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 2016, 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:
Everett Haynes, AICP
Assistant City Planner, City of Derby, Derby, Kansas
A Wichita native and 2016 APDesign graduate, Everett Haynes developed an early passion for urban planning, architecture, and design. His APDesign experience emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration, community development, and hands-on learning, preparing him for a rewarding planning career. As Assistant City Planner for Derby, Kansas, Haynes helps guide the city's transformation into a thriving commercial and residential hub. Working alongside engineers, developers, and community stakeholders, he contributes to projects shaping Derby's future. Haynes values the dynamic nature of planning, where every day presents new challenges and opportunities. Outside work, he enjoys gardening, home improvement, traveling, and exploring history.
Frederik Heuser
Partner, Safdie Rabines Architects
Born in Bonn, Germany, and raised in Canada and the United States, Frederik Heuser earned his Master of Architecture from Kansas State University in 2016. Joining Safdie Rabines Architects in 2020, Heuser has demonstrated exceptional leadership in design innovation, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His portfolio includes significant educational, residential, civic, and mixed-use developments, including projects at UC San Diego and UCLA. He also leads the firm’s artificial intelligence adoption initiatives. Effective January 1, 2027, Heuser will become a Partner, recognizing his commitment to architectural excellence, sustainable communities, and advancing the firm’s creative vision and future growth.
Grace Manuel and Z Manuel
Co-Founders, Curious Creative | Chicago, Illinois
Kansas State University graduates Grace Manuel and Z Manuel are innovative design professionals whose careers reflect a shared commitment to creativity, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Together, they founded Curious Creative, a Chicago-based design studio, in 2023.
Z Manuel, Principal Designer at Curious Creative, brings extensive experience in product development, furniture, and interior environments. Previously holding leadership positions at IKEA, Target, and Martin Brattrud, Z has developed award-winning furniture and collaborated with leading organizations, including Google and Kaiser Permanente. Z's multidisciplinary approach emphasizes innovation, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design solutions.
Grace Manuel serves as Lead Sustainability Specialist at Haworth, guiding global sustainability governance, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and education. An accomplished sustainability
professional, she holds multiple industry credentials and has contributed to initiatives including the LEED v5 Design and Construction Consensus Committee. Grace also serves as a lecturer at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Both earned master's degrees in Interior Architecture and Product Design from Kansas State University's College of Architecture, Planning & Design and have taught at leading universities. Through Curious Creative and their professional endeavors, Grace and Z continue to advance innovative, responsible design practices that positively influence people, communities, and the built environment.
Jared Sickmann, PLA
Senior Associate, Norris Design
Jared Sickmann is a registered landscape architect and Senior Associate at Norris Design’s Fort Collins, Colorado, office. A 2016 graduate of Kansas State University’s College of Architecture, Planning & Design, he holds a Master of Landscape Architecture and brings more than a decade of professional experience. His diverse portfolio includes mixed-use developments, master-planned communities, parks, recreational facilities, resorts, and residential projects nationwide. Combining artistic hand-rendering abilities with technical expertise, Sickmann transforms creative concepts into functional, buildable environments. His collaborative approach, innovative problem-solving, and commitment to design excellence help create distinctive, sustainable, and memorable places that enrich communities and enhance everyday experiences.
Rianne Gooch, NCIDQ
Owner & Principal Interior Designer, Rooted Interior Design
Senior Interior Designer, Shelden Architecture
Rianne Gooch is a Wichita-based interior designer and 2016 Kansas State University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. With more than a decade of experience, she specializes in creating thoughtful residential, commercial, healthcare, and institutional environments. As founder of Rooted Interior Design and Senior Interior Designer at Shelden Architecture, Gooch combines creative vision with technical expertise in space planning, materials, and interior architecture. Her diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and client-centered design. Passionate about mentoring emerging professionals, Gooch continues to advance meaningful design solutions that enhance everyday experiences and strengthen the communities she serves.
Logan Anderson
Principal Planner II, City of Mobile, Alabama
Logan Anderson is an accomplished urban planning professional with more than a decade of experience in municipal planning, zoning administration, and community development. A 2016 graduate of Kansas State University’s College of Architecture, Planning & Design, he holds a Master of Science in Community Development. Currently serving as Principal Planner II for the City of Mobile, Alabama, Anderson provides leadership in departmental operations, development review, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. His previous experience includes planning leadership for the City of Saraland. Through collaborative problem-solving, policy analysis, and community engagement, Anderson advances responsible development and sustainable community growth.
The honorees will return to campus November 18–20 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.