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News and events relevant to all students, faculty and staff of the College of Design.
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“Making Sense” exhibition explores perception, process and practice in design

Haley Simpkins
 May 1, 2026
College of Design, Landscape Architecture, University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky invites the public to experience “Making Sense”, an end-of-year showcase highlighting the breadth, creativity and impact of student work across the programs housed within the Gray Design Building. The exhibition opens May 7 in the Gray Design Building and will remain on view through early September.

A collage promoting the 20th Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars on April 29, 2026. Images show students presenting research. Event details highlight 3 sessions, 449 presentations, and over 500 students participating. The tone is celebratory and academic.

20th Annual UK Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars

Apr 29, 2026, 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Architecture, College of Design, Interiors, Product Design, Research, University of Kentucky

Hosted by the University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research, this annual event celebrates undergraduate research, scholarship and creative work from across the university. Join us in supporting our students and exploring the inspiring work of UK’s undergraduate scholars. Find the schedule for the 13 College of Design students representing us below.

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Opening May 7 Making Sense: Student Work Exhibition

May 7, 2026, 4:00 PM – Sep 1, 2026, 4:00 PM
College of Design, Landscape Architecture

Opening Reception: Thursday, May 7 | 4-6 p.m. How do we understand the world around us? Our senses shape not only what we perceive but also how we create. Making Sense, our end-of-year student exhibition, explores design as both an act of making sense and an act of engaging with the senses themselves. Featuring student projects that investigate the material, tactile and sensory dimensions of design practice, the work on display asks: which senses do we privilege in design, and what new questions emerge when we engage others? 

Three people pose indoors in front of a tall, rustic wooden sculpture known as a wind phone. The smiling group conveys a sense of warmth and camaraderie in a well-lit space.

UK architecture students build exhibit offering space for grief at Chandler Hospital

Hayden Gooding
 Apr 7, 2026
Architecture, College of Design, University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky architecture students in the College of Design have created an art exhibit that they hope brings peace and comfort to visitors passing through the lobby of the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital.

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College of Design Lecture Series Carol Ross Barney, FAIA

Apr 15, 2026, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Architecture, College of Design

Public spaces and places are essential and shape the livability and vibrancy of our cities. They embody our history, reflect our values, and inspire our future aspirations. Serving as communal hubs, these areas bring together diverse cultures and backgrounds while celebrating shared principles. Thoughtful design unlocks the full potential of public spaces, with architects playing a crucial role in fostering community and driving societal progress. Design is our superpower.

A man with a conference badge stands beside a wall displaying the text "Metropolis Future 100 Interior Design Graduates" in bold red letters on a beige background.

Interiors grad student chosen for 2026 Metropolis Future100

Haley Simpkins
 Mar 30, 2026
International, College of Design, Interiors, Research

Paymaan Taymouri, graduate student in the University of Kentucky School of Interiors, has been named to Metropolis magazine’s 2026 Future100 list, an honor recognizing the top architecture and interior design students in North America.  

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UK Art Trail 2026

Apr 16, 2026, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
College of Design, University of Kentucky

Explore creativity across campus at the UK Art Trail on Thursday, April 16, from 4–7 p.m. This self-guided walking tour invites you to discover galleries across the University of Kentucky campus, each showcasing unique exhibitions and collections.

photo of hannah dewhirst

Dewhirst named inaugural Gray Design Building Gallery Director

Haley Simpkins
 Mar 23, 2026
College of Design, Interiors, Research, University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky College of Design has appointed Hannah Dewhirst as the inaugural gallery director for the Gray Design Building Gallery, a new leadership role that will guide the development of the gallery as a hub for exhibitions, research and public engagement. 

“A colorful mind map centered on the word ‘access’ written in a red‑pink oval, with multiple arrows pointing to surrounding ovals in various colors. Most surrounding text is blurred, but one green oval in the upper left reads ‘equality for all.’ The layout appears hand‑drawn on a white surface.

Universal Design Certificate expands with new curriculum and online options

Haley Simpkins
 Mar 23, 2026
College of Design, University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky College of Design is launching a new curriculum model for the undergraduate certificate in Universal Design.

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Lecture and Workshop Dendrochronology with Dr. Maegan Rochner

Apr 3, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
College of Design, Historic Preservation

On Friday, April 3, the Department of Historic Preservation welcomes Dr. Maegan Rochner of the University of Louisville. Dr. Rochner is a nationally known dendrochronologist, whose work uses tree-ring data in a variety of contexts to help answer questions related to archaeology, geomorphology, ecology, and other fields.  Along with these areas, tree-ring dating can help to establish the age of wood used in historic structures. 

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