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Featured Stories
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Fashion Matters In Tough Times, Says Top Designer
11 November 2011 4:59 PM | No Commentsby NPR STAFF
If you pay attention to the Emmys and Academy Awards, then you’ve probably seen those glamorous, haute couture gowns made by Kevan Hall. He’s known for dressing A-listers like Vanessa Williams, Salma Hayek, Celine Dion — even first lady Michelle Obama.
His work has earned him multiple awards. After studying fashion design at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, he won a scholarship sponsored by the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. After graduating, he won the Peacock Award for Outstanding Fashion Design. In 1989, the NAACP named him the Great American Designer, and in 2005, Life & Style Magazine named him Stylemaker of the Year.
Among the handful of top African-American designers in the country, Hall centers his work in Los Angeles. He’ll be showing off his 2012 bridal and ready-to-wear collections Friday at the Washington Club in the nation’s capital.
More here.
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African designers steal the show
11 November 2011 4:50 PM | No CommentsBy WANGUI MAINAWalking tall at 1.78 metres, Kenyan model Ajuma Nasenyana,, walked to the front to be crowned Model of the Year at this year’s Africa Fashion Week held in Johannesburg, South Africa two weeks ago.
An international model, Ajuma was one of the models who took to the catwalk to showcase some of the continents leading talent. In its eighth year, Africa Fashion week brought together 30 designers, based on the continent and beyond, to showcase their designs at the Sandton Convention Centre for three days last month.
More here.
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Assistant Professor, Graphic Design at California College of the Arts (CCA)
12 October 2011 8:03 PM | No CommentsASSISTANT PROFESSOR, GRAPHIC DESIGN, SAN FRANCISCO CAMPUS, FULL-TIME, TENURE-TRACK, EXEMPT, JOB # 2069
October 2011
Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts (CCA) is an independent art college with undergraduate programs in architecture, design, fine arts, visual studies, and writing. The college also has graduate programs in architecture, curatorial practice, design, design strategy, fine arts, visual and critical studies and writing. Through these programs, the college has created a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment. Diverse cultural perspectives enrich the CCA community and the college believes that continuing to expand the horizons of the students and faculty is essential to achieving its educational objectives. With campuses in Oakland and San Francisco, CCA currently enrolls 1,930 full-time students.
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
The Graphic Design Program at CCA offers a fully accredited four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. The program is dedicated to conceptual and skill-based problem-solving grounded in practical knowledge, critical awareness, and social and cultural engagement. Guided by an active and accomplished faculty, students are exposed to diverse design perspectives and practices and encouraged to develop a culturally competent and personally committed point of view. CCA’s Interaction Design Program takes a studio-based, collaborative, and playful approach to training future interaction designers, equipping them with a unique mix of skills to shape their field. The Graduate Program in Design prepares its graduates for careers in innovative design practice, including design direction, strategy, and leadership. Situated at the heart of the Bay’s Area’s vibrant design culture, these programs benefit from a rich community of practitioners and a compelling context for projects.
POSITION SUMMARY:
CCA seeks candidates for a full-time, tenure-track position of assistant professor of graphic design, beginning fall 2012. This position has been created to support the development of the program’s 4D curriculum. The successful candidate will demonstrate an active interest in the evolving relationship between graphic design and screen-based media and a capacity to steer curricular and pedagogical change in this area.
In keeping with the college’s commitment to diversity, community engagement, and social justice, we seek candidates who will cultivate an equitable studio environment and a diverse curriculum. In addition to teaching (a full-time load is five lines per year) and participating in the undergraduate Graphic Design program, the position requires a readiness to teach in the Interaction Design, Graduate Design, and First Year Programs, mentor students in the major, and serve on college-wide committees. It also entails a commitment to continued professional work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A BFA degree in Graphic Design (or equivalent professional degree and/or experience) with a minimum of one year of teaching experience at the college level or two years of professional experience in the field. Applicants should present evidence of leadership ability and the potential to make significant contributions in their field of practice. They should have a strong commitment to design education and a keen interest in design-related technologies. Specifically, CCA seeks candidates who demonstrate conceptual agility and practical aptitude with respect to the dynamics linking graphic design and screen-based media. Please submit at least five projects that provide evidence of front- and/or back-end skills and practice in one or more of the following areas: interface, interaction, video, motion graphics, or mobile/other platforms. Professional and/or educational experience in collaborative interdisciplinary contexts, project-based community engagement, and design writing and research are also desirable.
SALARY: Commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Postmark deadline for applications is January 20, 2012.
NOTE: If you wish to be notified of the status of your application for this position, please provide a current email address on your resume or cover letter.
application instructions:
Interested candidates should submit the following in .pdf format:
- A formal letter of application
- A brief statement of teaching philosophy highlighting areas of pedagogic concentration
- A curriculum vitae
- A portfolio of professional work
- Course syllabi and student work
- Student evaluations of recent courses taught at the college level.
- Three names of reference, including contact information
Note: A self-addressed, stamped envelope is required for return of submission materials.
California College of the Arts
Human Resources (Job # 2069)
5212 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618-1487
Fax (510) 594-3681
employment@cca.edu
We recommend compressing/zipping your files into a zip format file. Documents larger than 10MB, should be submitted on CD and forwarded to CCA as indicated above.
CCA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.
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Position: Chair, Industrial Design at California College of the Arts (CCA)
12 October 2011 7:47 PM | No CommentsCHAIR, INDUSTRIAL DESIGN, SAN FRANCISCO CAMPUS, FULL-TIME, EXEMPT, JOB # 1968
October 2011
The CCA Industrial Design program
The Industrial Design program at CCA offers a fully accredited four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Industrial Design. Industrial Design is among the fastest growing programs at CCA and reflects the dynamic nature of the field. Specific areas of interest include sustainability, urban mobility, design research, community engagement, and cultural analysis. For more information about the program mission, visithttp://www.cca.edu/academics/industrial-designCalifornia College of the Arts (CCA) invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Industrial Design Program.
The profession of industrial design is expanding to more areas of influence than ever before. Designers have the opportunity to impact social, environmental and political outcomes. Consequently, the way we educate designers matters now more than ever. Merging visionary leadership, curriculum development, and professional and community connections, the Industrial Design Chair plays an essential role in shaping the next generation of industrial designers, who will tackle some of the most pressing concerns of our time.
The Chair of Industrial Design is a key player in the CCA and surrounding communities with access to the Bay Area’s most notable practitioners. The successful candidate will approach the development of a practical and critical design curriculum as a creative and intellectual opportunity and demonstrate a capacity to incorporate diverse cultural and practical perspectives in shaping curriculum, directing pedagogy, and building community.
The chair position is a full-time position throughout the 9.5-month academic year. A program manager provides administrative and organizational support, and faculty coordinators assist with specific aspects of the program, including internships, student reviews, technology support, sustainability and semantics. The director and assistant director of Design provide guidance and oversight for curriculum development, faculty selection, scheduling and accreditation reviews.
Specific Responsibilities of the Chair of Industrial Design
- Lead the program in attracting and retaining the most promising Industrial Design students.
- Design a curriculum that combines skills acquisition, design research, conceptual thinking, and professional preparation.
- Encourage collaboration between Industrial Design and other CCA programs.
- Establish external relationships with the professional design community, including sponsored studio partnerships.
- Promote the visibility of the Industrial Design program locally, nationally and globally.
- Hire and mentor faculty to reflect a wide range of experiences and perspectives.
- Organize subject-specific student workshops throughout the academic year.
- Teach at least one class per semester.
- Direct the academic and administrative operations of the program.
- Oversee ongoing program assessment and prepare for accreditation reviews.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Professional experience in the field of industrial design and its related practices: research, prototyping, manufacturing, materials, sustainability, human factors, interaction, design history and criticism, etc. Experience in design education, including teaching and a demonstrated capacity for curricular and extracurricular program development. Proven management experience in an academic or professional setting.
The ideal candidate will articulate a vision for the future of the program and the field that merges creativity, curiosity and craft. He/she will demonstrate the ability to lead faculty, students and staff, and address diverse design practices that combine professional development, cultural awareness, and community engagement.
SALARY: Salary is commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Review of applications will begin January 17th, 2012. Recommended document file formats are Word or PDF. If there are multiple attachments, we recommend compressing/zipping your files into a zip format file. NOTE: If you wish to be notified of the status of your application for this position, please provide a current email address on your resume or cover letter.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants are invited to submit their CV and a letter of interest that addresses their vision for the future of Industrial Design, in both education and the profession, as well as their philosophy of leadership and pedagogy. Applicants should also submit the names and contact information of three professional and academic references. Submit materials to:
California College of the Arts
Human Resources (Job # 1968)
5212 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618-1487
Fax (510) 594-3681
Recommended document file formats are Word or PDF. If there are multiple attachments, we recommend compressing/zipping your files into a zip format file. Documents larger than 10MB, should be submitted on CD and forwarded to CCA as indicated above.
CCA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.
Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts (CCA) is an independent art college with undergraduate programs in architecture, design, fine arts, visual studies, and writing. The college also has graduate programs in architecture, curatorial practice, design, design strategy, fine arts, visual and critical studies and writing. Through these programs, the college has created a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment. Diverse cultural perspectives enrich the CCA community and the college believes that continuing to expand the horizons of the students and faculty is essential to achieving its educational objectives. With campuses in Oakland and San Francisco, CCA currently enrolls 1,930 full-time students.
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Job Postings on this site with BDNN
12 October 2011 7:36 PM | No CommentsBeginning November 1, BDNN will charge for all job postings on website.
- Please inquire by email at atim@blackdesignnews.com
Until September 30, 2011, all postings at BDNN are free. We have a right to select what we post.
Read More
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Fashion Matters In Tough Times, Says Top Designer
Urban/Landscape Design Archive
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Emancipation Park: Renovation comes with reservations
Posted on October 4, 2011 | No CommentsThe City of Houston will soon launch a capital campaign calling on Houstonians to help fund an $18 million makeover of Emancipation Park.
The effort has been heralded as an attempt to position the park as a monument to the city’s African-American history, and as ground reclaimed for families, cultural events and Third Ward redevelopment. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently awarded $1 million to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department to renovate and expand the park, adding to the forward movement of the project. Read more: http://www.defendernetwork.com/emancipation-park-renovation-comes-with-reservations/
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Architect Zaha Hadid wins second consecutive Stirling Prize
Posted on October 4, 2011 | No CommentsZaha Hadid is arguably the most famous active female architect in the world today. And while she’s been called a diva, she’s certainly one of the most prolific and, having won the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Stirling Prize for the second year in a row, one of the more decorated working architects.
Over the weekend, Hadid’s Evelyn Grace Academy, the heavily glazed and angular home of a secondary school in South London, claimed the Stirling (and $31,000 purse) from a competitive short list that included the 2012 Olympic Velodrome and a re-imagined Royal Shakespeare Theatre. More here: http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/design-architecture/architect-zaha-hadid-wins-second-consecutive-stirling-prize/915
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“Design with the Other 90%: Cities” at the United Nations
Posted on October 3, 2011 | No Comments“Design with the Other 90%: Cities,” the second in a series of themed exhibitions by Cooper-Hewitt that demonstrate how design can address the world’s most critical issues, opens Oct. 15 at the United Nations and runs through Jan. 9, 2012. Organized by Cynthia E. Smith, the museum’s curator of socially responsible design, the exhibition will feature more than 60 projects from 22 countries around the globe.
The exhibition will explore design solutions to the challenges created by rapid urban growth in informal settlements, commonly referred to as slums. Close to 1 billion people live in informal settlements, and that population is projected to swell to 2 billion people by 2030. This accelerated urban expansion will take place primarily in developing and emerging economies in an increasingly climate-challenged world. Projects and products at every scale will be included, with a focus on designs that are informed by end users: alternative housing design, methods and materials; low-cost clean water; accessible education initiatives; sanitation and solid-waste management; transportation solutions; innovative systems and infrastructure; and urban design and planning. “Cooper-Hewitt is delighted to present this free exhibition at the United Nations, where visitors from all over the world will be able to see how design can address the most critical issues in developing and emerging countries,” said Bill Moggridge, director of the museum.
More details: http://cooperhewitt.org/exhibitions/other-90
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Design Objects by Black Women Designers Across the Diaspora
Posted on February 28, 2011 | 1 Commentby Atim Annette Oton
BDNN’s Design Objects by Women Designers Across the Diaspora celebrates individual design objects, projects and styles of black women designers across the world. March is women’s month and across the month women are celebrated, but imagine a month long celebration of black women. Priceless, only Black Design News Network celebrates 31 days like this in 2011. Designers selected reshape the notion of design in the black diaspora. They are established, in mid-career and emerging. Each has a distinctive voice and style. This is the time to cross boundaries and establish a cultural database of unique design voices.
This month, we feature:
- March 1, 2011: Lulu Kitololo, Graphic Designer using Africa and provocative images
- March 2, 2011: Patti Carpenter, Fashion and Product Designer, bring the best of global design to the American market
- March 3: Michi, Knit Wear Fashion Design – unique style.
- March 4: Natasha Morgan for Over-the-top-Design in Glasses and Eyewear
- March 5: Camisha Jackson of Luna Versoul for Unusual and Creative Jewelry
- March 6: Doreen Mashika for Unique Fair Trade Clutches
- March 7: Candra Palmer of Artyce Footwear, Shoe Designer for custom, special occasion footwear
- March 8: Amanda George for creating the innovative blog, The Audacity of Color
- March 9: Korto Momolu for being a Triple threat – fashion, jewelry and bags
- March 10: Tennille McMillan of Nakimuli, for Funky Fashion Dresses
- March 11: Towana Phillip, designer of To’Sha Knits as Emerging Handbag designer
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February 28: ArchiAfrika – Most Valuable Resource on African Architecture and Architects
Posted on February 27, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
ArchiAfrika
ArchiAfrika has as its aim to put (modern) African architectural culture on the world map. It offers a platform for the exchange of news and expertise in this field. ArchiAfrika initiates and facilitates research and projects on the terrain of African architecture and architecture in Africa.BDNN selects ArchiAfrika as the Most Valuable Resource on African Architecture and Architects.
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February 14: Algernon Miller, Innovative Artist, Sculptor and Urban Designer
Posted on February 14, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
Algernon is an African American artist and sculptor. Algernon Miller’s work has been exhibited at Haven Gallery, Bronx, NY; Tribes Gallery; Taller Boricua Gallery; Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; the New Museum; and the Whitney Museum of American Art, all in New York, NY. He exhibited in Forest of Hope at the Charles Dana Center in Central Park where he also participated in workshops with families and youth. Miller was commissioned by the New York City Percent for Art Program to design the Frederick Douglass Circle in Manhattan along with Quennell Rothschild and Partners. The project is currently under construction.
BDNN selects Algernon Miller as an Innovative Artist, Sculptor and Urban Designer.
Web Trails:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Douglass_Circle
- http://www.bigapplejazz.com/tree_of_hope.htm
- http://www.judithdobrzynski.com/8395/africa-and-its-spheres-of-influence
- http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/attractions/public_art/monuments/african_american_experience/html/aa_sculptures_index_2.html
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February 13: Walter Hood: Innovative Landscape Designer and Green Advocate
Posted on February 14, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
Walter Hood is a Professor at the University of California, Berkeley’s Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design Department, and chaired from 1998 to 2002. He established his Oakland, California–based studio in 1992. His studio, Hood Design, has been engaged in architectural commissions, urban design, art installations, and research since 1992. Earlier projects located in Oakland such as the Lafayette Square and Splash Pad Parks are regarded as transformative designs for the field of landscape architecture. Hood Design is also the designer for the gardens and landscape of the new De Young Museum; the new landscape for the California African American Museum in Los Angeles; and new Sculpture Terrace for the Jackson Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming. Recently, Hood won design competitions for the Center for Civil & Human Rights in Atlanta, GA; Garden Passage, a public artwork in Pittsburgh, PA; and a 1.1 megawatt photovoltaic array within the campus landscape at the University at Buffalo. In 2009-10 Walter Hood received the Cooper‐Hewitt National Design Award for Landscape Design, and in 2010 was bestowed the title, Master of Design, by Fast Company Magazine.
BDNN selects Walter Hood as the Innovative Landscape Designer and Green Advocate.
Webtrails:
http://tedxberkeley.org/speakers-2/2011-2/walter-hood/
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/149/this-land-is-your-land.html
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February 9: Leyden Lewis, Interior Design Innovator
Posted on February 10, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
Founder and Creative Director of Leyden Lewis Design Studio, Lewis has a background which encompasses the culturally rich Caribbean heritage of Trinidad and Tobago, urban sophistication, and classical European Modernism. His unrivaled aesthetic has made him the celebrated New York designer that he is today.
Leyden Lewis’s diverse range of projects includes luxury residences on Manhattan’s famous Museum Mile and a contemporary art-filled winter retreat at the Breakers Row in Palm Beach, Florida. Currently under construction is a full-scale architectural renovation of a nineteenth-century Victorian brownstone with a rear garden located in the historic district of Park Slope, Brooklyn. He has designed model apartments public corridors and lobbies for many of New York and New Jersey’s major real estate management and marketing agencies, such as Rose Associates, Insignia, The Sunshine Group, and The Marketing Directors.
BDNN selects Leyden Lewis as an Interior Design Innovator.
Website:
Website Trails:
http://www.1stdibs.com/articles/the_talent/leyden_lewis/index.php
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February 6: Diane Jones, Landscape Designer, Design Educator Engaging Students in Haiti
Posted on February 5, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
Diane Jones is an Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture at Morgan State University. With a focus on Environmental Justice, Community Design, and Art Expression, Diane travelled with her students to do a project in Haiti this October, 2010. She has a Masters of Landscape Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley and Bachelors of Fine Arts from the Washington University, St. Louis.
BDNN selects Diane Jones as Design Educator for Engaging Students in Haiti
Website:
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Black History Month: 28 Black Design Leaders, Thinkers and Advocates
Posted on February 1, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
This year, Black Design News Network (BDNN) will feature 28 Design Leaders, Thinkers and Advocates with a focus on innovation, race, culture and community. Each selected designer will come from the six industries we cover: Architecture, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Product Design and Urban/Landscape Design.
- February 1: Victor Body Lawson, Architect, Designer and Save Harlem Advocate
- February 2: Cheryl Durst, Interior Designers Best Advocate and Visionary
- February 3: Monique Péan, Socially Responsible Fashion Jewelry Designer
- February 4: Saki Mafundikwa, Advocate for African Design Fonts
- February 5: Crystal Windham, GM Director of Design – Design Leader and Innovator
- February 6: Diane Jones, Landscape Designer, Design Educator Engaging Students in Haiti
- February 7: Abimbola Asojo, Architect – Leading an Innovative Interior Design Program
- February 8: Dabanga Dos Santos – Fashion Design Leader in Jewelry and Innovative Use of Materials
- February 9: Leyden Lewis, Interior Design Innovator
- February 10: Daniel Tisdale, Designer and Publisher
- February 11: Tina Shoulders, Creative Product Designer and Strategist
- February 12: Sanford Garner, Innovative Designer and Architect
- February 13: Walter Hood: Innovative Landscape Designer and Green Advocate
- February 14: Algernon Miller, Innovative Artist, Sculptor and Urban Designer
- February 15: Charlene Potts, Versatile Illustrator
- February 16: Mamayashi, Fashion Designer expanding Jamaican Fashion Design and Style
- February 17: Malene B: Innovative Carpet Designer and Product Designer
- February 18: Robin Wilson, Innovative Interior Design Leader and Advocate for eco-friendly and healthy space interior design
- February 19: Washington Roberts, Up-and-Coming Fashion Designer
- February 20: Reginald Christian for creating Black Creatives to promote diversity
- February 21: Architecture Caribbean as a Space that Inspires, Educates and Promotes Caribbean Architecture.
- February 22: Tanya Griffin as Interior Designer Staging Homes
- February 23: Eric Anderson, Industrial Designer focused on Universal Design
- February 24: Kahindo Mateene Fashion Designer for using African Fabric Creatively
- February 25: Mervyn Awon, Barbados Architect on Modernism and Cultural Ethos
- February 26: Wahala Temi – Intersecting Architecture, Furniture and Art
- February 27: Clutch Magazine for reporting on Urban “It” Women
- February 28: ArchiAfrika – Most Valuable Resource on African Architecture and Architects
Please spread the word about these designers and see you next year for another 28 more.

















