Design

Michael Nÿkamp in his studio demonstrating core strengths of design that we often all learn as children in elementary school.

The soul in the system: Michael Nÿkamp on creativity, AI, and the future of design

Rapid Growth's publisher spoke with designer Michael Nÿkamp for an interview that isn’t just about design — it’s a discussion on maintaining human connection in a world increasingly dominated by AI.

Latest in Design
Tara McCrackin honored with inaugural ICON Award for industry leadership

KCAD President Tara McCrackin receives IIDA Michigan’s first ICON Award for her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to interior design.  

Rynita McGuire, crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2025, uses her platform to inspire mentorship, advocate for inclusion, and challenge disability stereotypes.
Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2025 advocates for the mentorship she wishes she had

Rynita McGuire, crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2025, uses her platform to inspire mentorship, advocate for inclusion, and challenge disability stereotypes.

Timothy Murphy's Audio Radar enhances gaming experiences for deaf and hard-of-hearing players.
Gaming entrepreneur rediscovered his creative skills at KCAD

Timothy Murphy’s journey from Navy radar technician to gaming entrepreneur relied on the education, experience, and connections he gained at KCAD.

​Gentex partners with Ringbrothers to showcase "Infected," a custom 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda, at the Michigan International Auto Show.
Decade-long collaboration roars into Michigan International Auto Show

​Gentex partners with Ringbrothers to showcase "Infected," a custom 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda, at the Michigan International Auto Show.  

Adrian Butler is a DJ, producer, content creator, and artist.
Exhibit A’s comeback celebrates Grand Rapids’ unique style and collaborative spirit

As Grand Rapids readies itself for the electrifying return of Exhibit A, there’s a palpable energy running through our city’s creative community, which is being included and elevated once again in this beloved event that has not been staged since 2019.

Isabelle Buckler, a senior at Kendall College was a user experience intern at Gentex this summer.of Art and Design of Ferris State University,
Classrooms to Careers: Gentex interns shape company

Isabelle Buckler, a senior at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, channeled her classroom experience into her role as a user experience intern this summer.   

Students formed five-person teams, each tasked with identifying a “wicked problem”—a complex issue with no easy solution.
West Michigan teens tackle ‘wicked’ problems at the Wege High School Collaborative Studio

West Michigan high school students tackle complex global issues at the Wege High School Collaborative Studio. The two-week program showcases the power of youth-driven sustainable design.

Students from the Wege High School Collaborative Studio tour Padnos Recycling.
Designing a better world: Wege High School Collaborative Studio builds skills and networks

The Wege High School Collaborative Studio is a summer program that gives West Michigan high school students hands-on experience in sustainable design and problem-solving. Applications for 2024 are open.

How KCAD student collaborations are building community

Since 2016, a group of graduate students in KCAD's Master of Architecture program have had an opportunity to offer a solution to an architecture issue in Grand Rapids. The projects have included designing a greenhouse, wayfinding project, and visioning new uses for a historic building. 

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