College Introduction

       Since its founding in 2014, the Michael Graves College of Architecture and Design at Wenzhou-Kean University has been committed to developing globally minded professionals in architecture and design—individuals equipped with cross-cultural competencies, creative thinking, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
       The College mirrors the academic philosophy, curricular design, and quality standards of Kean University (USA), with all programs accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
       All programs undergo unified accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
       Through deep collaboration with Kean University’s College of Architecture and Design, we engage in long-term partnerships in joint accreditation, curriculum development, and faculty exchange.

       The College offers four undergraduate programs: Graphic Design, Architecture Studies, Industrial Design, and Interior Design, as well as a Master of Architecture program. Among these, Graphic Design is recognized as a Zhejiang Provincial First-Class Undergraduate Program and a Featured Program of Zhejiang’s "13th Five-Year Plan" Initiative; Architecture Studies holds the distinction of Zhejiang Provincial First-Class Undergraduate Program and Wenzhou First-Class Discipline. The Graphic Design program holds accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), while the Master of Architecture program holds Continuing Accreditation from the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Courses are all taught in English, following an American curriculum model that emphasizes small class sizes, inquiry-based learning, and project-based instruction.

       Our college has established a diverse faculty team by recruiting outstanding talents globally, forming a team characterized by multiculturalism, interdisciplinary expertise, and high industry recognition. Our 30 full-time faculty members hail from 19 countries and regions, all holding terminal degrees from leading global institutions in architecture and design., including 1 Distinguished Professor, 3 Tenured Associate Professors, 1 Research-focused Associate Professor, and 6 Tenure-Track Assistant Professors. Demonstrating profound academic rigor and industry insight, the majority possess professional experience at internationally renowned architecture firms and design agencies, having spearheaded numerous cross-cultural design projects.

       At the College, design is viewed not merely as a technical skill, but as a powerful medium to address social issues, honor cultural heritage, and engage with human experience. Students develop critical thinking and creative methodologies, understanding design and architecture not merely as technical disciplines but as vital responses to societal, historical, and human experiences. Our hands-on, interdisciplinary approach transforms learning environments into spaces for inquiry, collaboration, and innovation.

       Housed in a 15,000-square-meter building at the heart of campus, the College features advanced facilities including design studios, workshops, pin-up rooms, and School-Enterprise Cooperation Centers, smart classrooms, creating an immersive environment for teaching and experimentation.

       Global engagement and community practice are integral to our mission. Students participate in travel learn programs across Italy, Greece, and France. The College has built an integrated practice ecosystem covering design, construction, branding, cultural tourism, government collaboration, and intangible cultural heritage, collaborating with enterprises like Aoguang Animation and Zhuoshini Holdings, as well as governmental bodies including Rui’an Bureau of Culture and Tourism. Faculty and students collaborate on urban renewal, cultural preservation, and socially driven design projects that contribute to regional development.

       Research orientation remains central to our vision. In the past five years, our faculty and students have won more than 100 prestigious design awards at both international and national levels, including:

• USA: ADC Awards, One Show Pencils, Communication Arts Awards, Graphis Design Annual
• Germany: iF Design Award, Red Dot Award
• UK: D&AD Awards
• Japan: Tokyo TDC Prize
• China: Kan Tai-Keung Design Award, Platinum Creative University Student Design Competition

       The College hosts annual academic events such as the "Thinking Creatively" Conference and the interdisciplinary "Let’s Charrette" Competition, inviting global design leaders for workshops and lectures.

       The college has produced eight graduating cohorts to date, with the majority pursuing postgraduate studies at the world’s top-tier universities and art/design institutions, including:

• University College London (UCL) (QS World 2025 #1: Architecture & Built Environment；QS World 2025 # 9: Top global universities)
• Royal College of Art (RCA) (QS World 2025#1: Art & Design)
• University of the Arts London (UAL) (QS World 2025 #2:  Art & Design)
• University of Cambridge (QS World 2025 # 6: Top global universities)
• National University of Singapore (NUS) (QS World 2025 # 9: Top global universities)
• Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) (QS World 2025 #4: Art & Design)
• Pratt Institute (QS World 2025 #7: Art & Design)
• China Academy of Art (Double First-Class University, China)

       Our graduates succeed in a wide range of fields, including design education, media and communications, technology innovation, independent design practice, urban revitalization, and academia. The College continues to drive innovation in Sino-foreign cooperative education while strengthening Wenzhou-Kean University’s global talent development framework.