UT College of Architecture and Design

CoAD is coming to Chattanooga. 🔶

Dean Jason Young and college leadership will host a happy hour for alumni and friends in Chattanooga on Thursday, July 9. We look forward to connecting with local Vols and industry partners as we discuss recent success in the college and our vision for next level design education.

Register today: tiny.utk.edu/chattanooga

Your connection to our college matters.

We invite alumni and friends to participate in a brief survey to help us better understand how you’d like to engage with the college moving forward. Your feedback will help shape future events, communications, and alumni opportunities.

As a thank you, survey participants will be entered for a chance to win athletic tickets with Dean Young.

Take the survey: tiny.utk.edu/coad-survey

We’re proud to celebrate recent graphic design graduate Alexander Long and his remarkable achievement at the 2026 DIELINE Awards.

Long’s project, Amiten, transformed discarded risograph ink cartridges into beautifully designed ambient lamps and earned first place in an international design competition. What started as a creative idea grew into an inspiring example of thoughtful, sustainable design.

Read more about his award-winning project here: https://archdesign.utk.edu/news/long-2026-dieline-award/

Graduation is more than a ceremony–it is the continuation of a legacy built by generations of students who have walked the same halls, shared the same traditions, and carried the same school spirit forward through the years.

The Class of 2026 now becomes part of that lasting story, joining the thousands of graduates who came before them. Congratulations to the newest members our Big Orange family. 🧡

Each year as the semester comes to a close, our halls are filled with the focused energy of final reviews, capstones, and the quiet reflection that marks the end of another chapter. While each class leaves its own mark, a shared spirit of dedication and creativity continues to connect generations.

Here’s to the culmination of a semester well spent and to the traditions that continue to shape each new class of students.

Maged Guerguis, associate professor and McCarty Holspale McCarty Endowed Professor in the School of Architecture, has been awarded $50,000 from the Chancellor’s Innovation Fund for his research and the launch of his startup. This program provides funding to help faculty develop new technologies. Guerguis has studied how large-scale 3D printing and robotic systems could transform housing construction. His startup, Otto, will implement his research findings in modern home construction. Guerguis aims to improve efficiency, lower costs, and reduce waste in home construction with the launch of his startup Otto.

Read more about how his research takes construction to the next level: archdesign.utk.edu/news/building-the-future-bringing-3d-printed-homes-to-market

J. Stroud Watson, professor emeritus and a guiding force behind Chattanooga’s Urban Design Studio, passed away last month. He helped shape the city’s revitalization and mentored generations of architects and planners. His legacy endures through the students he inspired and the communities he helped transform.

A memorial gathering to celebrate his life will be open to the public and held at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, at the Waterhouse Pavilion in Chattanooga.

Our Summer Design Camp still has residential and commuter spots available. Secure a spot today!

Dean Jason Young and college leadership are traveling to Nashville for an alumni reception hosted by Dryden Studio on Thursday, April 23. Join us for an opportunity to hear about recent success in the college and reconnect with alumni and industry partners.

Complimentary food and beverages will be provided by Mechanical Resource Group.

Register today: tiny.utk.edu/nashville-reception

Registration is now open for our 2026 Summer Design Camp! 🍊

Each summer, the college welcomes high school students from across the country to participate in a week of immersive learning and exploration. This year camp will take place July 12–18.

Register today: tiny.utk.edu/coad-summer-camp