Brian F. Davies will serve as chair of the Appalachian State University Department of Applied Design beginning August 1, 2016. Davies is relocating from the University of Cincinnati and will replace Professor Richard Prisco, who is stepping back into a full-time faculty role this fall.
Davies earned his master’s in interior design and his bachelor’s in design and environmental studies, both from Cornell University. He also completed graduate coursework in architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
“The Department of Applied Design presents wonderful opportunities for faculty, current and future students and a new chair,” remarked Davies. “Applied Design’s unique structure, its constituent departments in the College of Fine and Applied Arts and its setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains afford many collaborations in continuing my research and teaching on the Design for Extreme Environments Project.”
“The faculty are united in our desire to elevate the department’s national recognition, and the student output and interactions I experienced during the interview process were excellent,” he continued. “I am encouraged by the talents and interests of faculty and look forward to new relationships with alumni.”
Prior to his appointment at Appalachian State University, Davies served in faculty positions at Cornell University, the University of Oregon and the University of Cincinnati while also working as a designer and consultant. He maintains an active research, service and exhibition schedule in addition to teaching and professional practice.
“Brian brings a wealth of fundraising experience to the department,” remarked Phyllis Kloda, dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts. “Under his leadership, the Applied Design programs will grow and thrive.”
Applied Designat Appalachian State University
The Department Applied Design at Appalachian State University is dedicated to fostering excellence in design education, design research and professional placement. The department balances theoretical and pragmatic approaches while exploring an awareness of impact through design decisions on the global community. Faculty focus on a holistic approach to creative problem solving by integrating sustainability and ethical responsibility in teaching and practice.
The department offers bachelor’s degrees in apparel design and merchandising, industrial design and interior design. It is one of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts. To learn more, visit design.appstate.edu.
Brian F. Davies
Brian F. Davies is the new chair of the Department of Applied Design [Photo credit: Diego R. Davies]