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Ted Givens talks with students about his process.

July 30, 2026

Ted Givens and Discovering Tomorrow’s Hidden Season

Architecture alum Ted Givens’s career has been defined by movement, not a fixed path — a curiosity first sparked as a second grader wandering NC State’s design studios, now carrying him between Asheville and projects across the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Guided by instinct over convention, he’s turned down stable opportunities and relocated his family overseas to learn firsthand in unfamiliar environments.
For spring 2026, Design Council revived the Beaux Arts Ball, an evening celebrating the art and atmosphere of Monet. Students were able to enjoy music, dancing and outdoor activities, including a painting station.

July 28, 2026

Rebuilding a Student Legacy: Design Council’s Momentous Push

Design Council is rebuilding from the ground up, after a slowdown in the 2010s and near-extinction during the pandemic. Now, Pearson Foster and his team are writing the next chapter for the student organization.

Two people standing side by side next to a multipanel outdoor trellis made of bright white plastic.

July 24, 2026

Installation Bridges Playful, Eye-Catching Art With Agricultural Sciences

You’ve heard of the butterfly effect, the idea that a seemingly small event like a butterfly flapping its wings can have large consequences thousands of miles away. NC State designers hope the installation they call The Butterfly Effect have its own rippling influence.
Lindsay Dotson cuts wood from a felled tree at the College of Design for her studio project.

July 21, 2026

Designing with Sustainability: Old Tree Gets New Life in Urban Wood Course

When a dying oak tree in the Brooks Hall courtyard had to be taken down, Audrey Barnes ’03 decided to give it new life. In spring 2026, the tree was ready to begin its next chapter.

opening screen with text that reads "re:"

July 21, 2026

Re:purposed Explores the Future of Industrial Design

A new documentary, re:purposed — the evolution of industrial design, explores how the field is moving beyond mass production toward collaboration, empathy, systems thinking and sustainability. Co-produced by NC State College of Design department head Audrey Barnes and filmmaker John Trice, the film brings together designers, educators and industry leaders to examine the profession’s past, present and future.
Mac Dameron used her funding to purchase an iPad, an essential tool for bringing her animations to life.

July 14, 2026

Investing in Future Designers

Through essential funding and a community of mentors and peers, the Design Pathways Program supports design students in need of financial aid, empowering them to achieve their academic goals.
Chancellor Howell and Dean Hoversten in front of LED wall in virtual production lab

July 09, 2026

A Decade of Vision: Ten Years of Transformative Leadership

Over the past decade, Dean Hoversten has led the NC State College of Design through a period of growth, expanded impact and deepened community. 
The setting sun shines on a field of soybeans.

July 01, 2026

NC State (and America) the Beautiful

As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, discover how NC State has contributed to its prosperity, defense, culture and more.
composite image of new incoming leaders council members featuring seven headshots

July 01, 2026

New Members Join College of Design Leaders Council

Seven new members join the College of Design Leaders Council in 2026, an advisory body to the college. In addition to the new cohort of members, president Jennifer Heintz will step down as Betsy Peters Rascoe assumes the role for the next two years.
Calkins in front of the COP30 sign in Brazil.

June 30, 2026

From Campus to COP30: How Landscape Architects are Leading Climate Action

Heat islands, urban deserts, dwindling biodiversity. Increased extreme weather events. As the world continues to experience the rapidly increasing effects of climate change, landscape architects like Meg Calkins, FASLA, FCELA are emerging as shaping solutions to the challenges affecting our physical environments today. 
Isaac Watkins poses with a model submitted as part of his portfolio.

June 25, 2026

Creative Play by Design: Isaac’s Internship with LEGO

Senior Isaac Watkins secured a coveted semester-long internship with the LEGO Group in Billund, Denmark. There, he’s utilizing his background in industrial design to explore prototyping, designing new LEGO elements, and brainstorming the next big play idea. 
Byungsoo Kim, student Sam Lesser, Brian Leonard, Katie Gray Jackson, student Danielle Varner and David Oh.

June 23, 2026

Designing Together: Inside the First GXD+ID Joint Studio with Lenovo

In a new sponsored studio from Lenovo, students from industrial design and graphic & experience design came together to work as unified, holistic design teams. The studio asks a fundamental question: what happens when hardware and software designers learn to think and build together from the start?
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Research + Innovation

At the College of Design, we conduct practical, hands-on research that solves problems, drives prosperity and benefits our communities.

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Designlife magazine

Cover of spring 2025 Designlife Magazine

Designlife Magazine is here!

Designlife™ is a publication of the NC State College of Design made possible through the Designlife Fund and an engaged community of College of Design alumni, friends and design enthusiasts from around the world.

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