All News

May 13, 2025

Architecture Program Wins National and Local AIA Awards

The School of Architecture, its alumni and students were recognized through national and state level awards from the American Institute of Architects.

May 9, 2025

Congratulations, Spring 2025 Graduates!

The College of Design is proud to celebrate the graduates of the spring 2025 class.

May 7, 2025

Imagining a Different Way

Compared to most of his classmates, Xzavier Taylor took an unusual route to earning a degree from NC State’s College of Design. But overcoming challenges has helped him recognize the potential in things — and people.

May 6, 2025

Wood Hall Courtyard Provides New Outdoor Wellness Space for Students

For years to come, current and future NC State students who call Wood Residence Hall home will have a versatile outdoor space in which to relax, study or gather with friends.

Apr 30, 2025

From Pixels to Pedagogy: A Design Professor’s Path

When NC State’s College of Design graduates are called to the stage this weekend to receive their diplomas, one recipient might get a bit of extra applause from the students he has taught over the last several years. Justin Johnson, an assistant professor in the Media Arts, Design and Technology (MADTech) department at the College of…

Apr 30, 2025

NC State students use AI to help businesses work smarter, faster and friendlier

NC State College of Design students were tasked with creating an original B2B application incorporating generative AI to satisfy business and user needs. Using SAS’ tech stack for generative AI, students were asked to understand the data collection and output of generative AI.

Apr 29, 2025

Remembering Vincent M. Foote, FIDSA

The College of Design is saddened to share that Vincent M. Foote, FIDSA passed away on April 25, 2025. Foote was a longtime member of the College of Design’s industrial design faculty, influencing countless students over his forty-year teaching career. 

Apr 28, 2025

Grad Student Profile: Clarissa Gernat

Driven by a lifelong connection to NC State, fostered by her father’s work at the university and now shared with her sister and cousin, Clarissa Gernat found a natural home in the College of Design’s Media Arts, Design, and Technology program. This interdisciplinary program, with its emphasis on innovation and technology, is perfectly aligned with her aspirations.

Apr 23, 2025

NC State Graduate Student Brings Leonardo da Vinci to Life Through AI

For Leo Li, a graduate student in the Media Arts, Design and Technology (MADTech) program at NC State’s College of Design, the path from computer science to cutting-edge design was…

Apr 17, 2025

Design Faculty Win NC State Awards 

College of Design faculty are among those honored for their work in research, engagement and outreach across the university. The Natural Learning Initiative received the Opal Mann Green Award and Dana Gulling received the Outstanding Teacher Award.

Apr 14, 2025

Thinking with the box: Maestro’s Theatre delivers a new experience for arcade gameplay

A marionette character controlled by ragdoll gameplay. A rotating game screen embracing the look and feel of vintage theater. Limited computer graphics and limited time. All of these came together via a student team with limitless creativity and a desire to problem-solve to create Maestro’s Theatre, an arcade game developed by MADTech students and displayed at Super Magfest.

Apr 3, 2025

“Design is about relationships” – Kelly Umstead named 2024-25 University Faculty Scholar

Kelly Umstead, MID faculty member and director of graduate programs for industrial design, was recently named one of NC State’s 2024-25 University Faculty Scholars. We’re excited to highlight Kelly’s achievements in the college and learn more about her. 

Apr 2, 2025

New Faculty Innovators in Design: Spotlight on Yuanqing Tian

As we showcase new faculty, we are excited to highlight Yuanqing “Ching” Tian, an Assistant Professor of Industrial Design at North Carolina State University. With over 11 years of design experience, Ching’s research focuses on custom-fit wearable product design, leveraging 3D scanning technologies, parametric design, and digital fabrication. Her work aims to improve human health and wellness while promoting diversity and inclusion in design. Ching is passionate about exploring human-centered design opportunities through emerging technologies and enhancing ergonomics for diverse populations.

Mar 19, 2025

Demarcus Williams ‘03 Creates Scholarship in Kermit Bailey’s Honor

Demarcus Williams [BGD '03] embodies the NC State spirit of think and do – driven, passionate and committed to giving back. His journey from an undergraduate student navigating college life to a successful marketing and communications professional was supported by a host of faculty in the graphic design program, particularly Kermit Bailey. Now, Williams is establishing a scholarship in Bailey's name, hoping to provide the same support he received to future generations of designers.

Mar 13, 2025

Two Graphic Design Students Featured on GDUSA’s Students to Watch List

Two students from the college's graphic and experience design program are making their mark on the industry. Megan Mersch is blending artistry with human-centered design to craft seamless digital experiences, while Rebecca Planchart is shaping the future of UX and AI, using design to bridge gaps in public health, government, and emerging technology. Meet GDUSA’s Students to Watch and see how they’re redefining what design can do.

Mar 13, 2025

Art2Wear pop-up gallery and live event at the Gregg Museum

This article was written by Kelsey Bohn and originally appeared in the Technician. See the original. The Gregg Museum of Art and Design opened a new Pop-Up Gallery Lounge entitled “Art2Wear: Through…

Mar 5, 2025

New Faculty Innovators in Design: Spotlight on Valeria Lopez Torres 

Dr. Valeria López Torres is an assistant professor of graphic & experience design in the College of Design at North Carolina State University. As part of our spotlight on new faculty, we are excited to highlight her expertise in AI, interaction design, and UX/UI, showcasing the interdisciplinary approach she brings to design education and research.

Feb 19, 2025

Landscape Architects Form Task Force to Scale Up Solutions to the Climate and Biodiversity Crises

Led by leaders in the field of landscape architecture, ASLA is developing an updated, profession-wide Climate and Biodiversity Action Plan. The new plan will be an update to the ASLA Climate Action Plan, which was released in 2022, and offer new goals and actions for 2026-2030. The scope of the new plan has been expanded – the climate and biodiversity crises will be treated as equal priorities, and the focus will be on actions that tackle both crises in an equitable way. The ambitious plan seeks to transform the practice of landscape architecture by 2040 through actions taken by ASLA and its members focused on biodiversity and ecological restoration, climate mitigation and adaptation, equity, and economic development. Meg Calkins, FASLA, Professor, Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, NC State University, has been named Chair of the Task Force.

Feb 18, 2025

New Faculty Innovators in Design: Spotlight on Byungsoo Kim

Byungsoo Kim is an assistant professor in industrial design in the NC State College of Design. As part of our spotlight on new faculty, we are excited to highlight his teaching and expertise in product visualization and master’s-level studio projects, showcasing the innovative perspectives he brings to the College of Design.

Feb 17, 2025

2024-25 University Faculty Scholars Named

NC State’s 2024-25 class of University Faculty Scholars was announced today. These 20 early- and mid-career faculty receive this designation in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements and contributions to NC State through their teaching, scholarship and service to the university and beyond.

Feb 17, 2025

College of Design Signs MOU with National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) 

The College of Design at NC State University has signed an MOU with the Faculty of Architecture of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma De México (UNAM) to promote academic and research activities between the two institutions and further affirm the value of international collaboration. Collaborations with UNAM will allow the college to extend its involvement in global issues related to urbanization and the environment and translate that knowledge into teaching and practice through the lens of a global framework. 

Jan 17, 2025

A New Chapter for Inclusive Design: North Carolina State University and Steven Winter Associates Re-Envision the Center for Universal Design

North Carolina State University (NC State) and Steven Winter Associates, Inc. (SWA) are excited to announce a transformative partnership to revitalize the Center for Universal Design. After nearly 15 years of dormancy, the center is being reborn with a new mission: to support all stakeholders and users in creating accessible, inclusive environments that serve people of all abilities and backgrounds. The newly formed Alliance for Inclusive Design Practice and Research (the Alliance), co-directed by Traci Rose Rider, Ph.D, associate professor of architecture at NC State University, and Victoria Lanteigne, Ph.D., principal of research at SWA, represents a major leap forward in advancing equity in the built environment.

Jan 15, 2025

School of Architecture Students and Faculty Win Statewide Awards for Design

Eight student teams were recognized at the American Institute of Architects North Carolina Design and Chapter Awards. The School of Architecture was also recognized for teaching excellence through its Educator of the Year, Kamphoefner Prize, F. Carter Williams Gold Medal and Associate Award.

Jan 7, 2025

NC State Creatives: Tatiana Veloso

To Tatiana Veloso, design has a powerful ability to connect individuals to each other and to the places they inhabit. A 2024 graduate of the Master of Landscape Architecture program, her work bridges the gap between art, science, and community engagement.

Nov 25, 2024

Doctoral Students Showcase Work through Design Probes: Research Strands

On November 21, the College of Design's doctoral programs brought together practitioners from the Doctor of Design and PhD in Design programs to showcase their outstanding research in a poster session and review titled "Design Probes: Research Strands." Students bridge academia and practice across diverse design fields, and the event showcased the collaborative ecosystem that spans the college's four departments and fosters a vibrant environment for interdisciplinary perspectives.

Nov 22, 2024

NC State Creatives: Lauren Miller

Lauren Miller, a recent graduate of NC State's College of Design, is an award-winning animator and storyteller. Her animated short Touch won 'Best of the Fest' at the Queer Expressions Film Festival. With a passion for human-centered design and uplifting underrepresented communities, Lauren creates work that resonates with diverse audiences.

Nov 12, 2024

Cultivating Design Solutions with Green Heffa Farms

In the spring of 2024, PhD student and instructor Erin White brought students from his D101 Design Thinking course to solve multiple challenges faced at Green Heffa Farms. The students, many of whom are not design majors, addressed challenges such as storage issues, workflow efficiency and social media strategy.

Oct 24, 2024

Work underway on Goldsboro flood mitigation and resilience project: three projects aim to protect property and increase flood resilience

A partnership between the state and City of Goldsboro has resulted in the completion of the Goldsboro Community Floodprint, and the initial implementation of the plan’s recommendations. The floodprint is a local plan that contains flood mitigation and resilience recommendations developed through public input and planning. Funded by the N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) using the state’s HUD mitigation grant and led by the N.C. State University Coastal Dynamics Design Lab (CDDL), this is the second of ten CDDL/NCORR community floodprints to be completed.

Oct 21, 2024

College of Design Chooses Matt Checkowski ‘98 as 2024 Distinguished Alumnus

The College of Design is proud to recognize Matt Checkowski [BGD ‘98] as this year’s distinguished alumnus. Checkowski, vice president of multisensory brand innovation and strategy at Mastercard, will be honored at the Wolfpack Boards Luncheon in October and serve as the College of Design spring 2025 commencement speaker.  Matt Checkowski’s work explores the intersections of design, narrative and technology, working across boundaries to elevate and expand storytelling. 

Oct 8, 2024

Shawcroft Drawing Competition Celebrates 30th Year

Four students were awarded prizes for their work during the 30th Shawcroft Drawing Competition. Submissions are judged based on students’ use of hand drawing skills in the categories of the design process, documentation and analysis, and presentation.

Sep 25, 2024

Memorializing Flooding: How a Chance Collaboration Led to a Landmark Public Art Project

In the world of design and public art, serendipity often plays a pivotal role. This was certainly the case for a group of designers and artists who, after initially crossing paths in the College of Design, found themselves working together years later on a significant public art project in Raleigh. This project, which began as an educational initiative, ultimately evolved into a large-scale installation that engages the community on multiple levels.

Sep 17, 2024

Landscape Architecture Students Win National Awards for Fourth Year in a Row

The Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental planning is thrilled to share that student teams won national ASLA awards for the fourth year in a row. Since 2020, student teams in the Master of Landscape Architecture program have won 12 awards nationally.

Sep 11, 2024

Gallery: The 2024 Envisioning Research Winners

From volcanoes to microscopic polymers, NC State researchers highlighted their vital work in natural resources, biochemistry, engineering and more through the 2024 Envisioning Research Contest.

Sep 10, 2024

Sight Unseen, Students Design UX for Intelligence Analysts

A Fictitious Terrorist Attack “In 2019 a bombing killed two people and injured others in the city of Macondo, a mountain town in Oceania. A commercially made drone fitted with…

Sep 10, 2024

Sight Unseen, Students Design UX for Intelligence Analysts

A Fictitious Terrorist Attack “In 2019 a bombing killed two people and injured others in the city of Macondo, a mountain town in Oceania. A commercially made drone fitted with…

Sep 3, 2024

Recent Grad Brings Home 2024 IDSA Student Merit Award

Industrial Design alumnus Danny Wang [BID '24] recently won the IDSA Student Merit Award for the South District. This means Danny will compete at the International Design Conference & Education Symposium in Austin, Texas September 11-13 for the national award.

Aug 26, 2024

The Scope of Our Research: Winners of the 2024 Envisioning Research Contest

The 2024 Envisioning Research contest captures the spectacular landscape of research being conducted at NC State.

Aug 20, 2024

Bringing New Life to Paper Streets 

The City of Durham has over 600 “paper streets” - narrow strips of land planned for use as a street, but never built. College of Design students partnered with the city’s Office of Performance and Innovation to bring new life to these previously underutilized spaces, envisioning micro-parks, art installations, educational outdoor spaces, and valuable pedestrian corridors.

Aug 15, 2024

“A remix of Pink Floyd, 2001 Space Odyssey and Akira” – Faculty member enters Pink Floyd animation competition

Marc Russo can distinctly remember one of his first introductions to Pink Floyd. He was sitting on the front steps of his friend’s house in 1980, listening to “The Wall”, and he was 11 years old. “It was like a battle cry,” he says. “I didn’t understand much more of the album, but I was connected to this song.” 44 years after that first encounter, Russo, alumnus and associate professor of media arts, design and technology,  is connecting his love of Pink Floyd with his professional work in a different way - designing an animation as entry for a contest hosted by the band to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their release of “Dark Side of the Moon.”

Jul 30, 2024

Newton D’Souza to lead doctoral programs for the College of Design

Newton D’Souza, PhD will head up a new doctoral programs unit within the College of Design at North Carolina State University, effective August 12, 2024. D’Souza will oversee the two doctoral programs offered by the college, a traditional PhD in Design program and a hybrid Doctor of Design degree.

Jul 30, 2024

A Love of Art and Technology

Roxanne Hicklin graduated with a BA in Fine Arts from Salem College. She spent her summers as a sketch artist at Carowinds, capturing quick likenesses of people on the sidewalk before their attention wandered, along with their feet. Following graduation, she was able to parlay that skill into working at Channel 5 News as a courtroom sketch artist, learning graphic arts and computer animation while there. Her ability to be adaptable and always learning on the job led her from Channel 5 to SAS, and finally landing as a volunteer and philanthropist at NC State, where she’s mentoring and nurturing a new generation of artists.

Jul 26, 2024

Audrey Lankford Barnes joins College of Design as Department Head of Graphic Design and Industrial Design

The College of Design at North Carolina State University is pleased to announce the appointment of Audrey Lankford Barnes as the new Department Head of Graphic Design and Industrial Design, effective August 1, 2024. Barnes joins us from James Madison University (JMU), where she served as an Associate Professor and Area Head of Industrial Design in the School of Art, Design and Art History.

Jul 25, 2024

The Future of Design in Technology

How will technology continue to affect our role as designers? We interviewed two faculty in the College of Design to explore technology’s role as it relates to ideation, human-machine teaming, and the impacts on our rights and resources.

Jul 16, 2024

Crowning Glory: Industrial Design Alumna Featured at CAM

Samantha Everette's love for photography began while studying abroad in Ghana as an industrial design student. Equipped for the first time with a semi-professional camera, she immediately experienced the joy of capturing portraits of people and their culture. Now, her work is making waves in the Triangle's creative community.

Jul 15, 2024

Designing a Path Through Mental Health: Wellness in the First Year Experience

Following several major grants awarded to the College of Design by the NC State University Foundation, the First Year Experience has blossomed into a program that integrates wellness and mental health awareness into an interdisciplinary design curriculum. The College of Design is a very close-knit community, and most of the first year involves practicing intellectual risk-taking through studio-based learning. The wellness-informed curriculum was created because the freshman experience in design bridges the vast threshold or transition between high school and college where students are expected to routinely fail and subsequently grow through trial and error.

Jun 18, 2024

College of Design Students and Faculty Win Awards at NCASLA

Students, faculty and alumni attended the NCASLA Conference in Asheville, receiving multiple awards and presenting to professionals from across the state. The Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning sponsored fourteen Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) students in the College of Design to attend the event.

Jun 5, 2024

MADTech Department Head Derek Ham accepts new position as director of Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center

MADTech Department Head Derek Ham, PhD, has accepted a new position as director of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)'s Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) in Pittsburgh, PA, effective September 1.

Jun 5, 2024

Student Art Sale Soars to New Heights; Largest Sale To Date

The 2024 Student Art Sale featured work from over 75 artists across 11 colleges at NC State, granting student artists of all disciplines an opportunity to be represented and share their art. The 2024 Visual Artist Winners are Sean Evans, a second year majoring in graphic and experience design, with the piece “Platinum” for the 2D category, Erin Emott, a graduate student in plant biology, with the piece “Skelly” for the 3D category and Jack E. McKissock, a first year in media arts and technology, with the piece “Sahbabii” for the digital category.

May 20, 2024

New Gift From Peter A. Pappas ’83 Will Transform Real Estate Development in North Carolina

With a significant contribution from Peter A. Pappas ’83, NC State will become home to a new program that will prepare students for careers in real estate development. The Peter A. Pappas Real Estate Development Program will provide a comprehensive approach to real estate development, focusing on land-use, transportation and open-space planning.

May 6, 2024

Reds and Whites: A Work of Art Anchors Centennial Campus

Thanks to an NC State connection, a masterwork by world-renowned artist Larry Bell is cementing a sense of place on the university’s Centennial Campus.