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Welcome On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students we welcome you to the School of Design at Dunwoody College of Technology. Each year we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and reflect on our shared journey and purpose. The world needs good design (and design professionals) now more than ever. From the communities we live in, to the products we use, the content we create, and the information we consume, every aspect of our lives is impacted by our work. We are at a moment in history where the rapidly changing social, economic, and technological environments demand more of us, and Dunwoody students are up to the challenge. Our students never fail to inspire with their ingenuity, dedication, passion, and grit. We hope that this book adequately captures their creative spirit and the pride we feel in their success. The book accompanies our School of Design Expo; an annual celebration that highlights and showcases our graduates and their work. It provides a glimpse into the life of our vibrant and diverse learning community and serves as a record of this moment in time. The design and layout of this book was executed entirely by our talented students under the guidance of our faculty. We are extremely grateful for their vision and dedication in bringing this project to life. We would also like to acknowledge the continued support of our industry partners, mentors, alumni, Program Advisory Committees (PAC), friends, and families who play a crucial role in supporting our students. Industry demand for our graduates remains strong, and for good reason. While each of our programs has a distinct focus, they all share a common underpinning grounded in a handson applied education coupled with real-world problem solving. “Born to Do” is more than a slogan, it embodies the ethos that keeps us grounded and drives us forward. We trust that you will find these values reflected in the pages ahead and invite you to connect with us, get involved, and help us celebrate our 2025 graduates. Our future is in great hands!
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Trevor Bullen Academic Dean, School of Design
Korrin Howard Associate Dean, School of Design
Faculty & Staff
Daniel Abeln Jessica Ainsworth-Truong Marissa Alexander Twee Andersen Paul Bauknight Meagan Benson Jamie Bieser Andrew Blaisdell Jennifer Brandel Trevor Bullen Doreen Chirwa Jack Dalke Christy Davis
Peter Deutz Maria Doku Tarek El-Akkad Beata Fleischmann Pam Glander Korrin Howard Claire Huffaker Katie Kangas Jess Kiel-Wornson Jennifer Klein Ken Koense Kate Lamers Choy Leow
Lisa Loudon Colin Montoute Erin Moren Taylor Morgan Sarah North Alissa Nystrom Kelly Owata Jeff Pauling Jena Quast Jolene Santema Robbie Seltzer Alonso Sierralta Melissa Sisk
Brian Smith Paul Strother Darya Tenenbaum Rachel Vig Jon Wacker Lauren Wells James Wheeler Bruce Wright Dan Zutter
GET INVOLVED
Learn more about how to get involved! For doers, there’s no better home than Dunwoody. Here, an entire generation of makers, problem solvers, and innovators reside to transform their passions into professions.
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Program Advisory Committee
Summer Camp
Guest Reviewers
Speaker Series
Post Job Opportunities
Project Partnerships and Tours
Career Fair and Campus Events
Scholarships and Sponsorships Joining us as Faculty
SPONSORS
To our 2025 Design Expo Industry partners We appreciate all you do and thank you for your support!
SmartPress
Intectural
Dunwoody Print Services
The Bernard Group
BWBR
Anchor Paper Company
Pella
Target
Liberty Packaging
Contents Interior Design Sydney Branz.............................................................10 Hailee Carr..................................................................12 Riley DeVries..............................................................14 Destiny Haag Rampersad...................................16 S. Murphy.....................................................................18 Mari Simonson.........................................................20
Eden Kounthapanya..............................................58 Rebecca Larson......................................................60 Benjamin Mathews................................................62 Chloe Plante..............................................................64 Larry Sanchez..........................................................66 Tila Sar.........................................................................68 Ivan Sari.......................................................................70 Janeve Silva............................................................... 72 Elsie Thorstenson................................................... 74
Architectural Drafting & Design Leah Asiala................................................................24 Jackson Bouressa...................................................26 Alyssa Broska...........................................................28 Drew Buchmayer....................................................30 Christian Caizapanta.............................................32 Dylan Caye.................................................................34 Leneya Patrice Dawkins......................................36 Marina Dupre............................................................38 Fletcher Dypwick....................................................40 Jacob Galvin..............................................................42 Amanda Hanson.....................................................44 Cosette Jaeger..........................................................46 Hamdi Jama...............................................................48 Lindsey Jamieson...................................................50 Annie Juncal Rodriguez.......................................52 Ben Kerber.................................................................54 Garrison Kizzier.......................................................56
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Emma Uphoff............................................................ 76 Liza Wallace.............................................................. 78 Jasmine Wegleitner................................................80
Bachelor of Architecture Cole Barbeau............................................................84 David Bilotta..............................................................86 Jonathan Cruz Estrada.........................................88
Maxwell Timonen..................................................140 Nicholas Turner...................................................... 142 Niall-Julian Universe............................................144 Pwapedeino Wonosikou...................................146
Evan Davis..................................................................90 Zackary Dresselhaus............................................92 Mikayla Epps.............................................................94
Graphic Design & Production
Anna Hendrickson.................................................96
DJ Alexander...........................................................150
Olivia Hunter.............................................................98
Nik Dainsberg......................................................... 152
Mina Hunter-Baltes.............................................100
Drake Gustafson...................................................154
Ethan Inklebarger.................................................102
Lynval Jackson.......................................................156
Lauren Johnson.....................................................104
Abby Kretzschmar...............................................158
Billie Johnson..........................................................106
Tshaj-Luag Lee......................................................160
Otto Knudsen..........................................................108
Elise McNab............................................................ 162
Madeline Kummer.................................................110
Abbi Mendius..........................................................164
Sean Lerach.............................................................112
Sydney Ouellette...................................................166
Sam Lopez Ruiz......................................................114
Anika Pramann......................................................168
Nathan Luzindya....................................................116
Jack Salo................................................................... 170
Zavien Neal...............................................................118
Adelyn Stone........................................................... 172
Mia-Rose Peters....................................................120
Yasmine Tchida.......................................................174
Carlos Reyes Mendez......................................... 122 Jackie Ruiz-Gomez............................................... 124 Olena Safonova..................................................... 126 Amy Sexton.............................................................128 Elida Silveira............................................................130 Gabriel Smisson.................................................... 132 Kirsten Smith..........................................................134 Reid Tessness.........................................................136 Elizabeth Thomas.................................................138
INTERIOR DESIGN
Dunwoody’s Interior Design Program is a four-year Bachelor of Science degree accredited by CIDA. A degree from Dunwoody’s School of Design involves community engagement, leadership in the profession, and a responsibility to health, safety, and well-being. Our distinctive position within a college of technology gives us access to collaborations across a variety of technical disciplines. Our students
work intimately with industry software and fabrication tools, and learn from industry experts. Students understand depth of concept, design theories, material integrity, and spatial relationships, allowing them to present unique designs to peers and industry professionals.
Our Graduates are Industry-Ready & Born to Design
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Sydney Branz What advice would I give to my first-year self? I would advise my first-year self to embrace the discomfort of growth, to be a lifelong learner, and to trust the process. The rewards along the way will exceed our expectations. What is your greatest design strength? I believe my greatest design strength lies within bringing concepts to life through thoughtful space planning and a strong understanding of materiality and color. What was your most enjoyable project and why? The hospitality project, specifically the hotel design, was the most enjoyable to date. I appreciated the opportunity to explore more unconventional design solutions and create a space with a distinct personality. The project’s unique requirements allowed me to express my own creative vision in a way that felt both challenging and deeply rewarding. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My most significant takeaway from Dunwoody is the combination of incredible opportunities, a valuable education, and unforgettable memories. What is your dream job? My dream job is with a commercial hospitality firm where I can grow as a designer while contributing to a team that creates impactful and transformative spaces.
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Describe yourself in three words
Visionary Compassionate Ambitious
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Hailee Carr What advice would I give to my first-year self? Stay curious, ask questions, and seek inspiration everywhere. What is your greatest design strength? Design ideation and sketching. What was your most enjoyable project and why? The lamp design project was my favorite because I was able to learn and apply hands-on skills throughout the process. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? I appreciate the emphasis on conceptual design and hands-on learning at Dunwoody. What is your dream job? Working on a diverse range of projects with expressive concepts to showcase my creativity, ultimately designing impactful and memorable spaces.
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Describe yourself in three words
Expressive Intuitive Meticulous
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Riley DeVries What advice would I give to my first-year self? My advice for my first-year self would be to stay organized and to manage my time effectively. What is your greatest design strength? My design strengths are creating strong concepts, executing design styles, and being able to think differently to solve problems. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project was creating a lamp. I liked being able to create drawings and Revit designs and use them to craft a physical project. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway from Dunwoody is learning how to solve problems using the design process. I also learned how important collaboration is for creating a successful design. What is your dream job? My dream job would be to work in hospitality design. I would also like to work with products; I have a passion for furniture, lighting and finishes.
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Describe yourself in three words
Positive Calm Creative
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Destiny Haag-Rampersad What advice would I give to my first-year self? Lean into industry connections and resources. What is your greatest design strength? Conveying emotive tones, being curious, looking for the why and how. Finding innovation within restrictions. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My lamp project in Furniture Lab. Learning hands-on machine fabrication methods that work with the 3D modeling software was empowering. Also, my senior capstone, I enjoyed the research and social impact components of this. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Keep dreaming and don’t play it small! What is your dream job? Continuous learning, integrating holistic practices and diverse perspectives, collaborating with the community and expanding my network.
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Describe yourself in three words
Tenacious Visionary Exploratory
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S. Murphy What advice would I give to my first-year self? Rely on existing resources, tour more built environments, and experience architecture as a form of research. What is your greatest design strength? My biggest strength in design is redefining what prioritizing function in design looks like. People use these spaces for services and care, but that doesn’t mean that design can’t be integrated and become part of the function itself. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I enjoyed building and wiring my own lamp in Furniture Lab. It was great to create something completely custom out of unique materials such as metal mesh and a broken saw blade! What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? There should always be solid reasoning and research to support your design decisions. How you present yourself and your work can be almost as important as the work itself. What is your dream job? My dream job is to design spaces that positively impact mental well-being, such as cultural centers or behavioral health facilities.
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Describe yourself in three words
Intentional Explorative Motivated
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Mari Simonson What advice would I give to my first-year self? Find a balance. What is your greatest design strength? I have a strong sense of how people will move through and interact with a space. I love designing functional spaces that feel natural and comfortable to be in. What was your most enjoyable project and why? The third-year hospitality studio project; I really enjoy hospitality design, and the challenge we had to blend different aesthetics between the hotel, restaurant, and surrounding location made for dynamic concepts. It was a great opportunity to explore how design can create a cohesive yet distinct experience within a single project. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway is the importance of community. Having a cohort to experience school with made everything easier, more inspiring, and more meaningful. Being able to learn, collaborate, and support each other not only helped with projects but also shaped my growth as a designer. What is your dream job? My dream job is one where I can use my creativity to make a meaningful impact on others.
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Describe yourself in three words
Eclectic Intentional Calm
ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTING & DESIGN
Dunwoody’s Architecture Programs are uniquely structured as two-plus-three stackable credentials: Associate of Applied Science & Bachelor of Architecture. Accredited by NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) and participating in IPAL (Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure), the program is structured to reduce barriers to the practice of architecture. A degree from Dunwoody’s School of Design involves community engagement and social responsibility, both locally
and globally. Our distinctive position within a college of technology gives us access to collaborations across a variety of technical disciplines. Our students work intimately with fabrication tools, participate in design-build projects, and present unique designs to peers and industry professionals.
Our Graduates are Industry-Ready & Born to Design
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Leah Asiala What advice would I give to my first-year self? To take advantage of the resources that Dunwoody offers, and to ask for help when needed. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength is problem-solving when faced with programmatic, spatial, and functional restraints. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My favorite project was designing a commercial space for the ground floor of the Brunsfield apartment building. It was our first major design project, and it was exciting to reimagine the use of an existing building while utilizing new software. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway is the importance of building strong connections within the industry and learning from experienced professionals to promote growth in my career. What is your dream job? My dream job would be designing buildings that improve communities by bringing people with shared interests together.
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Describe yourself in three words
Creative Quality-focused Resourceful
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Jackson Bouressa What advice would I give to my first-year self? Spend more time on the small details. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength would be my creativity and dedication towards my projects. What was your most enjoyable project and why? The fishbowl project because the design criteria told us it was entirely up to us how we design this build. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? You should always give yourself more time to work. What is your dream job? Owning my own firm one day making and designing creative homes.
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Describe yourself in three words
Passionate Dedicated Confident
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Alyssa Broska What advice would I give to my first-year self? Manage your time well. There will be times when you will have to spend several hours outside of school working on a project that takes longer than you would initially suspect. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength would be my attention to detail. I have always been a perfectionist and like to double or triple check whatever I’m working on to make sure I don’t miss anything that needs to be updated or taken away. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project was the case study accessory dwelling unit (ADU) we designed during the 2024 Fall semester. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway has been the development of my perspective of the world around me. When I first considered going to school for architecture, I thought it would be as simple as learning how to find a site and start designing. I didn’t know yet about the importance of considering things like how the building impacts the environment. What is your dream job? My dream job once I graduate with my Associates would be to work as a CAD drafter. I would love to be able to take designs and ideas and bring them to life.
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Describe yourself in three words
Adaptable Good listener Open-minded
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Drew Buchmayer What advice would I give to my first-year self? To focus on the future as the past is set and the future is moldable. What is your greatest design strength? Whatever I put my mind to. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My favorite project was probably The Brunsfield. It gave us creative freedom but also taught us the basics for a building. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway is the ability to collaborate with peers. What is your dream job? My dream job ideally would be making it off investments but realistically it would be working as a draftsman, then investing in real estate.
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Describe yourself in three words
Creative Witty Caring
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Christian Caizapanta What advice would I give to my first-year self? To not get stuck on small details when I should be focusing on other things. What is your greatest design strength? I believe my greatest strength is my attention to detail. What was your most enjoyable project and why? The project I’m enjoying most is the dorm project I’m currently working on in my Capstone class. I feel at my best and that I can use everything I’ve learned so far to make this project better than anything I’ve previously done. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? The most important lesson I’ve learned at Dunwoody is that learning opportunities are everywhere if you look for them. What is your dream job? My dream is to be in a position where I can integrate my love and knowledge of music with architecture and design.
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Describe yourself in three words
Meticulous Intentional Dedicated
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Dylan Caye What advice would I give to my first-year self? Ask a lot of questions even if you think they don’t matter. Every question is a good question and people are always willing to help out. What is your greatest design strength? Being bold. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I would have to say getting to design my own office building second year first semester. Coming up with a design that my team all agreed on and getting to bring it to life with Revit was awesome. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway is that I’m leaving Dunwoody with a deep understanding of the design process. What is your dream job? Running my own firm designing high-end buildings.
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Describe yourself in three words
Thoughtful Determined Respectful
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Leneya Patrice Dawkins What advice would I give to my first-year self? You have a beautiful mind, trust it! What is your greatest design strength? Thinking outside of the box and creativity. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Watching life during site analysis. It was peaceful and inspiring. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway is that we are born to do and to persevere. I can accomplish anything with support and belief in myself! What is your dream job? My dream job would be to become a principal architect in Los Angeles, CA by 2035
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Describe yourself in three words
Bold Conceptual Social Butterfly
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Marina Dupre What advice would I give to my first-year self? To breathe, to have confidence in myself and my work. That this is just the beginning of my career, and that the weight of the world is not on my shoulders. These are just the first steps, this is the time to be creative and different, to find who I am in this industry. What is your greatest design strength? I am detail-oriented, methodical with my work, and I incredibly enjoy BIM Modeling in Revit. What was your most enjoyable project and why? In my second year of the AAS we did a Case Study house, the Eames house, and we were tasked to design an Accessibility Dwelling Unit on the lot. I really enjoyed the process of the project. Being able to learn the process of design and applying it. To learn more about my strengths and weaknesses of design. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? That connections matter; the time I have at Dunwoody I need to take every opportunity to network and put my best foot forward. What is your dream job? I am still learning what area of architecture I like most. So far, I have enjoyed projects that utilize sustainability and community. A job that allows me to explore and grow my knowledge of Revit.
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Describe yourself in three words
Compassionate Enthusiastic Methodical
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Fletcher Dypwick What advice would I give to my first-year self? To not be afraid of taking inspiration or advice from others during the design process. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength is problem solving and balancing creativity with functionality, ensuring my designs are both visually compelling and practical. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My building codes studio project because I learned so much about building codes and regulations. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Learning the importance of attention to detail, not just mastering programs like Revit and Bluebeam, but also understanding how to apply those skills effectively in real-world projects. What is your dream job? Being able to have not only creative control but also be skilled enough to step up to high responsibility in projects.
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Describe yourself in three words
Detail Oriented Collaborative Innovative
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Jacob Galvin What advice would I give to my first-year self? Build connections with your classmates; these connections will only benefit you as you continue your education path. What is your greatest design strength? I come from a construction background so I understand how certain things come together in the real world. This helps separate possible vs impossible design strategies. What was your most enjoyable project and why? During our first year we rebuilt an existing commercial project in Minneapolis. This was my first time drafting in Revit and it was very satisfying learning the software. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? How to manage time and complete tasks in a timely manner, which directly relates to the workplace. What is your dream job? To work in custom homes and be a custom homes builder. Building barndominiums for clients with a vision.
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Describe yourself in three words
Ambitious Creative Honest
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Amanda Hanson What advice would I give to my first-year self? Don’t overthink your design! What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength is creating practical and functional designs that don’t sacrifice aesthetics. I focus on making sure everything serves a purpose while still looking great, balancing usability and style! What was your most enjoyable project and why? I enjoyed working on the Brunsfield project! It was our first big design project and it was fun to push my design and technical skills. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway is the importance of being well rounded. Our classes have covered a wide range of topics that all play a huge role in a successful design. What is your dream job? My dream job would be working in a place where I design community spaces for people to come together. I am passionate about creating environments that foster connection, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
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Describe yourself in three words
Creative Detail-oriented Driven
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Cosette Jaeger What advice would I give to my first-year self? Take initiative and ask for help. My first semester I tended to stick to myself and do all my work by myself even though there were resources and people who could help me. What is your greatest design strength? I have a great respect for historical architecture and existing environment, and that personal respect impacts how I make design decisions. What was your most enjoyable project and why? The Boiler House Hotel was my favorite. Within this project, we had to take the condemned boiler house of the RSP office building and create a boutique hotel within it. I found the combination of historical architecture and luxury design to be so much fun. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Take initiative. Dunwoody has given me amazing opportunities and resources, but they mean nothing if I don’t take advantage of them. What is your dream job? One of my favorite buildings is Providence Academy Center for the Arts. It is a new structure that was built in a Georgian colonial style. I can’t describe in words how gorgeous this building is and how much I love it. All this to say, my dream job would be to create classically styled buildings, such as this school.
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Describe yourself in three words
Enthusiastic Creative Authentic
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Hamdi Jama What advice would I give to my first-year self? “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Trust yourself and BE CONFIDENT. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength is a strong visual communication. To be able to use drawing, images, and diagrams to share and present my ideas, as opposed to using words. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I really enjoyed working on the Dunwoody housing project, because it was my first time going through the design process by myself. I was able to collaborate with others in my class and learn how to present to clients. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway from my time at Dunwoody is to always bring your best self. Bringing your “best self” helps you demonstrate confidence, respect, and eagerness to learn. What is your dream job? My dream job is to become a licensed architect.
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Describe yourself in three words
Patient Honest Reliable
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Lindsey Jamieson What advice would I give to my first-year self? Get work done early so you have time to finesse at the end. Also, watch all of the supplemental technical videos. What is your greatest design strength? I really enjoy developing a narrative and discovering the full breadth of a project. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My favorite project was the case study house and ADU. I enjoy residential construction and the challenge of designing within existing design parameters. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Confidence and technical ability. I have met so many people who prize Dunwoody graduates. It makes me feel ready to enter the workforce. What is your dream job? I would love to design custom homes but wouldn’t turn down anything in emerging technologies. I am drawn to mass timber and prefab construction.
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Describe yourself in three words
Thoughtful Curious Mom
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Annie Juncal Rodriguez What advice would I give to my first-year self? My best piece of advice for my first-year self would be to not be afraid to ask questions. Embrace curiosity and recognize that seeking help or clarification is a strength, not a weakness. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength is adaptability and problem-solving. I approach each project with a fresh perspective, carefully trying to balance creativity with practicality. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Designing an eye clinic was my most enjoyable project, as it was the first time I designed something on my own. It taught me the entire architectural process, challenged me, and reinforced the importance of creating spaces that prioritize the needs of users. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway is the power of collaboration. Working with classmates and instructors taught me how to approach design challenges from diverse perspectives, refining my ability to adapt, communicate, and integrate ideas to create stronger, more innovative solutions. What is your dream job? I envision a role working on diverse projects, from residential to commercial, integrating sustainable design principles.
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Describe yourself in three words
Ambitious Analytical Empathetic
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Ben Kerber What advice would I give to my first-year self? Start making connections with faculty and professionals right away. What is your greatest design strength? Attention to detail. I try my best to make sure nothing has been overlooked or forgotten. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Working on the Boiler House renovation at the historic Grain Belt brewery. In this project, we converted the empty space into a boutique hotel. I enjoyed this project because I had the opportunity to use two different styles of architecture in one building. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Learning software. I have learned so much about it in the past two years. What is your dream job? Working in residential architecture.
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Describe yourself in three words
Creative Hardworking Organized
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Garrison Kizzier What advice would I give to my first-year self? Everything adds up! I have used things I learned in my very first site class in every semester since, and I find that my primary studio projects are a lot more robust when I can integrate work from other classes. What is your greatest design strength? From both classes and marketing work, I have acquired an eye for creating a cohesive brand identity, which shows up all the time in my architecture projects and presentations. Making everything “speak the same language” can really sell a vision. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I had a lot of fun with the site diagramming we did right away in our first semester—we had a lot of different information to lay out, and seeing it all come together in the end was very satisfying. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? It is always an inspiration to see my fellow classmates’ work when we do reviews or presentations! There are so many different creative solutions to the same prompts, and I can always find something I want to try out myself on a future project. What is your dream job? Ever since we built our family lake house when I was very young, I have always been drawn to cabins and retreat homes. I love that each site has such unique potential to integrate with nature, and the floor plans are so open to encourage people to come together. 56
Describe yourself in three words
Versatile Inquisitive Meticulous
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Eden Kounthapanya What advice would I give to my first-year self? Don’t be afraid to ask for help or ask questions. What is your greatest design strength? My strongest design skill is thoughtfully considering and assigning a purpose to every element of the design. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I had lots of fun working on the Brunsfield building. It was when we were able to dive into a new software (Revit) and just have fun with it. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway from Dunwoody is to just try things. As a student coming here straight out of high school, it was a matter of learning how to change my thinking from a high school work ethic to a Dunwoody ethic. What is your dream job? My dream job is to work on custom houses. I feel that everyone has a dream house or specific things that they aren’t able to find in the housing market. Making custom houses are sweet, simple, and meaningful.
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Describe yourself in three words
Humorous Intelligent Innovative
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Rebecca Larson What advice would I give to my first-year self? Ask a lot of questions. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength is planning. It allows me to be creative with space limitations and use each space to their fullest potential. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project was the boutique hotel. We were given a building that was a part of the Grain Belt Brewery complex and needed to create a boutique hotel that would bring the community to this historical site. We had limited space and certain guidelines to follow, making it more of a challenge. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway from my time at Dunwoody is how to go through the design process. The design process is important because it makes sure that your project is safe and functional while also meeting the needs of the client. What is your dream job? My dream job would be to design custom homes.
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Describe yourself in three words
Adventurous Dependable Efficient
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Benjamin Mathews What advice would I give to my first-year self? Make a work schedule for yourself. What is your greatest design strength? I like to keep my designs practical and simple. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I enjoyed building a cardboard model of my kitchen because I got to use my hands to make something physical. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Learning a professional work ethic. Dunwoody taught me to complete assignments in a timely manner and to fully dedicate myself to each project. What is your dream job? I would love to work for myself in the country designing cabins and country houses.
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Describe yourself in three words
Dedicated Reliable Adaptable
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Chloe Plante What advice would I give to my first-year self? Stay organized!! It’s okay to not be good at everything you first start learning. What is your greatest design strength? Creating concepts. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Building an ADU for a case study house first semester of second year! I really enjoyed having free reign in design for a residential structure. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Technological learning has been very important and I think it’s unique to Dunwoody. What is your dream job? Working for an architecture firm and being part of a creative design team.
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Describe yourself in three words
Creative Inspired Dedicated
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Larry Sanchez What advice would I give to my first-year self? Get a portable monitor, and don’t be afraid to explore ideas more. What is your greatest design strength? I would say sketching, and that’s something I would like to develop further as I continue into the B. Arch program. What was your most enjoyable project and why? The Boutique Hotel group project from last semester. It was a very thorough project and we got to meet and present to professionals throughout its duration; a Historic Preservationist, Interior Designers, and Architects familiar with the building. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Participating in the 2024 Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition for the NOMA conference in Baltimore, MD. I got to be part of a diverse team from different year groups within our Architectural program, and got to learn directly from peers further along in the program in a collaborative group. What is your dream job? I would travel internationally for work or work overseas. Pros would outweigh the cons, and I would be working there because I’m happy, and not just because they pay well.
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Describe yourself in three words
Adventurous Creative Thoughtful
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Tila Sar What advice would I give to my first-year self? Don’t stick with a design because you know it’s simple. Explore what interests you and find ways to achieve your desired goals. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength is being able to selfevaluate. I know my skill levels and I can reflect on myself to make better projects. I am able to find areas for improvement and make new goals. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I enjoyed designing the architecture office the most because it was the project where I got the most creative freedom. I got to choose how my design looked and functioned, while working alongside my partner. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway from learning at Dunwoody was realizing how connections can really take you far if you play your cards right. No matter how big or small the connection is, there is always going to be a chance for you to take to get to the right path to success. What is your dream job? My ideal job would involve working on innovative design projects that push the boundaries of creativity. Collaborating with a diverse team to create designs that solve real problems, while also having room to experiment and explore new ideas, not only benefits teamwork, but it helps my professional growth as well. 68
Describe yourself in three words
Considerate Appreciative Cooperative
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Ivan Sari What advice would I give to my first-year self? Stay on top of your work and remain focused. What is your greatest design strength? My creativity. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I would say The Brunsfield, as it was my first project in Revit, and it allowed me to be really creative and have no restrictions/limitations. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway is that everyone is unique due to how everyone has different ideas and views regarding designs. What is your dream job? Anywhere that I can feel eager and happy to go to work.
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Describe yourself in three words
Disciplined Determined Confident
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Janeve Silva What advice would I give to my first-year self? Don’t rush to make decisions or plans for life; instead, enjoy life. What is your greatest design strength? My strength is my ability to think analytically and creatively which leads to innovation. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I enjoyed designing my eco friendly cabin because this project allowed me to learn more about Revit, research strategies for making more sustainable buildings, and think creatively about space-planning within an unconventional, small home. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway is becoming more resilient and mindful. During my two years at Dunwoody, I’ve faced many challenges that have taught me to work more efficiently, stay positive, and grow in confidence. At the same time, I remind myself that I am much more than the challenges I face. What is your dream job? It would likely be an interdisciplinary role where I could utilize my skills from architecture, design, problem solving, and storytelling. I’d be surrounded by a welcoming community that encourages and teaches new perspectives.
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Describe yourself in three words
Creative Driven Insightful
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Elsie Thorstenson What advice would I give to my first-year self? Don’t sweat the small stuff! What is your greatest design strength? Building organization and space planning. What was your most enjoyable project and why? The boiler house project, I loved being able to really study hotels and their programming to design our own boutique hotel. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Collaboration is key, it’s important to get used to working with others in this industry. I really had to break out of my shy bubble and collaborate with peers. What is your dream job? I would love to find a job in large scale design projects like hotels, resorts, and casinos.
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Describe yourself in three words
Dedicated Inspired Organized
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Emma Uphoff What advice would I give to my first-year self? Push yourself beyond your creative boundaries. Embrace the process of creating without obsessing over perfection. What is your greatest design strength? I believe my greatest design strength is my attention to detail. I genuinely care about the small elements that make a design come together, and I always strive to ensure that every aspect meets my high standards of quality and precision. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I had the opportunity to design an architect’s office which allowed me to tap into my creativity. I truly enjoyed the process and really learned a lot about construction documents and how much is truly involved in the process. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway is being okay with constructive criticism. I used to get upset with criticism but it has truly helped me with projects and is helping me succeed. “The only people who never fail are the ones who never try anything new, so be open to feedback.” What is your dream job? My dream job would be in a creative atmosphere that truly strives to help each individual become the best version of themselves, fostering personal growth and self-expression.
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Describe yourself in three words
Hardworking Ambitious Eager
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Liza Wallace What advice would I give to my first-year self? Don’t marry the first idea. Not getting attached allows you to stay open to newer and greater possibilities. What is your greatest design strength? I think my greatest strength in design would be that I’m always looking for ways to improve and expand on my creativity. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project would have to be working on personal projects at home, using what I have learned in class and applying it to personal projects. Personal projects give me full range of creativity. They also allow me to experiment, make mistakes and use what I’ve learned in studio. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? The biggest takeaway is a combination of technical and personal growth. Because the self-awareness I have gained so far will help me with future projects and over-all career choices. What is your dream job? My dream job would be at a nice size firm, working with a team to make design choices.
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Describe yourself in three words
Gentle Bright Kind
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Jasmine Wegleitner What advice would I give to my first-year self? Do what you love. What is your greatest design strength? Using unique materials and thinking outside of the box. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I liked the building design from year two semester one. I liked the ability to be creative and build something that would benefit the community I spend so much time in. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? The ability the channel my creativity into creating buildings. What is your dream job? I would like to work with clients in early development.
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Describe yourself in three words
Creative Colorful Hard working
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE
Dunwoody’s Architecture Programs are uniquely structured as two-plus-three stackable credentials: Associate of Applied Science & Bachelor of Architecture. Accredited by NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) and an IPAL (Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure) participant, the Bachelor of Architecture program is structured to reduce barriers to the practice of architecture. A degree from Dunwoody’s School of Design prepares students for careers in
architecture, building design, and construction industries. Our distinctive position within a college of technology gives us access to collaborations across a variety of technical disciplines. Our students work intimately with physical modeling and digital fabrication as they learn design technologies and industry standards.
Our Graduates are Industry-Ready & Born to Design
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Cole Barbeau What advice would I give to my first-year self? Start assignments early enough to go back and double check it. What is your greatest design strength? Being able to figure out how to make the pieces fit together in a cohesive manner. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My first one. I learned so much that I didn’t know I needed to, which improved my skills a lot. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway from Dunwoody is that it is important to research the area and the people around your site. What is your dream job? Architect
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Describe yourself in three words
Loyal Genuine Dedicated
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David Bilotta What advice would I give to my first-year self? Just start. Don’t think so much at the onset. There’s plenty of time to discover the right moves, but you won’t find them until you prove the other ones wrong. What is your greatest design strength? I think diagramming and graphic communication. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Year one, semester one when we learned to hand draft a hybrid Plan/Section of “Sky Pesher.” Although rudimentary, for me it steeled my novice nerves and invigorated my spirit for the possibilities ahead. It proved to me my potential was limited only by the accepted perception of my abilities. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? The best way to learn is to “DO” whatever it is you want to learn. Just go for it and stay observant. Failure is a tool for learning, and iteration is the path to full comprehension. What is your dream job? My goals are quite humble when compared to most of the profession. My dream job is to be a solepractitioner or partner in a small firm that designs for people (as opposed to large corporations), where the mark of success is hearing the words “That’s exactly what I’d envisioned!”
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Describe yourself in three words
Passionate Contemplative Precise
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Jonathan Cruz Estrada What advice would I give to my first-year self? My advice for myself would be to get an internship early on. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength would be problem solving. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project would be the student housing project I did for my second year because I got to design a variety of programs within my building. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest take away from Dunwoody is how engaging the classes were with our professors, like being able to get feedback and having critiques. What is your dream job? My dream job would be doing residential work in other countries.
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Describe yourself in three words
Optimistic Humorous Caring
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Evan Davis What advice would I give to my first-year self? You can’t design a building in your head. Get things on paper and start sketching, writing, and modeling as soon as possible. And close your laptop at 9 p.m. every night. Get some sleep. What is your greatest design strength? Carrying a concept through all phases of a project and creating a consistent design language to help inform decisions throughout the process. What was your most enjoyable project and why? The Mississippi River Learning Center because of how unique the site was. Designing with such a strong influence from natural site forces like rivers, bluffs, and tree canopies led to my favorite execution of concept. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Learning how to iterate and find solutions to problems through trying and failing and trying again is an invaluable skill that I will take forward and hopefully keep improving on. What is your dream job? Historic Tour Guide. Or Cheeseburger Critic. Can’t decide.
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Describe yourself in three words
Figuring It Out
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Zackary Dresselhaus What advice would I give to my first-year self? I’d say looking at buildings programmatically, compared to just aesthetically, will prove to be beneficial. Breaking down a buildings program to comprehend why it is desirable space will help inform your own designs. What is your greatest design strength? I’d say my greatest design strength lies within the ability to understand the needs of the client, on a micro and macro scale, and using that as the foundation to design around. What was your most enjoyable project and why? The 3rd precinct site was easily my favorite project. Working on an emotionally charged site, such as this one, required great care and sensitivity. Designing for a site with many socio-political ramifications was fulfilling to me as an architectural student. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? One of the most important things I’ve learned at Dunwoody is to get hands on with your work. Different ideas should be explored through different means. What is your dream job? I know many architects want to set out and start their own practice, and perhaps I will too at some point. As of now though, my dream job is one that provides me with a sense of agency. It’s one that makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile, to help address community needs in impactful ways. 92
Describe yourself in three words
Adaptable Affable Optimistic
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Mikayla Epps What advice would I give to my first-year self? To not get stuck on the small details and to keep moving forward and always believe in yourself. What is your greatest design strength? Having aesthetic/sustainable considerations as I believe beauty and good quality design has an affect in the way a person feels or performs. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Fabrication Studio with Bruce Wright because in this studio I learned more about structures, fabrication, and materials. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? I have learned a lot of self discipline when it comes to projects, as well as keeping a positive mindset throughout the process of designing. What is your dream job? Being a designer that travels to work on projects that impact different communities and improve environments.
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Describe yourself in three words
Insightful Open-minded Considerate
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Anna Hendrickson What advice would I give to my first-year self? There are no stupid questions, the only way to find out is to ask. What is your greatest design strength? Having a vision in my head and making it come together in design programs, as well as making all of my drawings, diagrams, and renderings come together on my boards to look good. What was your most enjoyable project and why? City & Site studio was my favorite project because of the creative freedom our professor gave to us. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Your professors and peers want you to succeed with your projects as much as you want yourself to succeed. What is your dream job? Sports Facility Architect
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Describe yourself in three words
Kind Introverted Passionate
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Olivia Hunter What advice would I give to my first-year self? Trust the process. What is your greatest design strength? I think in 3D. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Making a chair because it was really fun to actually build something. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Trust the process. What is your dream job? I don’t have one. I think they are too limiting on potential.
Describe yourself in three words
Introvert Dependable Creative
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Mina Hunter-Baltes What advice would I give to my first-year self? Get rid of your fear early—Raise your hand, ask your questions. People are kinder more often than they aren’t. What is your greatest design strength? Concepting and synthesizing. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My fourth year fall studio was focused around designing for a specific group of people, but otherwise we had near complete design freedom. I was able to focus on designing for a specific problem and chasing that lead to the end in new and creative ways. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Lean into your curiosity, because you never know what will come from it. What is your dream job? Architect specializing in sustainability or an author.
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Describe yourself in three words
Jovial Passionate Loyal
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Ethan Inklebarger What advice would I give to my first-year self? Enjoy the time that you have within where you are currently in your journey. Your life can, and will, change in an instant without you realizing it, until it is too late for you to savor the moments you were just in. What is your greatest design strength? I have a pretty strong technical capability; however, I would rather like to think that my innate ability to utilize my mind’s eye in conceptual stages are strongest. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I had many enjoyable projects throughout my schooling, not exclusive to Dunwoody itself. On one project, I was expected to design a row boating team’s club. The catch? It had to be built over the lake in which the races might be held. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Design is not confined by your initial assessment and assumptions of the options presented for any given project. You have to be stubborn to find the right answer. After all, “architects spend an entire life with this unreasonable idea that you can fight against gravity.” ~ Renzo Piano What is your dream job? Visualization Architect; Project Architect
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Describe yourself in three words
Analytical Adaptable Completionist
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Lauren Johnson What advice would I give to my first-year self? Do not procrastinate! What is your greatest design strength? My strong technical skills. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Bruce Vento was my favorite project to design because of the challenging topography on site. I have a passion for education and have spent a lot of my time in schools, so this was a very fun project! What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Taking the time to create personal relationships with professors and peers to feel like you have a home and a solid support group. What is your dream job? To constantly be learning and improving my skills, this industry never stops growing or changing!
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Describe yourself in three words
Enthusiastic Reliable Persistent
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Billie Johnson What advice would I give to my first-year self? Manage your time well, because time is precious. What is your greatest design strength? Determination and creativity. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project was creating a space for the homeless. It felt good to make a space for them that had resources as well a place to sleep and have an impact on those in need. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? That architecture is a field that is far more complex and detailed than just design. Also the skills and knowledge I have obtained. What is your dream job? My dream job is to become a project manager for a residential firm.
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Describe yourself in three words
Hardworking Compassionate Creative
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Otto Knudsen What advice would I give to my first-year self? Trust the process. What is your greatest design strength? Communicating ideas and telling the story of a site. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Andrew Blaisdell’s “Recipe” assignment. We found the best pieces of representational architecture on Pinterest and broke it down to actionable steps in order to create our own interpretations. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Iterate, iterate, and then iterate again. What is your dream job? Working on giant buildings before eventually ending up designing and making bird houses.
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Describe yourself in three words
Ambitious Versatile Curious
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Madeline Kummer What advice would I give to my first-year self? My advice to my first-year self would be to explore more ideas and not to worry so much about the “right” answer. Design exists in a gray world, there is not always black and white answers to design problems. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength is the ability to relate a building or experience to something specific, especially surrounding buildings and environment. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project was fourth year fabrication studio taught by Bruce Wright. We explored temporary modular structures where certain design considerations like feasibility of construction, equipment for assembly, and transporting materials to the site were considered. I was truly able to explore my passions and take avenues I wanted to explore this semester. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaways from my time at Dunwoody are coworking skills, exercising creative thinking, and self-discipline. What is your dream job? My dream job would be to design highly sustainable homes for people. Single family and apartments. I would also love to further explore and design earth sheltered buildings and off-grid homesteads.
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Describe yourself in three words
Observant Conscientious Patient
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Sean Lerach What advice would I give to my first-year self? Balance creativity with practicality, while it’s fun to explore and push a crazy design idea it’s equally important to put time into the function and core of the project. What is your greatest design strength? Ability to think critically, while trying to combine creative ideas with practical solutions that address both aesthetic and functional needs of a space. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Bruce Vento Elementary school because it was the first time working with real clients and we got the chance to program and develop a local site. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Trust the process and understand the rabbit hole you might get sent down at the time seems useless, it usually ends up helping your project and ideas. What is your dream job? Working on educational and recreational facilities around the country.
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Describe yourself in three words
Creative Outgoing Dynamic
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Sam Lopez Ruiz What advice would I give to my first-year self? Don’t be afraid to explore any creative avenue. Any creative project that promotes activity and avoids stagnation is beneficial. What is your greatest design strength? I like to explore a design concept to its logical conclusion, pushing a project as far as possible to get the best outcome. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project was the Mississippi Learning Center. I think this project helped refine my design process. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? I should be open to new ideas and opportunities. I shouldn’t be afraid to put myself out there. What is your dream job? My dream job would allow me to pursue any creative interest I may have.
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Describe yourself in three words
Innovative Proficient Adaptable
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Nathan Luzindya What advice would I give to my first-year self? My best piece of advice for my first-year self would probably be to stay open to learning, embrace challenges, and believe in my ability to make a positive impact through my designs. What is your greatest design strength? One of my greatest design strengths would be my ability to think creatively and approach problems from different angles. It really helps in finding innovative solutions, especially for complex challenges. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project is PATH OF HOPE. In this project I am addressing the urgent need for safe and sustainable housing for the homeless population in Cedar Rapids, IA. It’s a meaningful challenge that really makes a difference. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? I’ve learned a lot about the importance of community support and sustainable design during my time at Dunwoody. What is your dream job? My dream job would be one where I get to use creativity and innovation to design spaces that have a positive impact on people’s lives.
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Describe yourself in three words
Dedicated Creative Compassionate
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Zavien Neal What advice would I give to my first-year self? Apply for more internships. What is your greatest design strength? My creativity in form. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My thesis because we are given so much freedom. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My architectural education. What is your dream job? Working in my own residential design business.
Describe yourself in three words
Curious Creative Determined
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Mia-Rose Peters What advice would I give to my first-year self? Enjoy the learning process and stress less. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength is organizing programming and adjacencies to connect the interior, exterior, and building form. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project was Bruce Vento Elementary School. It was challenging with the site topography and constraints, but I really enjoyed programming this stepped site and how it can connect with the community and bring them into the site. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway is the relationships and connections that I have made at Dunwoody. I have valued all the people that I have met and all the things I’ve learned from them. What is your dream job? My dream job would be a job that combines all of my passions like dance, architecture, and baking.
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Describe yourself in three words
Driven Passionate Resilient
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Carlos Reyes Mendez What advice would I give to my first-year self? Not everyone will agree with your architectural vision, and that’s okay, as people have different perspectives and opinions. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength is staying focused on deliverables. It’s easy to get off track when you’re too tunnel-visioned. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project was North Commons Park, where I used simple architectural moves to create a rich and engaging design. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? It’s okay to fail. As they say, “Failure is the mother of success.” What is your dream job? My dream job is to own my own architectural firm and establish a prominent reputation in the industry.
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Describe yourself in three words
Hard worker Dedicated Driven
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Jackie Ruiz-Gomez What advice would I give to my first-year self? Trust in your abilities, believe in yourself and remember, it’s okay not to have everything figured out yet. What is your greatest design strength? Creativity and time management. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Last semester I designed a hotel inspired by traditional hacienda style. This really connected me to my childhood and growing up in my hometown of Guanajuato, Mexico. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Dunwoody taught me to manage my time better. Balancing college, work, and social life requires a lot of work and sacrifices, and Dunwoody taught me to prioritize what’s important and avoid procrastination. I also learned the importance of seeking help from my instructors, advisors, and other campus programs and services. What is your dream job? My dream job involves designing organic architecture. I want to design buildings that connect with nature, fostering harmony between built spaces and surrounding landscape.
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Describe yourself in three words
Creative Dedicated Determined
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Olena Safonova What advice would I give to my first-year self? Think less and create more. It will never feel perfect, and that’s okay. Embrace the process, take risks, and learn from mistakes—growth comes from doing, not overthinking. What is your greatest design strength? My design strength is creating with people in mind — understanding their needs and experiences. I stay open to new ideas, embracing innovation while respecting history. What was your most enjoyable project and why? The International High School in Fabrication Studio with Daniel Zutter was my most enjoyable. It allowed us to explore diverse cultures, architectural styles, and history while offering freedom to experiment. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway from Dunwoody is the people and the vibrant, creative atmosphere. Being surrounded by passionate individuals truly inspires me and pushes me to explore, innovate, and grow. What is your dream job? My dream job would be one with no creative boundaries. A supportive, friendly team that encourages healthy criticism and collaboration is essential. I envision an environment that fosters new ideas, challenges norms, and inspires continuous growth, pushing my creativity to new heights.
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Describe yourself in three words
Ambitious Driven Imaginative
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Amy Sexton What advice would I give to my first-year self? Get a comfortable chair. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest strength in design is my eye for composition. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My favorite project was designing a lighting fixture based on an object — I chose a beaver skull. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? The online BARCH was the ideal way for me to earn my degree while working full time — so grateful for this program! What is your dream job? My dream job is at a firm where I am valued for my unique talents and contributions, where we do good design and treat people with respect and compassion.
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Describe yourself in three words
Pragmatic Creative Observant
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Elida Silveira What advice would I give to my first-year self? Enhance your sketching skills by practicing while visiting architecture that captures your interest. What is your greatest design strength? I consider myself a generalist in the architecture profession, but my strongest skill lies in programming layout configurations during design. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I loved our elementary school projects because I addressed community needs, highlighted heritage, and incorporated sustainable strategies. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Gaining hands-on experience can significantly enhance and transform your perspective on what education should be like. What is your dream job? I aim to partner with someone who shares a passion for giving back to neglected communities and creating positive change through individual projects.
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Describe yourself in three words
Passionate Visionary Empathetic
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Gabriel Smisson What advice would I give to my first-year self? Dude. Just make a file-naming convention already! What is your greatest design strength? Working with the client is a strength for sure. Problem solving energizes me. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I enjoyed a studio project we did based in Svalbard, Norway. The constraints were unique and forced some creative solutions. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Curiosity is my biggest motivator, and I have to keep that muscle strong. What is your dream job? I would love to be an Architect on a team of talented designers, working on a variety of project types and locations. (This is my plan, anyway).
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Describe yourself in three words
Enthusiastic Inquisitive Collaborative
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Kirsten Smith What advice would I give to my first-year self? Designing is a process. There are no real rules, just guidelines. Don’t be constrained by what you think are the “rules”. What is your greatest design strength? Starting my career as a CAD technician has given me great insight on how integrated design affects a project. What was your most enjoyable project and why? In my fourth year, I designed an art gallery, makers space, and adjacent community space. I felt like this project challenged me. I went through a complete iterative schematic design process which ended with one of the better designs I’ve come up with. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Architecture is for everyone. Thoughtful design should consider all types of users of a space and how it affects a community as a whole. What is your dream job? My dream job would be to work at a small firm working on projects that allow for fun, creative solutions in order to create unique spaces that people love to be in.
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Describe yourself in three words
Driven Thoughtful Technical
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Reid Tessness What advice would I give to my first-year self? Manage your time, stay focused, get involved, and savor every moment because it will be over before you know it. What is your greatest design strength? My ability to clearly visualize something before it exists. I walk through floor plans in my dreams. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My fifth year, first semester project: The Mississippi River Visitor Center. The project progressed organically and intuitively from beginning to end and became something I am very proud of. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? There is no point in passive engagement when there is so much more to be gained from fully throwing oneself into caring about something, being passionate about it, and learning everything there is to know about it. What is your dream job? A job that affords me the ability to have a fulfilling life outside of work.
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Describe yourself in three words
Curious Passionate Determined
BACHE LOR O F
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Elizabeth Thomas What advice would I give to my first-year self? Be patient. Take it one day at a time, do your best, and have fun! What is your greatest design strength? My tenacity. When faced with obstacles, I don’t give up. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Any project where I could physically model a concept, because it allowed me to be the most creatively free. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? You get out of something what you put into it. Don’t limit yourself, because growth happens outside of your comfort zone. What is your dream job? Turning what seems impossible into reality.
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Describe yourself in three words
Curious Conscientious Creative
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Maxwell Timonen What advice would I give to my first-year self? Don’t be afraid to show progress, and be proud of process and iterations. What is your greatest design strength? I’m able to communicate via drawing what I’m imagining in my head, additionally I’m able to work with multiple differing creative minds to achieve a worthwhile design. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I loved my Omni-Vision project from the fall of my fourth year. Designing a project for the visually impaired gave many challenges, but taught me many lessons on how to properly research for a specific demographic and how to honor, not diminish, specific needs of the end user. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Perseverance, anything in life can be difficult at times. I find it always rewarding to push through and achieve our goals. What is your dream job? I’d love to have an impact on the world through architecture. I see many things in our built environment that could be improved upon, but as I’ve learned architecture can’t solve every problem in our world but I know it can strongly contribute to the world if done right. I aspire to be a positive force in people’s lives through architecture. As lofty as that is, I would settle with being a licensed architect. 140
Describe yourself in three words
Creative Passionate Dedicated
BACHE LOR O F
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Nicholas Turner What advice would I give to my first-year self? Never slack on the assignments and projects and always try to get something done each day. Also, deep dive into my project with more drawings and make sure I get more sleep, so I come better prepared. What is your greatest design strength? I think I am very creative and able to come up with fresh ideas and think outside the box, also pay attention to detail and try to make every part of my design work effectively. What was your most enjoyable project and why? One of my favorites was designing a high school and taking a style of your choice within that building. I chose a Japanese style. It was very open to how we designed our project. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Learning about time management has been the biggest challenge with assignments, my personal life, and work. Finding the right time to get all these activities done has been challenging. What is your dream job? My dream job has changed a few times after going to school at Dunwoody, currently I would like to work on stadiums, rec centers, something involving sports!
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Describe yourself in three words
Adventurous Determined Caring
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Niall-Julian Universe What advice would I give to my first-year self? Spend less time trying to make something perfect. What is your greatest design strength? Tying in the historical context in my work. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My Jazz Kissa proposal because it was my first time at Dunwoody where I dove into the design process without feeling like I had all the answers to start. It was a bit of a puzzle I was solving and I let the work dictate how I would respond next. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? I have learned to fail faster because when you go through an array of trial and error as a hurried process you discover more breakthroughs quicker. This means not being married to any specific idea or form and moving on to better ideas. What is your dream job? A job working closely with communities in need. Designing to make the lives of many a bit easier. Pushing the envelope of what it means to platform marginalized folks.
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Describe yourself in three words
Cool Calm Collected
BACHE LOR O F
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Pwapedeino Wonosikou What advice would I give to my first-year self? Enjoy the journey, don’t be hard on yourself and, it will always work out! What is your greatest design strength? The ability to tell a story with diagrams and form. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Fourth-year spring semester. Hikima a high school in my country Nigeria. It was the only studio project where I got to research and design using African vernacular principles with climate, culture, and community as driving points. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? You can find your community if you’re intentional about building relationships. I think it’s important to build relationships with other students within and outside your cohort. It makes the process a lot more fun. If you’re going to spend five years in college you might as well make friends! What is your dream job? I don’t have a dream job now but ideally I would like to use the skills I’ve acquired in architecture school/ profession to build a career that allows me to be marketable in various industries.
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Describe yourself in three words
Inquisitive Energetic Industrious
GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Dunwoody’s Graphic Design & Production Program is a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. A degree from Dunwoody’s School of Design involves community engagement, hands-on, real-world experience, and leadership in the profession. Our distinctive position within a college of technology gives us access to collaborations across a variety of technical disciplines. Our students work intimately with an on-campus print shop,
state-of-the-art design and production equipment, and learn from industry experts. Students understand design theory and production work-flows through projectbased learning, preparing to work in a variety of creative fields, including marketing, advertising, publishing, packaging, and display design.
Our Graduates are Industry-Ready & Born to Design
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DJ Alexander What advice would I give to my first-year self? You will never have enough time—trust your gut and make decisions. Just because you work well under pressure doesn’t mean you should create unnecessary stress for yourself. What is your greatest design strength? Branding. With every branding assignment I worked on, I was able to create something from nothing. It’s the one field that combines all my favorite aspects of design—typography, color palettes, and logo design. Whether you’re a small family-owned business or a pop star on tour, strong visual branding is essential. What was your most enjoyable project and why? The Barrio campaign. I loved creating a new brand and identity for a restaurant and seeing it applied in various ways. Watching it all come together in the end was incredibly rewarding. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? I’ve learned that I can finish something when I truly put my mind to it. Deadlines force you to move on to the next phase of a project and ensure you get it done. Before Dunwoody, I would start personal creative projects but often get bored and abandon them. What is your dream job? Being a creative director for the next huge pop star. I want to be involved every step of the way— social media, websites, album covers, tour signage, advertisements... I could go on forever. 150
Describe yourself in three words
Ambitious Honest Sympathetic
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Nik Dainsberg What advice would I give to my first-year self? Start your projects! The biggest hurdle to a new project is in the beginning. Deadlines will creep up on you if you wait! What is your greatest design strength? Iconography and illustrations are my favorite things to design. What was your most enjoyable project and why? While it was an insane amount of work, our final UX/UI App design project was influential in me discovering my passion for iconography. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? The skills I have learned in the Adobe software suite are going to be crucial for any job in the design field and are the most valuable takeaway from my time here. What is your dream job? In an ideal world, my dream job would be running my own design firm, working on illustration and unique eye catching projects.
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Describe yourself in three words
Imaginative Adventurous Independent
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Drake Gustafson What advice would I give to my first-year self? Do not slack off and you will be just fine! You’ll make amazing friends and connections on the way too. What is your greatest design strength? I think the biggest strength that I have is lighting in 3D environments. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I feel like my most enjoyable project was creating the 3D environment for our modeled donuts in Blender. It was so fun creating a scene and putting everything together in a cohesive setting. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Learn how to manage your time efficiently. It’s super important when you are managing work, school, and homework at the same time. Time management will be used the rest of your life and it’s a great skill to have! What is your dream job? Being able to work on CGI and film effects for movies, or 3D model and animate for video games.
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Describe yourself in three words
Fun Outgoing Lively
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Lynval Jackson What advice would I give to my first-year self? Be confident in your designs, sometimes you don’t get things first try or the second and sometimes you do. And it’s always good to go back to old designs to find them a different purpose. What is your greatest design strength? My adaptability, I don’t usually stick on one topic when making something new. I sometimes add on or take away to restart and think about my next project if something doesn’t work the way I want it to. It helps makes things simple for me in the future. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Probably making a box for a professional’s product for the overall experience. It showed me what to expect and learn when working with clients. It helped me with time management, and following designs given to me. But most importantly, expect the unexpected. Something can always change or mess up. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? When it comes to making sketches of your next design, don’t make them perfect. They can be messy, the point is to get a many ideas you can to choose from. What is your dream job? Probably performing overall, I’ve been doing it most of my life with choir in school and I’ve noticed more opportunities kept coming from it over the past few years.
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Describe yourself in three words
Adaptive Active Careful
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Abby Kretzschmar What advice would I give to my first-year self? Building a schedule to create work-life balance is very important, because it keeps you on track for success and feeling less overwhelmed. What is your greatest design strength? I have an eye for details and consistency in designs. What was your most enjoyable project and why? Designing packaging for a client’s plantain salve, because a wonderful client connection was built, and creating an interactive 3D piece was exciting. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Pursuing what you have passion for is important, but what’s more important is your character and how you will persevere when given a challenge. I am thankful for the time at Dunwoody to better learn how to face challenges and how to problem-solve effectively. What is your dream job? Creating impactful experiences through design.
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Describe yourself in three words
Empathetic Original Bright
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Tshaj-Luag Lee What advice would I give to my first-year self? Take it one step at a time, and when challenges arise, keep pushing forward instead of giving up. What is your greatest design strength? I consider my greatest strength to be my ability to notice small details. What was your most enjoyable project and why? The project I enjoyed most was creating 3D renderings and animations. I have always been fascinated by the 3D world, and it is something I like to do as a side hobby. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway from Dunwoody is making sure you manage your time well. Managing your time is important not only when you are working but also in your personal life. What is your dream job? My dream job would be working as a structural designer. I enjoy the process of taking something from a digital concept and bringing it to life in the physical world, while being involved in the project from start to finish.
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Describe yourself in three words
Adaptable Adventurous Ambitious
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Elise McNab What advice would I give to my first-year self? Everything will work out exactly as it’s meant to. What is your greatest design strength? My strength lies in my ability to channel my lived experiences into designs that are bold, eye-catching, and emotionally compelling, finding harmony between chaos and control. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project was My Digest. It was the first time I truly had the opportunity to explore my personal style and create something raw and authentic. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? Be open to new experiences; you never know what might ignite your passion. What is your dream job? My dream job is one that allows me to combine my background in the restaurant industry with my passion for design. I’d love to help food and hospitality brands create and implement impactful visual identities.
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Describe yourself in three words
Resilient Dynamic Curious
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Abbi Mendius What advice would I give to my first-year self? Keep pushing forward. Don’t let setbacks stop you from finding new solutions. What is your greatest design strength? Structural packaging design in ArtiosCAD What was your most enjoyable project and why? My favorite project was creating a Dunwoody gift box in Packaging Focus. Doing the project allowed me to strengthen skills that I will use in my career and come up with new techniques. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My main takeaway has been discovering all the different career paths I can pursue with my degree. What is your dream job? I would like to be a dual-designer for a packaging company, creating structural designs, applying graphics, and creating animations for the final product samples.
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Describe yourself in three words
Detailed Efficient Problem-solver
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Sydney Ouellette What advice would I give to my first-year self? Go to lots of studio tours and never be afraid to ask for help from the staff. What is your greatest design strength? Illustrator is my strength, it’s something that I can easily work with to make great designs! What was your most enjoyable project and why? Designing the box and the design on the box for a client, it gave me lots of opportunities to be both creative while following what my client wanted. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? It’s important to dip your toes into everything your major has to offer so you can be as prepared as possible when you enter the job market. What is your dream job? Anything to do with packaging or mascot design!
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Describe yourself in three words
Curious Adaptable Compassionate
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Anika Pramann What advice would I give to my first-year self? Life will get a little rocky, but keep moving forward. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength is layout designs and making advertisements. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project so far was the band promo project I did my first year. I loved being able to make a poster for a band and incorporating their design styles into my project. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway is to shoot for the stars. The faculty always encourages you to be the best version of yourself. What is your dream job? Either be able to work in advertising and marketing or be an environment graphic designer; to be able to make an interactive experience.
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Describe yourself in three words
Perceptive Reliable Resilient
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Jack Salo What advice would I give to my first-year self? I would tell my first-year self to take action in all the opportunities that I have missed and to have better time management. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength is editing photos in Photoshop. Also, I have an eye for seeing things differently and small details that others might not see but can make a big difference with a small change. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project was making a custom Hot Wheels car packaging for my good friend Mark. This custom Hot Wheels packaging shows a Hot Wheels replica of his car (which is a 2015 Nissan GTR R35) in the packaging, with a real photo of his car on the background of the packaging. It was most enjoyable because Mark is a very special friend to me and his car is my dream car to have. Mark also makes me feel happy every time I see or get to talk to him. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? The biggest takeaway I have at Dunwoody is that this school has given us so many opportunities in our major and wants to help us succeed in life. What is your dream job? My dream job is to work at a big car brand and to help in the marketing field.
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Describe yourself in three words
Open-minded Perceptive Helpful
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Adelyn Stone What advice would I give to my first-year self? My best piece of advice is to prioritize balance. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to do everything perfectly, but don’t forget to enjoy the experience, ask for help when needed, and embrace the learning process— even when it feels challenging. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength is my attention to detail and ability to balance aesthetics with functionality to make my designs impactful, ensuring they are both visually compelling and effectively communicate their message. What was your most enjoyable project and why? My most enjoyable project was a fresh product launch, where I had the creative freedom to bring a new brand to life. I designed marketing materials, created a logo, and developed an app that seamlessly aligned with the product, making the entire brand experience cohesive and impactful. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? My biggest takeaway from my time at Dunwoody is the importance of time management and task completion. What is your dream job? My dream job in graphic design is to be an art director because it allows me to merge my passion for creativity with the chance to lead and inspire a team, all while shaping the visual direction of impactful campaigns.
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Describe yourself in three words
Kind Imaginative Driven
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Yasmine Tchida What advice would I give to my first-year self? Start practicing good habits from the beginning, it is harder to change bad habits once they have been set. What is your greatest design strength? My greatest design strength is combining both the technical and creative sides of design in digital and print production while working within a campaign. What was your most enjoyable project and why? I enjoyed working on the Barrio re-brand. I enjoyed pulling from various inspirations to project the brand’s identity to the target audience. What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Dunwoody and why? The hands on approach at Dunwoody has shown me my ability to problem solve, increasing my confidence and my professional development. What is your dream job? I would love a job where I could work creatively with clients on web and physical content from home or in the office.
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Describe yourself in three words
Determined Patient Adaptable
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School of Design
Highlighted Projects
Furniture with a Purpose Partnering with Bridging, a local non-profit that provides furniture and other items to those in need, Architecture, Interior Design, and Graphic Design students took outdated and unwanted items, deconstructed them, then designed and built entirely new pieces from the material. Scan to View Video
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Kissa: Jazz Architecture student Niall-Julian Universe shares his vision for a Jazz Kissa—a project created for his Fabrication studio with the scope being to design a temporary structure that can be moved, assembled and manufactured. Scan to View Video
Packaging Sled Race Second-year Graphic Design & Production students test the sleds they made out of corrugated material on the hills at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. They spent nearly a month in the studio designing and building ones with both style and function in mind. Scan to View Video
Design
Production
Cover & Dividers Abby Kretzschmar
Printer Smart Press Chanhassen, MN
Front & Back Matter Lynval Jackson, DJ Alexander, Yasmine Tchida Interior Design Lynval Jackson, Abby Kretzschmar Architectural Drafting & Design DJ Alexander, Jack Salo, Drake Gustafson, Chewy Lee Bachelor of Architecture Chewy Lee, Abbi Mendius, Sydney Ouellette, Anika Pramann, Nik Dainsberg Graphic Design & Production Nik Dainsberg, Adelyn Stone, Yasmine Tchida
Production Method Digital, 4cp/4cp Paper Cover: 100# Matte Cover Text: 80# Matte Text Binding Perfect Bind Cover Matte Lamination Typography Acumin Pro Family
Color Management Yasmine Tchida
Photography
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This School of Design Expo Book was designed, managed, and prepressed by Dunwoody Graphic Design & Production students and faculty. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Dunwoody School of Design.
Photographer Kathy Helgeson
All rights reserved. ©2025 Dunwoody College of Technology
Photo Editing Abbi Mendius, Anika Pramann, Jack Salo, Drake Gustafson
818 Dunwoody Boulevard Minneapolis, MN 55403 dunwoody.edu
For doers, there’s no better home than at Dunwoody.