January
The School of Interior Architecture led its first winter mini-term program abroad to Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Led by Assistant Professor Hojung Kim and Professor David Matthews, 23 students experienced an immersive look into the history of arts and crafts techniques.
February
Surrounded by alumni, friends and industry partners, Dean Jason Young announced the College of Architecture and Design’s launch as a part of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s It Takes A Volunteer campaign.
During the celebration, Young announced the college’s $25 million goal and introduced campaign co-chairs Marc (‘85) and Ruth Ann Rowland (‘86) and Matthew (’97) and Stephanie (’97, ’99) Boomhower.
Throughout the campaign, the college seeks to make design education as vivid as possible through hands on exploration, a robust research culture, cutting-edge facilities and technology, and global connections and engagement opportunities.
March
Graphic Design and Interior Architecture students were recognized by industry magazines as top graduates across the country. GDUSA named Lauren Favier and Jaiden Kasaval amongst more than 100 students from across 60 of America’s leading art and design schools and programs. METROPOLIS recognized Anna Shoemaker and Kathryn Webb as two of the top 100 architecture and interior design students in the nation.
April
Sandy Attia, principal and co-founder of Modus Architects, shared her innovative approaches to sustainable design as the 2024 General Shale Lecture speaker. Her lecture highlighted her firm’s globally recognized projects, which blend environmental sensitivity with functional beauty, inspiring students to pursue meaningful and impactful careers in architecture. Attia’s work exemplifies how sustainable design principles can elevate architecture and positively impact communities.
May
Cofounder and CEO of archimania Barry Alan Yoakum, FAIA (’78) delivered the commencement address, motivating our spring graduates with his story of resilience, innovation, and the importance of serving communities through design.
Prior to the ceremony, Yoakum was recognized by the UT chapter of Tau Sigma Delta Honors Society with the Silver Medal, an honor which celebrates a professional with a distinction in design in architecture, landscape architecture or the allied arts.
June
Dean Jason Young and Senior Director of Advancement Pamela Treacy welcomed alumni and friends at the AIA Convention on Architecture and Design in Washington D.C.
Director of Student Development Julie Beckman led alumni and college team members on a tour of the Pentagon Memorial, a competition winning design by Beckman and Associate Professor of Practice Keith Kaseman.
July
The School of Architecture and the School of Interior Architecture led summer abroad programs in Finland and Japan, respectively.
August
The university welcomed the largest in-state population for first-year students in the university history. The college hosted its annual Welcome (Back) event following the first week of classes.
September
The families of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Architecture Class of 2027 established the Jeff and Marla Gerber Honorary Scholarship Endowment to recognize the couple’s extraordinary generosity. In 2023, the Gerbers gave a $5.2 million gift to cover tuition and fees for all 78 students in the class, transforming their educational journeys. Inspired by this unprecedented act of philanthropy, the families joined together to create an endowment that will support a third-year architecture student annually, ensuring the Gerbers’ legacy continues to shape the college and its students for years to come.
October
The School of Landscape Architecture supported more than 30 students to travel to the national ASLA Conference on Lanscape Architecture in Washington D.C. The 5-day event offered an opportunity for the graduate students to engage with organizations, network with professionals, and volunteer for the annual Landscape Architecture Foundation benefit.
November
More than 20 architecture, interior architecture, and landscape architecture studios held final reviews ahead of the Thanksgiving break. Reviewers from across the country joined us to provide critical and insightful feedback.
December
The college celebrated more than 20 architecture and interior architecture graduates during the university’s commencement ceremony.