Interior Architecture and Design senior reimagines therapy environment for veterans
Two years ago Andrew Murphy ‘21 (Interior Architecture and Design) read a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article about a veteran with PTSD who suffered a panic attack while visiting the Milwaukee VA Hospital, which has narrow, dark hallways. The article inspired his MIAD Senior Exhibition project.
Andrew’s senior project, “The Refuge Center,” reimagines a VA hospital as an environment with expansive windows, a memorial arch to honor veterans who served in each war, a coffee shop and a multipurpose room for small or large groups.
Andrew, the son of a veteran Airman, designed the space to promote healing for veterans. The space uses natural light, limits stimuli that can trigger attacks and provides a space for veterans to gather post-service. Andrew’s goal is to create an environment that helps to destigmatize getting treatment for PTSD, and serves as a catalyst for conversation.
Andrew’s project, along with the projects of more than 160 seniors at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, are on view in the virtual MIAD 2021 Senior Exhibition. The exhibition is generously sponsored by BMO Harris Bank. View online at seniorexhibition.miad.edu.
News
Paris study abroad illuminates creative practice for students
Madison Boeder ’25 found that study abroad trips through the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) resonated so strongly with their practice that the Fine Art + New Studio Practice major (Art History minor) went on two: Florence in 2024 and, this year, Paris.
Illustration & Animation rank top in state, highly in Midwest and U.S.
In Animation Career Review’s 2025 college rankings, the Illustration and Animation programs at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design were once again ranked number 1 in the state.
Art direction and alumni connection: Design student interns at Nike
This past summer, Olivia Nava ’26 (Communication Design) landed a fiercely competitive internship at athletic footwear and apparel brand Nike. Now that she’s back, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior reflects on the experience, and the MIAD classes and connections that prepared her for this opportunity.
MIAD gallery offers photo students contemporary perspectives
In the photo area of the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, where digital technology and the darkroom intersect, the Perspectives Gallery shines its own light on contemporary image makers.
Transformational reflection: Studying abroad in The Burren, Ireland
Each year, a group of Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) students spends four weeks in May investigating the Burren in County Clare, Ireland through text and image. Based at the Burren College of Art and led by Professor Leslie Fedorchuk and printmaker Matthew Presutti, the two-decade-long partnership between the colleges has produced meaningful reflection and transformational experiences for students.