Kendall College of Art and Design | Grand Rapids

Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) of Ferris State University – In Detail

Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD), located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, is one of the premier art and design institutions in the Midwest. As part of Ferris State University, it offers a unique blend of rigorous artistic education with strong career-focused outcomes. Founded in 1928 by local furniture designer Helen M. Kendall, the school originally served the region’s booming furniture industry and has since evolved into a full-fledged college of art and design.

1. Philosophy and Educational Mission

KCAD’s mission centers on empowering artists and designers to shape communities and contribute meaningfully to the world through creativity and critical thinking. It supports students in cultivating a balance between technical skill, conceptual development, and real-world application. Emphasis is placed on:

Human-centered design

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Innovation through traditional and emerging media

Social responsibility and civic engagement through art

KCAD positions itself not only as a place to learn technical skills, but also as an incubator for creative leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.

2. Campus and Location

KCAD’s urban campus is composed of two central buildings:

• 17 Fountain Street NW

The main academic hub that houses classrooms, faculty offices, computer labs, student services, and studios for programs such as graphic design, illustration, and digital media.

• Woodbridge N. Ferris Building

A fully renovated, LEED Gold-certified building named after the founder of Ferris State University. This building includes:

Cutting-edge studios for sculpture, fashion, product design, and fine art

Galleries for student and faculty exhibitions

The FlexLab for experimentation with digital fabrication and prototyping (3D printers, CNC routers, laser cutters)

Being situated downtown gives students easy access to:

Museums (GRAM, UICA)

Public art installations and murals

Local design firms, agencies, and start-up incubators

The city’s annual ArtPrize event, where KCAD often serves as a key venue

3. Academic Programs

KCAD offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in visual arts and design disciplines. All programs focus on studio-intensive learning, industry integration, and portfolio development.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor of Fine Arts – BFA & BA):

Graphic Design – Branding, UX/UI, typography, and design systems

Illustration – Traditional and digital illustration, narrative art, editorial and concept art

Digital Art and Design – Motion graphics, animation, video, and interactive media

Interior Design – Space planning, lighting design, sustainability, and human-centered design

Product Design – Formerly multiple programs now merged into one, blending furniture, industrial, and accessory design

Fashion Studies – Apparel design, textile science, trend forecasting

Drawing, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Functional Art – With an emphasis on studio practice, critique, and art theory

Art History and Studio Art (BA) – For those combining liberal arts with artistic study

Graduate Programs:

Master of Architecture (M.Arch) – The only NAAB-accredited architecture program in West Michigan

Master of Arts in Design – Interdisciplinary program with emphasis on design thinking, innovation, and applied research

Master of Fine Arts in Painting – Studio-focused graduate program with individualized mentorship and critical discourse

Certificate in Visual and Critical Studies

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Design and Innovation Management

4. Studios, Labs, and Facilities

KCAD’s facilities rival many large institutions in terms of access to both traditional and emerging technologies. Highlights include:

FlexLab – Advanced digital fabrication space with 3D printers, CNC machines, and robotics tools

Photography Labs – Including darkrooms and digital photo studios

Printmaking Studio – For etching, screen printing, relief, and lithography

Metal and Wood Shops – Fully equipped for sculpture and furniture-making

Fashion Studio – Sewing labs, dress forms, and textile manipulation tools

Computer Labs – Loaded with Adobe Creative Cloud, Rhino, Blender, Autodesk, etc.

Students work with materials ranging from canvas and charcoal to VR tools and programmable electronics.

5. Student Experience

KCAD offers a highly personalized educational environment, with small class sizes and a 7.5:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This fosters close mentorship, in-depth critique, and strong community.

Student Exhibitions – Students frequently showcase work in on-campus galleries and at regional exhibitions

Student Organizations – Clubs include AIGA KCAD (graphic design), IDSA (industrial design), and student government

Career Development – Career Days, portfolio reviews, and internship connections with Grand Rapids businesses

Annual KCAD Awards and Exhibition – Celebrates top student work each spring

Study Away Programs – Short-term international travel to art destinations in Europe and Asia

6. Community Integration and ArtPrize

KCAD is deeply embedded in the cultural life of Grand Rapids, regularly hosting exhibitions, workshops, and public lectures. Its partnership with ArtPrize, the city’s internationally recognized open art competition, allows students to exhibit work, curate shows, and gain professional exposure.

Students also participate in:

Public mural and placemaking projects

Design thinking partnerships with local non-profits

Internships with advertising agencies, studios, and manufacturers

7. Notable Alumni

KCAD has produced several highly influential artists and designers, such as:

Maynard James Keenan – Lead singer of the bands Tool and A Perfect Circle

Børns (Garrett Borns) – Indie-pop musician known for "Electric Love"

Rebecca Green – Award-winning children’s book illustrator

Denise Fleming – Caldecott Honor-winning author and illustrator

Vladimir Kagan – Iconic mid-century modern furniture designer

8. Recent Developments and Program Changes

In recent years, KCAD has undergone a strategic restructuring to better align with student interests and industry needs. Changes include:

Consolidating Furniture Design, Industrial Design, and Metals & Jewelry Design into one Product Design program to create a more flexible, modern curriculum

Discontinuing the Art Education major due to low enrollment

Expanding the MA in Design to incorporate more interdisciplinary and digital design elements

Investing in sustainability education and socially engaged art practices

9. Admissions and Tuition

KCAD uses a portfolio-based admissions process. Applicants must submit a visual portfolio, academic transcripts, and a statement of purpose.

Tuition (2024–2025 estimate):

In-state undergraduate: ~$13,000/year

Out-of-state undergraduate: ~$19,000/year

Graduate programs: ~$800–900 per credit hour

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

KCAD offers numerous merit-based scholarships

Ferris State University also provides need-based aid and federal assistance

10. Vision and Legacy

KCAD's legacy as a former furniture design school remains alive in its emphasis on craftsmanship, design thinking, and functional creativity. Its future is focused on:

Elevating design as a tool for community transformation

Integrating sustainability across all programs

Expanding digital literacy and emerging tech training

Empowering the next generation of artists to be innovators, leaders, and global thinkers

In summary, Kendall College of Art and Design offers a high-caliber, interdisciplinary education rooted in practice, creativity, and community engagement. Its intimate setting, professional connections, and downtown location make it a cultural and educational cornerstone of Grand Rapids.