Richard A. McMahan School of Architecture at Clemson University

Architecture students Maryann Royster, Ryan Herron and Christian Bravo’s project, Co-Co Crete, was developed in the course Hybrid Automation: Designing with Digital Tools and Material Behavior (ARCH 4990/6990 elective, Spring 2025), taught by Lavender Tessmer.

Funded by the Pennell Center Teaching Grant, this project prioritizes bio-based materials in raw ingredients, formwork assembly, and the creation of highly textured forms. The concrete mix maximizes the content of bio-based ingredients, including fine and coarse aggregates, admixtures, and reinforcing fibers. The combination of soft and rigid formwork enables geometric repeatability of units while introducing buckling, gathering, and pleating on their exterior faces, which can serve as a catchment for soil and promote plant growth.

Congratulations to our Architecture students for receiving the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships. Thank you, Clemson University Honors College for the shout out!

19 Clemson students win national scholarships to study abroad Nearly all of Clemson University’s 2025–26 Gilman Scholarship recipients are from South Carolina.

Students in ARCH 2520 reimagined the future of the Newtown Community Arts Center, developing design proposals that explore new opportunities for community gathering, cultural exchange and public engagement in Greenville’s historic Newtown neighborhood.

Working on the site of the current Mountain View Baptist Church, students examined how architecture can support and strengthen community connections. Their projects considered relationships between the site, the Swamp Rabbit Trail and Greenville’s West End arts district.

Throughout the semester, students engaged with community members, guest reviewers and design professionals in conversations about architecture, culture and civic responsibility.

Fourteen projects were selected as finalists and presented to community members and invited jurors during the ARCH 2520 Design Competition, sponsored by South Carolina NOMA.

The Richard A. McMahan School of Architecture at Clemson University, AIA-SC and Clemson Architectural Foundation (CAF) invite you to join for an alumni and friends’ reception during the AIA National Conference in San Diego, CA.

Alumni + Friends Reception
Thursday, June 11, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
Room: Aqua 305

Let us know if you can stop by. RSVP to [email protected].

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

The Richard A. McMahan School of Architecture at Clemson University,
AIA-SC and Clemson Architectural Foundation-CAF invite you to join for an alumni and friends’ reception during the AIA National Conference in San Diego, CA.

Alumni + Friends Reception
Thursday, June 11, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
Room: Aqua 305

Let us know if you can stop by. RSVP to [email protected]⁣
We look forward to seeing everyone there!

This year, the students in the Inclusive Design Elective, taught by Clarissa Mendez, designed board games that question the use of AI in education and practice.

Escape Studio (pink and blue board game) was designed by Allison Sudlow, Carolina Micames, and Keven Estrella.
Studio: AI (brown cards) was designed by London Forsberg, MJ Ripley and Valentina Moran.

The students launched the games on Wednesday, April 29th. The event was attended by many students and by Professors Berrin Terim and Chloe Voltaire.

The class would like to acknowledge game designer Victoria Banks, RCID Clemson, for her feedback on earlier versions of the games. These board games will soon be handed to Gunnin Library so that they can be checked out in the future.

Design. Create. Build.

Meet the staff behind the scenes who keep the Richard A. McMahan School of Architecture within the College of Architecture, Art and Construction at Clemson University running. From supporting students to managing operations and celebrating achievements, the staff helps shape the everyday experience. “This is who…” makes it all possible. 💜🧡
Design. Create. Build.

Architecture Student Spotlight: Mason Chizhik

Recently graduated architecture student, Mason Chizhik showcases his fun filled life as a college student at Clemson University. In Mason’s final year as a student, he was assigned to help refurbish Clemson University’s historic commencement lectern podium earlier this year, he helped preserve a meaningful piece of Clemson history. Seen at all the graduation ceremonies across campus, the podium was originally crafted more than 15 years ago by students in a Creative Inquiry course led by art faculty member Joey Manson as a challenge to create something that would outlast their time at Clemson.

As part of the restoration, plaques were placed inside the podium to recognize the students who helped build it and preserve its legacy for future generations.

The project also reflects the impact of Clemson’s hands-on learning experiences and Mason’s leadership through the Clemson Design Build Club, where he helped train students on equipment, tools and shop safety while growing his own leadership, communication and practical making abilities.

See the Tiger Newspaper to discover more about Mason’s work with the podium. Also, be on the look out for an article and images spotlighting the podium in the upcoming Clemson World magazine.

Design. Create. Build.

Big applause 👏 to all the Clemson University Richard A. McMahan School of Architecture graduate students crossing the stage! ⁣
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Your creativity, dedication and hard work have brought you to this incredible milestone. Thank you to all the family, friends, faculty and staff who supported these graduates every step of the way. ⁣
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We cannot wait to see the incredible things you do next! 🧡💜⁣

Students in the Architecture and Food elective wrapped up the semester by presenting imaginative design projects that tackled real-world food-related challenges through small-scale infrastructure interventions, gaining hands-on experience applying design thinking to practical issues.

To close out the class, they created and shared a one of a kind “Futurist Banquet” inspired by the 1932 Futurist Cookbook art manifesto. The course was taught by Andreea Mihalache, Associate Professor of Architecture and Co-Director of Architecture Graduate Programs.