APDesign In the News
K-State’s College of Architecture, Planning & Design Celebrates 10-Year Honorees Returning to Campus
Kansas State University’s College of Architecture, Planning & Design (APDesign) will welcome back distinguished alumni this fall as part of its annual 10-year recognition celebration. The honorees, graduates of 2015, have each made significant contributions to their professions while exemplifying the creativity, rigor, and impact cultivated at APDesign.
This year’s 10-year honorees are:
Aaron Bisch — Department of Interior Architecture & Industrial Design; Associate, Gensler
Bisch is an architect and Associate at Gensler, where he has contributed to innovative workplace and mixed-use projects. He focuses on creating human-centered spaces that balance aesthetic vision with practical functionality and has worked on projects for global clients seeking cutting-edge, sustainable design solutions.
Dylan Rupar — Department of Architecture; Senior Designer, Samara, San Francisco, CA
Rupar is an architect and senior designer at Samara, a forward-thinking design studio exploring the intersection of living spaces, technology, and experience. His work bridges digital and physical environments, aiming to reimagine how people live, gather, and connect in contemporary communities.
Foster Kutner — Department of Interior Architecture & Industrial Design; Interior Designer, Gensler, Washington, D.C.
Kutner thrives on problem solving and creative thinking. She approaches each task as a design challenge requiring innovation and logic to achieve effective solutions. Her experience spans all phases of the design process — from concept development through construction administration — with a focus on thoughtful, user-centered interiors.
Katie Leise — Department of Landscape Architecture & Regional & Community Planning; Project Manager, Kimley-Horn
Leise is a landscape architect passionate about creating welcoming spaces unique to each community. She has worked across public and private sectors on projects including streetscapes, trails and parks, transit corridors, healthcare, and multi-family development. Leise values collaboration with partners and stakeholders to deliver context-sensitive and technically sound design solutions. A proud member of ASLA and ASLA-MN, she has served as treasurer and on the Education Symposium Committee, helping connect and inspire emerging landscape architects.
Joseph Foster — Department of Landscape Architecture & Regional & Community Planning; Assistant Director of Facilities, Emporia State University
Foster oversees administration and building services operations at Emporia State University, managing staff, budgets, and facility systems to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable environments. His work includes policy development, compliance, and cross-departmental collaboration to support the university’s mission and maintain high-quality campus spaces.
Terrence Williams — Department of Landscape Architecture & Regional & Community Planning; Senior Analyst, City of Kansas City, Missouri
Williams leads priority-based budgeting initiatives for Kansas City Parks and Recreation, analyzing programs and community service delivery to improve efficiency and equity. His work includes multi-year fund projections, cost-benefit analyses, and process improvement strategies that advance the city’s commitment to vibrant public spaces and sustainable growth.
The honorees will return to campus October 29–30 to share their professional insights and reconnect with the K-State community. Highlights of their visit include a panel discussion with students in the Environmental Design (ENVD) program and opportunities to engage with students and faculty across all APDesign disciplines.
“These alumni represent the breadth of APDesign’s impact — from global design firms to public sector leadership and academic innovation,” said Michael McClure, Dean of APDesign. “Their success underscores the strength of our programs and the commitment our graduates carry into their professions and communities.”
The 10-year recognition tradition celebrates alumni whose first decade of practice demonstrates excellence, leadership, and service to the built environment. It also fosters meaningful mentorship by connecting accomplished graduates with current students preparing to launch their careers.
For more information about APDesign and upcoming events, visit apdesign.k-state.edu.