NC State College of Design

The first floor of Brooks Hall's Matsumoto wing has a new chapter.

Designed to support collaborative learning, research and community engagement, the renovation transforms a once-divided space into an open, flexible environment that reflects the future of design education. The project also addresses long-term infrastructure needs while strengthening the connection between the college and its surrounding campus community.

The grand opening provided an opportunity to celebrate more than a renovated space. It also recognized Dean Mark Hoversten as he prepares to return to the faculty after 10 years of leadership. During his tenure, the college expanded research capacity, increased studio and lab space, improved accessibility and strengthened opportunities for students across disciplines.

Take a look inside the transformed Matsumoto wing and learn more about the people who helped bring the project to life.

Rendering ✨complete✨

"If you’re interested in something — even if it’s not immediately relevant to whatever class you’re in — chase that."

From teaching science in Wake County classrooms to redesigning possibilities through industrial design, Caleb Zander’s journey has been anything but conventional.

A two-time NC State graduate, Caleb is earning his Master of Industrial Design after nearly a decade as a high school science teacher. What started as late-night woodworking, metalworking and rebuilding motorcycles eventually became a new creative path.

“At NC State, I learned it’s okay to admit you don’t know what you’re doing. Learn from people around you. If you don’t understand, ask.”

Through leadership in the Industrial Designers Society of America, mentoring undergraduate students and helping maintain the College of Design’s Materials Lab, Caleb has embraced every opportunity to create, test and explore.

🎓 💌 Are you a graduating designer? Share your story: https://design.ncsu.edu/about/der/share-a-story/

Dinosaurs. Security bots. Whiteboard masterpieces. A little mess here and there. Ya know, normal stuff.

Happy LDOC, designers. 🦕🫶

Commencement is right around the corner, and we’re looking to highlight the stories behind our graduating class.

To our soon-to-be graduates, we invite you to share a photo and a brief reflection from your time at the College of Design.

Whether it’s a cap-and-gown portrait, a studio moment, or a throwback that captures your journey, we’re looking for something that feels true to your experience.

Reflections may include:
Meaningful experiences or mentors
Lessons that shaped your perspective
Personal growth throughout your time at NC State
Plans following graduation
Acknowledgments to those who supported you along the way

Submissions will be accepted through the May 8 commencement ceremony. We look forward to celebrating your work, your growth and what comes next.

📩 Shout your story from the rooftops: https://design.ncsu.edu/about/der/share-a-story/

A huge thank you to all who joined us at Art2Wear 2026! We're so proud of this year's show and grateful for the chance to give you a sneak peek into our design process, interviews, and more through our Instagram Story Takeover. Mark your calendars for next year and thanks again for joining us!
- The Art2Wear Executive Team