Professionals rank College of Architecture, Planning & Design programs among nation's best
MANHATTAN -- With three design programs ranked among the nation's Top 10, Kansas State University's College of Architecture, Planning & Design is among the nation's highest ranked.
Kansas State University's graduate program in landscape architecture is No. 2 in the nation, second only to Harvard, according to the latest rankings from DesignIntelligence.
The magazine, whose rankings are considered the primary source for comparison in the industry, also named the architecture graduate program No. 8 and the interior architecture and product design graduate program No. 7 in the interior design category.
Among Midwest schools, Kansas State University's graduate programs rank No. 1 in landscape architecture, No. 1 in interior design and No. 2 in architecture.
The rankings are derived from asking firms to consider their hiring experiences in the past five years and to name the schools whose graduates have been best-prepared for the profession. This year's survey involved 693 architecture practices and corporations, 303 landscape architecture firms and 152 interior architecture firms.
"The state and the region benefit from the caliber of design professionals we produce at Kansas State University," said President Kirk Schulz. "To be not only the best in the state, but also in the ranks of Yale, MIT and Cornell, shows that becoming a Top 50 public research university by 2025 is within our reach."
"The College of Architecture, Planning & Design's programs have been very high in the rankings year after year, and once again we are seeing the incredible national reputation of our programs," said Tim de Noble, dean.
DesignIntelligence also recognized Howard Hahn, assistant professor in the department of landscape architecture/regional and community planning, as one of the 30 Most Admired Educators for 2014. Hahn joined Kansas State University in 2008 after working more than 20 years at design firms. He was recognized for his dedication to understanding what his students will be asked to do as professionals, whether it's a computer program or evidence-based design.
"Our consistently high rankings over the years have boosted our ability to recruit students from across the country as they realize the incredible value of the accredited professional programs in architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture and product design, and regional and community planning offered at Kansas State University," de Noble said.
De Noble takes particular pride in both the architecture and landscape architecture graduate programs being ranked No. 2 ranking for cross-disciplinary teamwork, second only to Harvard.
Revitalization and expansion is planned for the college's home, Seaton Complex, to meet the needs of the growing class sizes and accommodate student and faculty collaborations across disciplines. The revitalized complex will feature new studios, a 300-seat auditorium, an outdoor amphitheater and more energy efficiency. The project has received a $4 million lead gift from the Regnier family foundation.
"In the interconnected world in which we live, cross-disciplinary teamwork is critical to addressing our most pressing challenges," de Noble said. "What we're trying to do with our new building's design is capitalize on the interdisciplinary nature of our college."
The program's department heads embrace the positive feedback that design professions give regarding the college's alumni.
"The DesignIntelligence No. 2 ranking is wonderful affirmation of the excellent work that our students and faculty do," said Stephanie Rolley, head of the department of landscape architecture/regional and community planning. "The ranking validates what employers tell us: Our students are valued for their professional skills and advanced understanding of contemporary landscape architecture. We are thrilled to enter our 50th year as an accredited landscape architecture program with such high recognition."
"We are so pleased to be recognized once again for the quality of integrated design education afforded through the Master of Interior Architecture and Product Design," said Katherine Ankerson, head of the department. "Our program weaves interior architecture, product design and furniture design together throughout the curriculum so students are constantly designing, making and evaluating -- building the critical thinking skills so necessary to solve some of the problems facing our world today."
"It remains a great honor to be recognized for the quality of our program as we continually strive to provide excellence in a practice-centered professional education that encompasses a broad range of critical inquiry," said Matthew Knox, head of the department of architecture. "With such outstanding students and passionate faculty, it is rewarding to know that our graduates continue their pursuit of excellence and are valued for what they bring to the profession of architecture."
Seaton Hall expansion, renovation moves forward with multi-million dollar gift from the Regnier family foundation
MANHATTAN, Kan. — A $4 million lead gift from theRegnier family foundation ishelping Kansas State University’s College of Architecture, Planning and Design with the momentum needed to embark on a major expansion and renovation of their current facility.The $75 million, two-phase project will demolish, renovate, expand and preserve portions of the east wing of Seaton Hall and Seaton Court.
“We are making this gift to the college because they are worth investing in,” said Victor Regnier FAIA, Los Angeles, citing the fact that all three degree programs are consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally by industry practitioners.
“This new building will be a wonderful enhanced environment for learning,” he said. “The college has always represented quality, and they do extraordinary things with the financial support that's provided to them. This gift is about supporting an excellent organization that will excel even further with additional funding."
Excited by plans for the college’s project and programs, the Dean’s Student Advisory Council considerably increased student investment through technology fees in the hopes of spurring significant increases in state and private support.
Regnier, a 1971 graduate of the college, is an ACSA Distinguished Professor of Architecture at the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture, Los Angeles. His brother, Bob Regnier, Leawood, Kan. is a 1970 graduate of K-State’s Department of Economics and president and CEO of the Bank of Blue Valley. His sister, Cathy Regnier, Mission, Kan., is involved in the family business. The siblings established the V+H Charitable Foundation to honor their late parents, Victor L. and Helen Regnier.
“I feel this would have been viewed as an excellent investment by our father,” Cathy Regnier said. “Dad would have been extremely excited by the prospect of combining education with practical design and hands-on learning in a new building elevating the already outstanding reputation of the K-State College of Architecture, Planning and Design.”
Bob Regnier explained that his father always admired Kansas State University and even seemed to be planning to attend at one point, before work and family obligations intervened.
“He did value education significantly, and really encouraged both my brother and I to go to K-State,” he said. “His perception was that the people who went to K-State worked hard, got a good education and were well-prepared for the future.”
In addition to the renovation and expansion, the Regniers also support other endeavors within the College of Architecture, Planning and Design. Victor serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council and their foundation is a member of the Founders Guild, a group of the college’s philanthropic leaders devoted to promoting renovation and expansion of the Seaton Complex. Through thefamily foundation, they have previously established the Victor L. Regnier Architecture Chair to recognize outstanding faculty and the Victor L. Regnier Distinguished Visiting Professorship to welcome a globally renowned architect as a studio teacher each year.
To further introduce the college’s students to a more global perspective, the Regniers are using a portion of their $4 million gift to establish the annual Victor L. Regnier Distinguished International Lecture.
“I can’t even begin to express how thankful I am for the Regniers setting an example of belief in what our students and faculty are doing for the future,” said Dean Tim de Noble. “As the leading proponent of finally bringing our facilities in line with our national reputation, they are very clearly indicating that they appreciate the stewardship of their support in building the quality of our programs over the years. We hope their generosity will inspire others.”
Visit www.apdesign.k-state.edu/about/seaton to learn more about the Seaton Complex revitalization and expansion and how you can help.
Dean Tim de Noble interviewed on Orvieto TV
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