Alumni Spotlight:
Kadmiel Konan (B.S. '23)
November 20, 2024
above: Kadmiel Konan doing mill work for snap-on projects
Name: Kadmiel Konan
Hometown: Houston
Major: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design
Graduation Year: 2023
Employer: AmPD Labs (until May 2024)
Title: Designer and Machine Operator
"The sense of community within the industrial design program and the camaraderie with friends in Alpha Rho Chi kept me going through tough times. Working together on projects and sharing these experiences created lifelong bonds."
Why did you choose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design? What drew you to design?
I chose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design because of my lifelong passion for technology and design. Growing up in the Ivory Coast, I was captivated by how things worked—especially after my mother brought home an iPhone. My curiosity led me to research its design origins, which eventually introduced me to industrial design through the book Inside Apple. Learning about Jonathan Ive’s work at Apple sparked my interest, and after moving to Texas, I found myself looking for a way to formally study design. The Hines College’s industrial design program was ideal, with its strong focus on practical skills and innovation. The hands-on approach aligned perfectly with my ambition to create products making a real impact.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time on campus? Was there a particular professor who influenced your education?
I once built a hot chamber under my bed to test a prototype—my “mad scientist” approach to projects always made people laugh. The sense of community within the industrial design program and the camaraderie with friends in Alpha Rho Chi kept me going through tough times. Working together on projects and sharing these experiences created lifelong bonds. Each faculty member contributed to my growth. Adam Wells challenged me to sharpen my prototyping skills, and Jeff Feng introduced me to data-oriented design, helping me create a prototype I showcased at graduation. Mark Kimbrough’s career reassured me that I had made the right choice, while Min Kang taught me how to develop ideas fully. Professors like George Chow encouraged my 3D modeling skills, directly leading to my first job.
above: Konan's school projects included a Fully 3D Printed Stool for Makelab Layer Logic Design Competition; coda, an innovative hard hat designed to reduce health risks associated with heat; and real sense, a universal measuring tool
Tell us about a typical day in your job. Do you have a particular design or business philosophy?
At AmPD Labs, a startup specializing in 3D-printed products, I wore many hats. My day often started with checking the machines and tracking ongoing projects. Once work was completed, I would move it to the next phase, then review the schedule to prioritize between design tasks, maintenance, or finishing parts to ensure on-time shipping. One of my favorite parts of working at a small company was the chance to design real products. Each project—whether dock bumpers for DockToyz or cookware handles for Warefor—was an opportunity to refine my skills and apply flexible, real-world solutions.
What is one career accomplishment of which you are particularly proud? How do you feel the College prepared you for this?
I am especially proud of my work on projects for major clients like Snap-on, Tabasco, NOV, and KOCH early in my career. The College prepared me well by making me a versatile designer. The industrial design program equips students to become “jacks of all trades” with skills applicable to many roles beyond traditional industrial design. This adaptability has been essential in a startup environment, where I have tackled diverse challenges—from NFTs to reverse engineering a plastic product into a metal version. Many industrial design students might be surprised by how widely our skills apply to roles not explicitly titled “industrial designer.”
above: at ampd labs, konan worked on many 3d printed objects and fabrication methods while adding to and utilizing his diverse skillset
What is one valuable lesson you learned during your time at the Hines College?
One critical lesson I learned is that effective design solutions are built on thorough research, not intuition alone. This approach has shaped my career, as I always start with a clear understanding of user needs and market dynamics. I also learned that innovation doesn’t always mean inventing something new—often, it involves adapting existing solutions to meet new challenges. It’s essential to stay curious about fields outside your specialization, as this broader knowledge can lead to meaningful advancements in your own work.
What advice would you give to current architecture and design students?
My advice is to pursue projects that genuinely excite you. Choose topics inspiring you, even if they are challenging—passion fuels growth and creativity, making it easier to go above and beyond. Embrace challenges and learn from failure. College is a sandbox where your projects will not impact the world at large, making it the perfect place to make mistakes and learn from them. By focusing on projects you love, you will set yourself up for the industry you want to enter. Finally, never give up—I was once told I did not have the natural predisposition to be a designer, yet my project was showcased on graduation day.
More College of Architecture and Design Stories
Jessica Valdez's (B.Arch. '14) design journey went from being a fan of home makeover shows while growing up to finding her passion and career as a healthcare planner at Page. One important lesson she learned at the Hines College is that "every design decision should have a purpose."
Professors Dalia Munenzon and Matthew Johnson are launching a studio developed in partnership and funded with a $748,848 research grant from the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Brenda Castillo's (B.Arch. '24) project Village of the Levy: Switchgrass blends the power of design and storytelling. Her efforts have garnered local and national honors, including a Hines College Undergraduate Architecture Design Award and a 2024 Student Design Award from AIA Dallas.
