Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design
Incorporating the disciplines of design, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban and regional planning, the Sustainable Design major focuses on the places, things, systems, and policies needed to help solve problems in a sustainable society.
Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design
The College of Fine and Applied Arts recognized a unique opportunity to draw on the expertise from across the college to create a new degree program: the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design. Incorporating the disciplines of design, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban and regional planning, this undergraduate major will focus on the places, things, systems, and policies needed to help solve problems in a sustainable society. Through a combination of existing and newly developed classes, students will experience an innovative, interdisciplinary, and unique course of study that will prepare them to enter jobs in the public or private sector guiding institutions and society to greater sustainability or continue their educational pursuits in a variety of graduate programs.
Why a Degree in Sustainable Design?
- Rigorous broad-based education in design with a focus on building sustainable communities through intentional design of environmentally sensitive products, buildings, landscapes, and cities
- Draws on disciplines of design, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban and regional planning
- Focuses on the places, things, systems, and policies needed to help solve problems in a sustainable society
- Prepares you for the future in a sustainable world where ideas from many disciplines will be necessary to solve complex problems
- After graduation
- Enter jobs in design firms, planning agencies, industry, nonprofits, and public policy institutes
- Continue preparation in a variety of graduate or professional programs such as landscape architecture, architecture, industrial design, graphic design, urban design, and urban planning or accelerated graduate design programs at Illinois
Study sustainable design at Illinois, a 2022 Gold STARS campus for sustainability performance awarded by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
Opportunities and Events for Sustainable Design Majors
Join Sustainable Design and related organizations in these ongoing events and activities, virtually and in person! As the faculty committee learns of relevant opportunities related to the major, they will be listed here. RSOs can email sustaindesign@illinois.edu to have their events included.
BSSD Newsletter Archives
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Lea used her opportunity scholarship to develop a solar powered server that will host a catalogue of sustainability focused books and resources for the Ricker Library. Her project included designing and construction of a 50W solar panel system, designs to mount the solar panel on the library building and a dedicated server that would host and serve the catalogue to users using only the solar power provided by the panel.
During this process, Lea worked toward approvals from the Architect of the University for ideal siting and permission to install the solar panel. She also created a low energy website by coding her catalogue tool using low emission coding strategies. “I plan on continuing this project next semester,” she said. “I hope to finally assemble the physical component and finalize the digital aspect, both in clarifying the purpose of this resource and implementing it.”
The project is ongoing, and Lea is looking for collaborators to continue the project and expand on its potential over the next year. If you wish to connect with Lea on this research, please email her at lch6[at]illinois.edu.
![Lea used her opportunity scholarship to develop a solar powered server that will host a catalogue of sustainability focused books and resources for the Ricker Library. Her project included designing and construction of a 50W solar panel system, designs to mount the solar panel on the library building and a dedicated server that would host and serve the catalogue to users using only the solar power provided by the panel.
During this process, Lea worked toward approvals from the Architect of the University for ideal siting and permission to install the solar panel. She also created a low energy website by coding her catalogue tool using low emission coding strategies. “I plan on continuing this project next semester,” she said. “I hope to finally assemble the physical component and finalize the digital aspect, both in clarifying the purpose of this resource and implementing it.”
The project is ongoing, and Lea is looking for collaborators to continue the project and expand on its potential over the next year. If you wish to connect with Lea on this research, please email her at lch6[at]illinois.edu.](https://web.faa.illinois.edu/app/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Lea used her opportunity scholarship to develop a solar powered server that will host a catalogue of sustainability focused books and resources for the Ricker Library. Her project included designing and construction of a 50W solar panel system, designs to mount the solar panel on the library building and a dedicated server that would host and serve the catalogue to users using only the solar power provided by the panel.
During this process, Lea worked toward approvals from the Architect of the University for ideal siting and permission to install the solar panel. She also created a low energy website by coding her catalogue tool using low emission coding strategies. “I plan on continuing this project next semester,” she said. “I hope to finally assemble the physical component and finalize the digital aspect, both in clarifying the purpose of this resource and implementing it.”
The project is ongoing, and Lea is looking for collaborators to continue the project and expand on its potential over the next year. If you wish to connect with Lea on this research, please email her at lch6[at]illinois.edu.
Faye describes her project as “InkGreen, is an attempt to make a difference in printer ink discarded in the environment by recycling old ink cartridges and making new products out of them. With the money that we got from the scholarship project, we spent a significant amount of it on prototyping materials for our markers and crayons. Some of the materials that we bought included new ink cartridges, marker shells, and a hot plate to melt our wax for crayons.”
“InkGreen, is an attempt to make a difference in printer ink discarded in the environment by recycling old ink cartridges and making new products out of them.”
For further information on how you can support InkGreen, please reach out to Faye.
Faye describes her project as “InkGreen, is an attempt to make a difference in printer ink discarded in the environment by recycling old ink cartridges and making new products out of them. With the money that we got from the scholarship project, we spent a significant amount of it on prototyping materials for our markers and crayons. Some of the materials that we bought included new ink cartridges, marker shells, and a hot plate to melt our wax for crayons.”
“InkGreen, is an attempt to make a difference in printer ink discarded in the environment by recycling old ink cartridges and making new products out of them.”
For further information on how you can support InkGreen, please reach out to Faye.
FAA 310: Professional Development
2 credit hours, Part of Term B
October 20 – December 10
Co-taught by Sustainable Design Director Karin Hodgin Jones and Program Coordinator Ashley Smart
This course focuses on tailoring written, verbal, and online presentations to targeted audiences. Students will develop an application package including resume, letter, LinkedIn profile, elevator pitch, interview skills, and website.
Open to any student in FAA who would like to develop resources to apply for internships, career opportunities or graduate school!
FAA 310: Professional Development
2 credit hours, Part of Term B
October 20 – December 10
Co-taught by Sustainable Design Director Karin Hodgin Jones and Program Coordinator Ashley Smart
This course focuses on tailoring written, verbal, and online presentations to targeted audiences. Students will develop an application package including resume, letter, LinkedIn profile, elevator pitch, interview skills, and website.
Open to any student in FAA who would like to develop resources to apply for internships, career opportunities or graduate school!
Congratulations Lauren Day on receiving the Bronze Tablet!
The Bronze Table University Honors designation is the highest academic honor awarded to an undergraduate. It is limited to those students who have demonstrated their capacity for sustained academic excellence. To be eligible for this honor, students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5, and must rank in the upper 3 percent of their college graduating class throughout their academic journey.
Congrats on achieving this honor! Your name is officially inscribed on this year’s bronze tablet, on view in the library.
Congratulations Lauren Day on receiving the Bronze Tablet!
The Bronze Table University Honors designation is the highest academic honor awarded to an undergraduate. It is limited to those students who have demonstrated their capacity for sustained academic excellence. To be eligible for this honor, students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5, and must rank in the upper 3 percent of their college graduating class throughout their academic journey.
Congrats on achieving this honor! Your name is officially inscribed on this year’s bronze tablet, on view in the library.
Chicago Alumni and Current BSSD Students
Join us in Chicago tonight!
Wed. June 18, 5:00 - 8:00p
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
BSSD has a strong presence at the Sustainability Research Innovation Congress in Chicago this week. We hope to connect current students and alumni as well as new friends through this informal gathering.
Organized by Karin Hodgin Jones, Director of the Sustainable Design Program.
Questions? Message her on LinkedIn:
Karin Hodgin Jones
At the conference message or RSVP on Whova!
Or email sustaindesign@illinois.edu
Chicago Alumni and Current BSSD Students
Join us in Chicago tonight!
Wed. June 18, 5:00 - 8:00p
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
BSSD has a strong presence at the Sustainability Research Innovation Congress in Chicago this week. We hope to connect current students and alumni as well as new friends through this informal gathering.
Organized by Karin Hodgin Jones, Director of the Sustainable Design Program.
Questions? Message her on LinkedIn:
Karin Hodgin Jones
At the conference message or RSVP on Whova!
Or email sustaindesign@illinois.edu
Today, we proudly celebrate our graduates stepping into a new chapter of life! Your hard work, sleepless nights, and dedication led you here. You faced challenges, overcame obstacles, and never gave up because you`re a fighter. Your perseverance brought results and today proves your strength and determination. We’re so proud of you and all you’ve achieved. Here’s to new beginnings, bold dreams, and a future full of opportunities. Wishing you the best on the journey ahead.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Photo credits:
William Hohe
Jasmine He
Erin Schimenti
Jimi Jones
Karin Hodgin Jones
*edited to add photo credits
Today, we proudly celebrate our graduates stepping into a new chapter of life! Your hard work, sleepless nights, and dedication led you here. You faced challenges, overcame obstacles, and never gave up because you`re a fighter. Your perseverance brought results and today proves your strength and determination. We’re so proud of you and all you’ve achieved. Here’s to new beginnings, bold dreams, and a future full of opportunities. Wishing you the best on the journey ahead.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Photo credits:
William Hohe
Jasmine He
Erin Schimenti
Jimi Jones
Karin Hodgin Jones
*edited to add photo credits
Date Extended for applications! Please apply using:
QR code or go to:
https://go.illinois.edu/BSSDprogramcoordinator
For the full job description and application portal.
Overview:
This position is responsible for providing support to the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design (BSSD) program in the College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA). The position serves as the primary coordinator for administrative needs of the program. The position works closely with the Director of the Sustainable Design program, and staff in the College of Fine and Applied Arts administration which support the communications, recruitment, yield, and stewardship of the program administration. The position serves as liaison for collaborative projects and communications with partner programs in the School of Architecture, School of Art and Design, Department of Landscape Architecture and Department of Urban and Regional Planning. The position will contribute to the evaluation of the need for and success of program strategies.
Date Extended for applications! Please apply using:
QR code or go to:
https://go.illinois.edu/BSSDprogramcoordinator
For the full job description and application portal.
Overview:
This position is responsible for providing support to the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design (BSSD) program in the College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA). The position serves as the primary coordinator for administrative needs of the program. The position works closely with the Director of the Sustainable Design program, and staff in the College of Fine and Applied Arts administration which support the communications, recruitment, yield, and stewardship of the program administration. The position serves as liaison for collaborative projects and communications with partner programs in the School of Architecture, School of Art and Design, Department of Landscape Architecture and Department of Urban and Regional Planning. The position will contribute to the evaluation of the need for and success of program strategies.
Spring 2025 BSSD Recap, part 1!
This semester, BSSD students delivered creative, thoughtful design solutions across multiple scales—from objects to architecture, community spaces, and landscapes. Their work highlights the impact of sustainable design thinking.
FAA 330: Making Sustainable Design Studio modules:
Object Module – Prof. Chiara Vincenzi
Students used CLO 3D Fashion Design Software to explore zero-waste strategies and assess the environmental impact of design waste.
Urban Module – Prof. Lou Turner
Through forensic analysis of urban planning, students examined the relocation of the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, revealing how the move reduced potential local benefits.
Landscape Module – Prof. Bridgette Moen
Students redesigned a site near campus to improve stormwater management and reconnect areas divided by infrastructure.
FAA 431: Sustainable Design Capstone Studio – Prof. Eric Benson & TA Camila Madariaga Potthoff
Students independently developed final projects that synthesized their research and design skills, marking the culmination of their BSSD journey.
#sustainabledesign #SustainableDesign #BSSD #siebelcenterfordesign #illinois2025 #faaillinois
Photo credits:
Jasmine He
Karin Hodgin Jones
Trey McCallister
Spring 2025 BSSD Recap, part 1!
This semester, BSSD students delivered creative, thoughtful design solutions across multiple scales—from objects to architecture, community spaces, and landscapes. Their work highlights the impact of sustainable design thinking.
FAA 330: Making Sustainable Design Studio modules:
Object Module – Prof. Chiara Vincenzi
Students used CLO 3D Fashion Design Software to explore zero-waste strategies and assess the environmental impact of design waste.
Urban Module – Prof. Lou Turner
Through forensic analysis of urban planning, students examined the relocation of the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, revealing how the move reduced potential local benefits.
Landscape Module – Prof. Bridgette Moen
Students redesigned a site near campus to improve stormwater management and reconnect areas divided by infrastructure.
FAA 431: Sustainable Design Capstone Studio – Prof. Eric Benson & TA Camila Madariaga Potthoff
Students independently developed final projects that synthesized their research and design skills, marking the culmination of their BSSD journey.
#sustainabledesign #SustainableDesign #BSSD #siebelcenterfordesign #illinois2025 #faaillinois
Photo credits:
Jasmine He
Karin Hodgin Jones
Trey McCallister