NC State College of Design

09/08/2026

"A design proposed without interacting with the users and the community is bound to fail."

That's what Miraz Reza, a final-year Master of Architecture student, took away from 'Studio Kenya: Visioning Spatial Future of Maya Community.' The new interdisciplinary studio sent NC State College of Design students to Maya Island in Kilifi County, Kenya, over Spring Break.

During their visit, students traded their studio desks for an opportunity to create meaningful design through communication and adaptability in a cross-cultural setting led by Associate Professor Donghwan Moon,.

Working alongside Pwani University, students and local residents, the group spent 10 days building the beginning of a village-scale master plan addressing infrastructure, mobility and community needs.

Over Spring Break 2026, a group of NC State University College of Design students traded studio desks for muddy shoes and boat rides, spending March 12–22 immersed in community life on Maya Island in Kilifi County, Kenya. The trip was a part of Studio Kenya: Visioning Spatial Future of Maya Commun...

08/28/2026

Whether you’re a designer, a food monster, or both, you’ve always got a home here. 🫶🐺

08/26/2026

For 15 years, NC State's Design + Build program has put architecture students through the "design, make, design" loop process.

In this studio, students don't just draw a project and share it in a classroom. They build it, and then live with the consequences of every decision.

Founding instructors Randy Lanou '97 and Erik Mehlman '99 are stepping back from the program they helped create, handing it off to a new team that includes several of their former students.

Take a look back at 15 years of student-built projects — from park pavilions to a floating lab — and read about the legacy they're leaving behind. 👇

Full story: https://design.ncsu.edu/blog/2026/08/14/teaching-students-design-make-design-loop/

08/24/2026

✅ First week of class is in the (sketch) books. How's everyone feeling?

08/21/2026

Maybe you're looking for help with digital collections. Maybe you want to browse design magazines, explore architectural maps or check out physical media. Maybe you're here for the "Art of" collections, a good study spot or just those biiiiig windows. 👀

Our students shared a few of their favorite reasons to visit. Now come find yours.

🔗 http://ncst.at/V5o150ZA0Hm
📍 Design Library | 209 Brooks Hall
50 Pullen Rd
Raleigh, NC 27695-7701

08/17/2026

📺 🐺 It's a rare condition in this day and age to be at a college this cool.

Happy FDOC, from all the support staff who are here to help you make your way and give it all you got.

08/14/2026

Ready for the sketches. Ready for the messes. Ready for the magic.

We're just plum ready.

See you next week, designers. 🤘🐺

08/07/2026

What if the best classroom didn't have four walls?

Researchers with the College of Design's Natural Learning Initiative have spent decades demonstrating that outdoor environments can support healthier, happier and more meaningful learning experiences for children.

Their work is helping communities create spaces where play isn't separate from education, it's an essential part of it.

Learn why going outside may be one of the most powerful learning tools we have: https://go.ncsu.edu/shbujkp

08/04/2026

"The most meaningful work happens just beyond the edge of what feels certain."

For architecture alumnus Ted Givens ('95), curiosity has been the foundation of a career spanning the globe, from founding an international architecture practice in Hong Kong to designing buildings that respond to an increasingly unpredictable climate.

His work is driven by adaptability, collaboration and a belief that the best ideas often emerge through exploration. Whether sketching alongside clients or designing structures that evolve with their environment, Givens reminds us that architecture isn't just about creating places but about discovering what's possible.