KU Interior Architecture students gain insights from local professionals

Fall Interior Architecture (IA) studio reviews were a culmination of weeks of research, problem-solving, and hands-on construction. Throughout the semester, students used analog and digital tools to design, analyze, and visualize high-performance interior environments.  

Second-year students in Ann Hossler and Abbey Ockinga’s studios developed proposals for a co-working office space; Hermínia Machry and Mohammad Reza Dastmalchi’s third-year students developed a memory-care facility and a child development center. For their final review of the semester, students presented projects to professionals representing area architecture and design firms.  

Final studio reviews allow students to gain experience condensing months of evidence-based design into one multimedia presentation. Learning to express how and why a proposal perfectly suits a client’s needs is essential in professional practice. At the University of Kansas, the IA curriculum builds this career-focused skillset through coursework and studio experiences at all levels of the academic journey.  

The engagement of local firms is integral to our students’ success. With Kansas City being a global hub for sports, entertainment, and healthcare design, KU IA students learn from professionals who contribute to projects throughout the country and around the world. 

Fall reviewers included: Jon Gripka (BRR); Kara Bush, Chelsea Johnson (Finkle Williams); Connor Crist, Megan Beezley, Camden Broddle (HFG); Kara Koenig (Hoefer Welker); Stephanie Keeton, Jennifer Lake, Brian Riddle, Jason Lutes, Aparna Chinnakonda Rajan, Renaldo Rivera (Hollis + Miller); Maria Kutina (HTK); Megan Blacklidge, and Steven Scott (John A. Marshall/MillerKnoll); Annie Ringhofer, (Kem Studio); Joe Keal (Lamar Johnson Collaborative); Hannah Spielberg (Populous). 

Interior architects are technical experts who translate raw space into environments optimized for function and intent. From hotels, hospitals, and restaurants to arenas, airports, and homes, interior architects ensure buildings are comfortable, safe, and accessible places for people to use and experience. 

The Interior Architecture (IA) program at the University of Kansas prepares graduates to create innovative, equitable, and meaningful interior environments in a collaborative studio environment. Research-driven, evidence-based, and human-centered design processes are reinforced by learning experiences that reflect the present and future practice. Learn more: KU Interior Architecture