’ve walked beside me. To my family, whose sacrifices made this journey possible. To my friends, who reminded me to laugh and breathe. And to my partner, George — thank you. Your steady belief in me, especially on the hardest days, carried me through. You’ve been my rock and my joy."
We’re mourning the loss of Professor Vince Foote — a legendary designer, mentor, and educator whose 40-year teaching career at NC State shaped generations of design thinkers.
Vince wasn’t just an outstanding teacher (though he had the awards to prove it). He was a force — hilarious, unshakable, and deeply invested in the success of his students.
As Professor Audrey Barnes put it: “He empowered generations of NC State design students to believe that not only we could be, but that we should be the leaders of the future. That our ideas mattered regardless of who we were or where we came from.”
To Vince, students weren’t just learners — they were his legacy. As he liked to say, “You are my portfolio.”
And his portfolio? It’s full of bold thinkers, mavericks, educators, leaders and friends who carry his lessons with them every day.
We invite our community to read more about Vince’s life and lasting impact at the News link in our bio. And if you`re ever near Player’s Retreat, raise a glass for him.
We’re mourning the loss of Professor Vince Foote — a legendary designer, mentor, and educator whose 40-year teaching career at NC State shaped generations of design thinkers.
Vince wasn’t just an outstanding teacher (though he had the awards to prove it). He was a force — hilarious, unshakable, and deeply invested in the success of his students.
As Professor Audrey Barnes put it: “He empowered generations of NC State design students to believe that not only we could be, but that we should be the leaders of the future. That our ideas mattered regardless of who we were or where we came from.”
To Vince, students weren’t just learners — they were his legacy. As he liked to say, “You are my portfolio.”
And his portfolio? It’s full of bold thinkers, mavericks, educators, leaders and friends who carry his lessons with them every day.
We invite our community to read more about Vince’s life and lasting impact at the News link in our bio. And if you`re ever near Player’s Retreat, raise a glass for him.
This year, Art2Wear reimagined what a fashion show could be — trading the traditional runway for something far more intimate, experimental and alive.
In its 24th year, Art2Wear: Revive transformed @ncstategreggmuseum into a living, breathing showcase of wearable art. Designers imagined their models and looks as stationary exhibits, inviting the audience to slow down, look closer and truly engage with the stories embedded in every stitch, seam and silhouette.
Each room was a portal into the minds of NC State student designers — a series of distinct visions tied together by a shared spirit of innovation and craft. From intricate handwork and sustainable practices to cutting-edge materials and boundary-pushing silhouettes, every piece reflected what it means to revive: to question, reimagine, and give new life to ideas through design.
Art2Wear is more than a show — it`s a platform for future thinkers to challenge convention and connect with the community. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s event unforgettable.
This year, Art2Wear reimagined what a fashion show could be — trading the traditional runway for something far more intimate, experimental and alive.
In its 24th year, Art2Wear: Revive transformed @ncstategreggmuseum into a living, breathing showcase of wearable art. Designers imagined their models and looks as stationary exhibits, inviting the audience to slow down, look closer and truly engage with the stories embedded in every stitch, seam and silhouette.
Each room was a portal into the minds of NC State student designers — a series of distinct visions tied together by a shared spirit of innovation and craft. From intricate handwork and sustainable practices to cutting-edge materials and boundary-pushing silhouettes, every piece reflected what it means to revive: to question, reimagine, and give new life to ideas through design.
Art2Wear is more than a show — it`s a platform for future thinkers to challenge convention and connect with the community. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s event unforgettable.
Hi CoD! Check out the Instagram story on this account all day today for behind-the-scenes updates and content! Check out the @ncsuart2wear bio or at linker.ee/art2wear2025 for tickets, we still have tickets for the 9:00 pm show! Join us for a night of performance art, music, and mocktails! #art2wear
Hi CoD! Check out the Instagram story on this account all day today for behind-the-scenes updates and content! Check out the @ncsuart2wear bio or at linker.ee/art2wear2025 for tickets, we still have tickets for the 9:00 pm show! Join us for a night of performance art, music, and mocktails! #art2wear
LDOC at the COD perfectly encapsulates the journey from chaos to clarity. Thank you for a great semester, designers. 🫶🐺
LDOC at the COD perfectly encapsulates the journey from chaos to clarity. Thank you for a great semester, designers. 🫶🐺
What if you could walk through a house that never existed? 🏡
NC State Master of Architecture candidate Harshavardhan Raju brings the visionary, but never built, Slow House by Diller + Scofidio to life through a stunning digital rendering and narration.
Take the journey from door to window. From concept to experience.
What if you could walk through a house that never existed? 🏡
NC State Master of Architecture candidate Harshavardhan Raju brings the visionary, but never built, Slow House by Diller + Scofidio to life through a stunning digital rendering and narration.
Take the journey from door to window. From concept to experience.
The spring semester is coming to a close, and we`re celebrating by sharing recollections from the designers of #NCState25. 🎓🎉
Today, we`re highlighting Erin Secosky, who will soon be crossing the stage to receive her Bachelor of Graphic and Experience Design.
👩🎓🗣️ "In my life, one of the things I am most grateful for is the College of Design and the experiences, friendships, and opportunities it has given me.
In 2021, I was nervous about my decision to go to design school and devastated over the financially mediated reality that I would be staying in Raleigh for another four years.
But the College of Design proved all of my fears wrong.
I have so many shoutouts and memories, but I want to extend a special thank you to Tania Allen, for sharing my love for cartography, for supporting me through a hard time, and for providing me the opportunity to experiment with my personal style on The Student Publication. Thank you, Tania. You are truly a light and such a positive influence on all of your students.
As part of an independent study with Kermit Bailey, I`ve been working on a personal project called "La Fleur Qu`on Appelle Souci" (or more colloquially known as advicefordesignstudents.com).
This project is a deep dive into my relationship with mental health and design, as well as my thoughts on the industry and insights found in coffee chats I`ve had with professional designers. Meant to be an advice guide for underclassmen/incoming COD students, I hope that advicefordesignstudents.com can act as a reference book for the next generation of COD students."
📩 Are you a graduating designer of #NCState25? Share your recollection, along with any photos you`d like us to showcase! Just send us a DM to get started.
The spring semester is coming to a close, and we`re celebrating by sharing recollections from the designers of #NCState25. 🎓🎉
Today, we`re highlighting Erin Secosky, who will soon be crossing the stage to receive her Bachelor of Graphic and Experience Design.
👩🎓🗣️ "In my life, one of the things I am most grateful for is the College of Design and the experiences, friendships, and opportunities it has given me.
In 2021, I was nervous about my decision to go to design school and devastated over the financially mediated reality that I would be staying in Raleigh for another four years.
But the College of Design proved all of my fears wrong.
I have so many shoutouts and memories, but I want to extend a special thank you to Tania Allen, for sharing my love for cartography, for supporting me through a hard time, and for providing me the opportunity to experiment with my personal style on The Student Publication. Thank you, Tania. You are truly a light and such a positive influence on all of your students.
As part of an independent study with Kermit Bailey, I`ve been working on a personal project called "La Fleur Qu`on Appelle Souci" (or more colloquially known as advicefordesignstudents.com).
This project is a deep dive into my relationship with mental health and design, as well as my thoughts on the industry and insights found in coffee chats I`ve had with professional designers. Meant to be an advice guide for underclassmen/incoming COD students, I hope that advicefordesignstudents.com can act as a reference book for the next generation of COD students."
📩 Are you a graduating designer of #NCState25? Share your recollection, along with any photos you`d like us to showcase! Just send us a DM to get started.
Designers got pied. Totes got printed. Therapy dogs got so many pets.
Thanks to everyone who showed up and showed out for the Art of Giving — a student-led fundraiser supporting College of Design clubs, groups and activities. Your support = more creativity, more community and maybe fewer pies to the face (no promises). 🎨🐶🥧
Designers got pied. Totes got printed. Therapy dogs got so many pets.
Thanks to everyone who showed up and showed out for the Art of Giving — a student-led fundraiser supporting College of Design clubs, groups and activities. Your support = more creativity, more community and maybe fewer pies to the face (no promises). 🎨🐶🥧
"To me, design is all about relationships. You cannot do it by yourself." 👏🤝
Kelly Umstead, associate professor of industrial design, has been named a 2024–25 University Faculty Scholar — and for good reason. She`s known across campus as an educator who prioritizes love, attention and empathy in design.
Learn more about Kelly and her trailblazing work at the College of Design at the "News" link in our bio.
"To me, design is all about relationships. You cannot do it by yourself." 👏🤝
Kelly Umstead, associate professor of industrial design, has been named a 2024–25 University Faculty Scholar — and for good reason. She`s known across campus as an educator who prioritizes love, attention and empathy in design.
Learn more about Kelly and her trailblazing work at the College of Design at the "News" link in our bio.
our programs
Architecture
Build healthy environments to improve society
Art + Design
Give form to emotions and ideas
Design Studies
Dive deep into human values and experiences
Graphic Design
Inform, clarify, beautify, educate
Industrial Design
Anticipate user needs for products and services
Landscape Architecture
Help shape the land for health and wellbeing
🎓 Designers, you did the dang thing.
From sketchbooks to the stage — we caught your best angles (and a few happy tears).
Find your face (or your glowed-up cap), tag your studio family and revisit this massive milestone.
📸 Check out the full photo gallery from the COD’s Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony in our bio.
“It was such a big deal for me to come here. I never thought I was good enough. But I was a late bloomer.”
🎓 Big shoutout to Industrial Design senior Xzavier Taylor, representing the College of Design in @ncstate’s #NCState25 graduate stories roundup. From sketchbook to spotlight, he’s one of five grads reflecting on the journey that got them here.
📖 Read Xzavier’s story (and meet the other standout grads) at the link in our bio.
