From corn husk lamps to a thermos with attached cups, WhatNot Studio in the Department of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects provides an exciting opportunity for students to fully develop a project from digital renderings to physical product.

Student Cole Glover describes his project—a shareable thermos—as an investigation of collective consumption. “For me, it is an opportunity to show off my ability to fully design and fabricate a technically adept prototype with actual materials. And then, I could use it as a launching point to start conversations with other people and start new projects,” he said.

Whatnot Studio projects extend far beyond the classroom. In May, the cohorts traveled to New York to present their projects at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair 2024. Working as a design agency, the Whatnot students are responsible for designing and producing promotional materials, brand identity, business cards, and booth decorations.