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
- ย 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 emailย sustaindesign@illinois.eduย to have their events included.
BSSD Newsletter Archives
Catch up on news, opportunities, and events through our weekly newsletter! Subscribe here.
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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 yearโs 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 yearโs 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. Weโre so proud of you and all youโve achieved. Hereโs 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. Weโre so proud of you and all youโve achieved. Hereโs 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 scalesโfrom 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 โ 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 โ 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 โ 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 โ 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 scalesโfrom 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 โ 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 โ 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 โ 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 โ 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 Recap: BSSD Student Innovations Across Scales
This semester, BSSD students delivered creative, thoughtful design solutions across multiple scalesโfrom objects to architecture, community spaces, and landscapes. Their work highlights the impact of sustainable design thinking.
FAA 491 / UP 494: Community-Based Sustainable Design in Puerto Rico โ Profs. Ken Salo & Faranak Miraftab
In the second year of this faculty-led trip to Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, students collaborated with Casa Pueblo to install solar panels and co-design community-identified solutions.
ARTD 326: Sustainability and Manufacturing โ Prof. Savio Mukachirayil
BSSD and Industrial Design students teamed up to create innovative products and packaging using mycelium. Their work was showcased at the Siebel Center for Design.
Spring 2025 Recap: BSSD Student Innovations Across Scales
This semester, BSSD students delivered creative, thoughtful design solutions across multiple scalesโfrom objects to architecture, community spaces, and landscapes. Their work highlights the impact of sustainable design thinking.
FAA 491 / UP 494: Community-Based Sustainable Design in Puerto Rico โ Profs. Ken Salo & Faranak Miraftab
In the second year of this faculty-led trip to Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, students collaborated with Casa Pueblo to install solar panels and co-design community-identified solutions.
ARTD 326: Sustainability and Manufacturing โ Prof. Savio Mukachirayil
BSSD and Industrial Design students teamed up to create innovative products and packaging using mycelium. Their work was showcased at the Siebel Center for Design.
We are Hiring a second Sustainable Design Program Coordinator Position!
Join our team!
Job Summary
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.
The application closes on June 13, 2025. Full job description available using the QR code which goes here: https://go.illinois.edu/BSSDprogramcoordinator
We are Hiring a second Sustainable Design Program Coordinator Position!
Join our team!
Job Summary
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.
The application closes on June 13, 2025. Full job description available using the QR code which goes here: https://go.illinois.edu/BSSDprogramcoordinator
Congratulations, Class of 2025! ๐
College of Fine Arts & Applied Arts, YOU DID IT!!
As you begin your next chapter, embrace every opportunity, challenge, and moment ahead.
Wishing you the best of luck in all your future endeavors!
We extend special thanks to our convocation speaker, Annie Contractor for her inspiring speech. Thank you, Dean Pinholster for giving the college address. Thank you, Professor David Hays for greeting the graduates with Director Hodgin Jones and thank you to Program Coordinator Ashley Smart for leading the procession of graduates.
#illinois2025 #scd #SiebelCenterforDesign #ClassOf2025 #FineArtsGraduates #SustainableDesign #BSSD #GraduationDay #CongratsGrads
Congratulations, Class of 2025! ๐
College of Fine Arts & Applied Arts, YOU DID IT!!
As you begin your next chapter, embrace every opportunity, challenge, and moment ahead.
Wishing you the best of luck in all your future endeavors!
We extend special thanks to our convocation speaker, Annie Contractor for her inspiring speech. Thank you, Dean Pinholster for giving the college address. Thank you, Professor David Hays for greeting the graduates with Director Hodgin Jones and thank you to Program Coordinator Ashley Smart for leading the procession of graduates.
#illinois2025 #scd #SiebelCenterforDesign #ClassOf2025 #FineArtsGraduates #SustainableDesign #BSSD #GraduationDay #CongratsGrads