Recap: Returning to RIT for the 2024 Thought at Work Design Conference

I recently had the honor of returning to my alma mater, RIT, to speak at the Thought at Work Design Conference. It was a wonderful experience to reconnect with the campus, meet today’s talented students, and catch up with some incredible faculty and friends who are shaping the future of design at RIT.

The day began with a nostalgic stop by my old dorm—some memories and even familiar spots still intact! Afterward, James Marotto gave me a tour around campus, starting with MAGIC Spell Studios, a cutting-edge space where game design, animation, and production work come to life. This is where the popular video game “That Dam Goat” was created.

Next was a tour of the newly renovated library, which now includes the Joe Kubert comic collection, an incredible archive from the famed comic artist behind Spider-Man. Seeing his original work, desk, and personal items was a highlight.

At “The Shed,” I met with director Mike Buffalin, who showed me RIT’s impressive fabrication lab—a space that’s truly any designer’s dream. With its open, glass-walled architecture that sharply contrasts the rest of RIT’s brutalist design, The Shed houses nearly every manufacturing tool imaginable, from 5-axis machines to a vast array of 3D printers, waterjet cutters, and a lot more. The space also includes a large performing arts and dance studio, adding yet another layer of creative expression to RIT’s facilities.

I also reconnected with Alex Lobos, Director of the College of Art & Design, who introduced me to several Industrial Design faculty members, including Lori Resch, Melissa Dawson, and Juan Carlos Noguera.

A quick lunch at DiBella’s—my favorite sub spot—was the perfect recharge before the conference.

The Thought At Work (TAW) Conference is an annual, student-led event that brings together industry professionals from various design disciplines to connect and share insights with emerging designers. Approximately 200 students gathered for two days of speakers, panels, and networking opportunities. Shoutout to Rachel Mikolajczyk, President of the organization, and the entire student team for organizing such a great event. It was incredible to meet the next generation of designers and speak to a packed room about my career journey and the power of synergy in collaboration.

After the conference concluded, I met up with Todd Jokl, Dean of the College of Art and Design, and alumni Jason Blythe. We visited RIT City Art Space for First Friday, grabbed dinner, and ended the night at Radio Social for some bowling with the TAW Conference crew.

Many thanks to the faculty, staff, and students for such a warm welcome and an incredible day. It was both humbling and energizing to see how RIT continues to shape the future of design. Check out a few photos from my visit below,  and catch the video recap on Instagram!