Thursday, March 12, 2026
11 a.m.-1 p.m. ET
Virtual
The Showcase
DAAPX celebrates alumni accomplishments through a curated series of diverse projects and experiences across all backgrounds, majors, and degree paths. This virtual program features a collection of dynamic 15-minute presentations that highlight innovative work and explore the boundaries of experimental design.
The Topic: Experiential Design
Experiential Design is a place where ideas become moments—where creativity turns into something you can feel, move through and remember. It’s also where DAAP alumni shine, crafting the moments, spaces and stories that stay with us long after they’re experienced. This year’s showcase explores how the DAAP Alumni network can transform environments and interactions into meaningful experiences, offering fresh perspectives on how design shapes the way we feel, move, and connect.
Event Schedule
DAAPX 2026 will bring this year’s theme to life through a curated sequence of alumni-led presentations and conversations. Each presenter offers a distinct lens on experiential design, showcasing how creative thinking translates into real-world impact across disciplines and industries.
With the Request for Proposals now closed, the DAAP Alumni Council is reviewing submissions and shaping the program. The full event schedule and presenter lineup will be announced in February.
DAAPX Archive
Explore past DAAPX presentations. Each drop-down menu highlights our alumni presenters and the titles of their talks. Click the button below to watch full recordings and experience their work firsthand.
Lisa Bambach ’12, BSDE
School of Design |
Ecotonal Office: A Shift in Workplace Wellbeing
Jessica Lawless ’10 BSDE
School of Design |
Designing a Redesign: Using Brand and Story to Engage Bus Riders
Erin Smith Glenn, ’09 MFA
School of Art |
HAIRitage | A Cultural Journey & Experience
Nvard Manasyan ’00 MCP
School of Planning |
Shaping Activism Through Urban Spaces
Kashish Kalra, ’23 BSDES
School of Design |
Designing for Human Adaptation: Systems that Shape Behavior & Action
Ben Niebauer ’01 BARC
School of Architecture & Interior Design |
Oh, the Places You'll Design!
Valerie Allen, ’75 BFA and Armin Mersmann | Art Ladders: The Creative Climb Podcast – Empowering Artists Through Conversation
Hal Apple, ’82 BSDE | WOMEN. SERIOUSLY?
Rob Paul Baum, ’71 BSARC | Arts & Crafts Continuum: Emerging Creative Land Use Project
Don Jacobs, ’67 BSARC | Case Study: Winery Tasting Room
Megan Mays, ’08 BSDE | Agile Revolution: Embracing ‘Product Gems’ for Simplicity and Success
Alex Pesta, ’02 BARC | Building a Culture of Experience
Scott Shall, ’98 BSARC | Building at the Edge: Reconstructing Design Practice within Improvised Settlements
Matthew Spoleti, ’23 BSDE | Empathizing with Apathy
Joe Walsh, ’15 BSDE | Drawing Leads the Way
Marie Morgan, A&S '21
Program Director, Alumni Engagement, College-Conservatory of Music & College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning