April 22, 2020
APDesign renames department to include industrial design
The Department of Interior Architecture & Product Design in the College of Architecture, Planning & Design became the Department of Interior Architecture & Industrial Design in January.
Because of the ever-changing advancements and demands in design education, the development of a new program in industrial design was created. The department name change was approved by the Council of Chief Academic Officers at the January Kansas Board of Regents meeting. In addition, a new five-year industrial design master's degree program was approved for the department at the December KBOR meeting.
"With the addition of the industrial design degree to our department this name change was not only necessary, but it better reflects the nature of the programs we house," said Nathan Howe, associate professor and department head for interior architecture & industrial design. "I am excited for the department's future as we evolve and grow."
APDesign continues to be a leader in the design education industry with six programs in the college. These include the departments of architecture, landscape architecture and regional & community planning and the newly renamed interior architecture and industrial design. Each program is nationally ranked by DesignIntelligence, an industry publication that ranks design schools from all over the United States.
"The addition of a designated industrial design degree expands the capacities our college, while this name change better conveys the range of capacity and options for attracting students to the department and to the College of Architecture, Planning & Design," said Tim de Noble, college dean and fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
For those with questions on the new name or the programs offered in the department, please email iaid@k-state.edu.