Architecture + Design Studios - School of Design

The work of 21st century design professionals involve a full spectrum of activities that range from the craft-based traditions of design making to the leadership skills of design thinking. Grounded in studio culture—where students are individually guided in their work and collaboratively engaged with the human experience—UIC Design programs are organized to reflect rapidly growing professional opportunities in the field. 

In the School of Design, we offer four undergraduate degree programs. The Bachelor of Design degrees begin with rigorous skill development which leads to individual inquiry as well as team-based projects with real-world clients. The BDes in Graphic Design prepares students for professional work in print, digital, and interactive communication design. The BDes in Industrial design prepares students for professional work in the development of products and services that improve people’s lives. The BA in Design Studies offers an undergraduate degree in design to students who have completed several semesters of higher education. In association with the College of Engineering, the BS in Computer Science + Design provides intensive technical study in computer programming along with studio-based instruction in design. 

Located on several floors within Architecture + Design Studios, the School of Design has an array of studio classrooms which are designed to support guided individual instruction as well as collaborative exchange. Our large atrium and public spaces serve as galleries for student work as well as an open workspace that supports community building and student collaboration. With their UIC IDs, students have 24/7 access to our public spaces. A photo studio supports coursework in design photography and this studio is also made available for individual student projects. The UIC Design Print Lab offers the latest in digital imaging services including color laser, large format, and risograph printing. The Print Lab is also the place where students can check out power chargers, laptop and camera equipment, xacto knives, cutting matts and more.

In addition to the resources of the Architecture + Design Studios building, our students have access to UIC’s world renown Electronic Visualization Laboratory with immersive projection and virtual reality capabilities as well as the UIC Innovation Center where interdisciplinary student and faculty teams work collaboratively with university, business, and cultural partners. The UIC School of Design is an established leader in design education. Students benefit from engagement with faculty recognized for excellence in their fields, and from the dynamic urban setting that is Chicago, with its thriving design community, exceptional cultural institutions, and penchant for invention.