This milestone marks an opportunity to reflect on the department’s achievements and how they are shaping the future of the design industry.
The Made In Manhattan exhibition, held April 25 at the Crossroads Hotel, was the culmination of KC Design Week, a series of events designed to bring together designers and students from all areas of the field.
At the heart of the exhibition was a celebration of student work from the Department of Interior Architecture & Industrial Design (IAID), showcasing their projects in a platform where they could connect with professionals and potential employers.
Department Head Nathan Howe’s Perspective
- Howe stated that the department’s agenda is centered on creating communities and connecting to communities.
- He emphasized that this approach is evident in the work of the department’s alumni, who consistently receive positive feedback from professionals and potential employers.
- Howe attributed this success to the department’s focus on empathy, caring, and curiosity, which he believes are essential ingredients for creating high-quality design solutions.
“We asked our professional advisory board to jury their groups, and so they essentially selected the top ten [projects] and then my committee that works on community and engagement, they curate it … down to, I think it ended up being six from each program was then shown,”
Howe explained that the exhibition is a great opportunity for students to network with professionals and learn from their experiences, and for the department to showcase its commitment to community engagement and collaboration.
Student Highlights: Jesus Barragan’s Next Project
Jesus Barragan, a senior in interior design, presented his Next project, “An Office for the Visually Impaired,” at the exhibition.
His project addressed various disabilities, including achromatopsia, and aimed to create a space that was accessible and inclusive for everyone.
“My Next project is an office that tackles disabilities — both visible and invisible disabilities,”
Barragan said. “One of the ones that I focused on was achromatopsia, which is basically seeing in black and white.”
Presenting in Kansas City was especially rewarding to Barragan, who felt a sense of connection with the local community and his family, who were able to attend the exhibition.
Department Achievements and Recognition
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| IAID Students | Consistently produce high-quality work on par with professional designers. |
| Exhibition Features | 6 projects from each program were selected for exhibition, with top-rated projects chosen by professionals and industry experts. |
| Attendees | Over 100 professionals attended the exhibition, providing feedback and validation to the students’ work. |
“The profession is blown away by the achievements of the students, the quality of work,”
Howe said.
