Thinking Creatively.
Command + N.
Inspiration.
Persistent Trying.
Love!
Fun!
more Perfect than Helvetica.
Form follows Function.
a Language.
“simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” - Leonardo da Vinci.
Art wrapped in Technology.
Starting Here at Michael Graves College of Architecture and Design!
Dean's Welcome
The Michael Graves College believes that design and architecture create a better world for people to live in. Our programs — accredited by NAAB, NASAD, and CIDA — allow students to use their most imaginative ideas to design environments where all people can thrive.
David Mohney, FAIA
WKU's College of Architecture and Design didn't just broaden my horizons—it taught me to use design to respond to reality and uncover insights. This fundamental mindset continues to shape every design decision I make, serving as the cornerstone of my professional growth.
Zitao Zhang
B.A in Architecture Studies, WKU ’2021
M. Arch, Washington University in St. Louis
Architectural Designer, Goettsch Partners
Participant, U.S. DOE Solar Decathlon Build Challenge
During my four years at WKU, the Graphic Design program's international perspective and inclusive environment deepened my understanding of design's infinite possibilities. With professors' mentorship and cross-media projects, I gained the courage and creativity to push boundaries.
Yuchen Xu
B.A. in Graphic Design, WKU '22
M.A. in Visual Communication Design, SAIC
Collaborating Artist, "Wavelength" Chicago
Good experience, good partner, good future, I've gained a lot from WKU
Yue Wang
B.A. in Graphic Design, WKU‘2019
M.A. in Motion Media Design, SCAD
Game Motion Designer, Tencent
At WKU's College of Architecture and Design, the liberal creative environment and heuristic teaching pushed me beyond conventional thinking. My mentors nurtured every idea with openness—they were not just professional guides, but beacons that ignited my passion for design.
Miao Zhang
B.A in Architecture Studies, WKU ’2021
M. Arch, Wenzhou-Kean University ‘2023
Architectural Designer, CAALADI
At WKU, I was able to become the person I wanted to be and choose the path I wanted to take—from international marketing to architecture minors, then to a Master of Architecture; from classroom theories to global practice; from the U.S. to China, then to Serbia. Life is a collection of infinite choices, and WKU was the starting point of them all.
Zhaoyu You
B.A. in International Marketing (with Architecture Minors), WKU '19
M.Arch, Boston Architectural College
Former Architectural Designer, Isgenuity (USA)
PowerChina International (Serbia)
During my studies at the College of Architecture and Design, I was fortunate to have patient and intellectually rigorous mentors who provided continuous guidance in research methodology and topic selection. The school also offered abundant academic resources and competition platforms, enabling me to closely integrate scholarly inquiry with design practice.
Ruzhen Zhao
B.A in Architecture Studies, WKU ’2022
MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies，Cambridge University
Faculty
The Michael Graves College at WKU has assembled a world-class faculty through global recruitment, bringing together leading design educators from 19 countries and regions. Every member of our faculty holds a terminal degree in architecture or design from top-ranked global institutions—reflecting the highest standards of academic and professional excellence.
Blending deep academic insight with real-world experience, many faculty members have worked at internationally acclaimed architecture firms and design studios, leading cross-cultural design projects around the globe. More than educators, they are global mentors who seamlessly connect classroom learning with real-world innovation.
With rich industry expertise and international perspectives, our faculty carry forward Michael Graves’ humanistic design philosophy while establishing WKU as a beacon of design education in Asia. Their collective wisdom is nurturing the next generation of visionary, globally minded design thinkers.
