Fall Design Professional Lecture Series brings acclaimed artists and designers to KU

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design will host seven artists and designers as part of the Fall 2026 Design Professional Lecture Series, a program with more than four decades of history connecting students and the public with influential voices in design and the arts.

The Fall 2026 schedule

Sept. 3 | May Tveit

An artist and former KU faculty member in industrial design, May Tveit creates large-scale sculptural installations and works on paper that transform everyday commercial and industrial materials into geometric abstractions. Her nationally exhibited work explores the intersections of art, design, architecture and human experience. An exhibition of Tveit's work, including prints and corrugated cardboard sculptures that examine the relationship between the body and larger systems of movement and energy, is on view in the Edgar Heap of Birds Family Gallery in Chalmers Hall through Sept. 17. 

Sept. 17 | Mirna Stubbs

Mirna Stubbs is an illustrator and senior artist at Hallmark Cards whose vibrant work combines decorative pattern, expressive color and storytelling. Alongside her commercial practice, she maintains a personal art practice focused on themes of connection, memory and place.

Oct. 1 | Taylor Downes

Product designer Taylor Downes specializes in the research, design and development of digital products and user experiences. His work applies human-centered design methods to solve complex challenges across enterprise software, mobile applications and digital platforms.

Oct. 15 | Matthias Pliessnig

Internationally recognized artist, sculptor and furniture designer Matthias Pliessnig is known for his innovative use of steam-bent wood to create fluid forms that blur the boundaries between art, craft and design. His work combines advanced digital modeling with meticulous handcraftsmanship.

Oct. 29 | Gil Ashby

Award-winning illustrator, painter and educator Gil Ashby has built a career spanning fine art, visual journalism and teaching. His work explores themes of identity, history, spirituality and the African American experience while advancing the role of visual storytelling in contemporary culture.

Nov. 12 | Lauren Hakmiller

Lauren Hakmiller, a graduate of KU’s Visual Communication Design program, is a creative director, designer and illustrator based in Charleston, South Carolina. As co-founder and creative director of Sipland, she leads projects spanning brand identity, illustration, typography and digital design.

Dec. 3 | Jess Marak

Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary designer Jess Marak, also a graduate of KU's Visual Communication Design program, works across branding, visual identity, photography, illustration and creative direction. Her clients have included Google, Refinery29 and SoulCycle.

Lectures begin at 6 p.m. in 3140 Wescoe Hall on the KU Lawrence campus. Events are free and open to the public.

More information about the Fall 2026 Design Professional Lecture Series speakers and their work is available online: May Tveit, Mirna Stubbs, Taylor Downes, Matthias Pliessnig, Gil Ashby, Lauren Hakmiller and Jess Marak.

For additional information and to view past speakers, visit the KU School of Architecture & Design's Design Professional Lecture Series webpage.