Designed Objects
Department of Architecture, Interior Architecture and Designed Objects, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
Founding Chair
2007 - 2017
As founding chair, I initiated a new field of study for SAIC that focused on 3D design. Starting with a single undergraduate pilot class, I led the development of three accredited programs: an MFA in Designed Objects, an MDes in Designed Objects, and a structured undergraduate BFA pathway.
A critical aspect of my leadership was shaping curricular innovation by fostering cross-departmental collaboration.
Innovative courses that emerged from this commitment to cross-disciplinary exchange include:
Thing Lab, Digital Crafting Basics, and Flat to Fat in partnership with Sculpture
Ceramics for Designed Objects in partnership with Ceramics
Ways of Futuring in partnership with Visual and Critical Studies
The Multiples Studio in partnership with Printmaking
Runway meet Runway in partnership with the Fashion
Fundamentals of Networked Objects, Activated Objects, and Shaping Light in partnership with Art + Technology