D-Crit Studio Sessions

This year, we are thrilled to announce that D–Crit events are officially back! You’re invited to join us almost every week this fall for the re-envisioned Studio Sessions, a collection of public talks, panels, workshops, and readings featuring relevant, critical, and expansive perspectives from the frontiers of design. All talks are followed by a reception in our studio, where guests can meet featured speakers and prospective students can chat with current MA candidates, faculty, and alums.

We’re excited to have launched our series this month with Mindy Seu, Jarrett Fuller, and Pau Garcia + Martina Nadal…check out the rest of our upcoming lineup below, and we hope to see you in the studio soon!

The Chieftan and the Chair with Maggie Taft: October 18, 2023
Through biographies of Finn Juhl’s iconic Chieftain Chair and Hans Wegner’s seminal Round Chair, historian Maggie Taft unpacks the 20th-century rise of Danish Modern design in The Chieftain and the Chair. Maggie will discuss her research process and use of public and private archives, resulting in this compelling and accessible design history. Join us for this exciting presentation!

Open Mic Open House I: October 24, 2023
We’re opening the studio and turning up the mic to celebrate some of the most exciting voices in design and cultural criticism. Join D–Crit for an evening of readings and conversation with designers, creatives, editors, writers, critics, and publishers from DCrit’s network of alumni and faculty. Let’s party! Speakers and readings to be announced.

The Power of a Case Study with Tara Dabir: November 6, 2023
How do you tell your story? Geared toward those seeking to tell the story of their studio’s work, this workshop with Tara Dabir (Pentagram) highlights the power of the case study for designers, creatives, researchers, and writers alike, and considers how we talk about design with non-designers. Reserve your spot—space is limited!

Leo Porto and Felipe Rocha, a design conversation: November 7, 2023
Award-winning strategy and design agency Porto Rocha joins us in the studio for a masterclass in design thinking. From large-scale projects to socially and culturally-motivated initiatives, these groundbreaking designers will discuss how they produce work that provokes meaningful change. Spots are limited—reserve your seat!

Criticism, Research, and the Essay with Niela Orr, Jessica Lynne, Jennifer Krasinski, and Jennifer Kabat: November 15, 2023
Where does the essay fit into the literary world? What role does research play? Join prolific writers Niela Orr and Jessica Lynne alongside editor Jennifer Krasinski and essayist (and DCrit faculty member) Jennifer Kabat for a thorough conversation about writing, criticism, and editing the essay. They’ll explore how they develop voice in their writing and where they see criticism and the essay in the world today, as well as practical matters on writing, pitching, and working with editors.

Open Mic Open House II: November 28, 2023
The second installment of our Open Mic series featuring DCrit’s network of alumni and faculty!  Join us for an evening of readings and conversation with designers, creatives, editors, writers, critics, and publishers celebrating the latest in design and cultural criticism. Come connect with the next generation of design! Speakers Publications and readings to be announced.

Community Design for Social Change with Yin Kong and Amanda Ramos: December 5, 2023
What do design, community, and social change have in common? Join Yin Kong (Think!Chinatown) and innovation strategist Amanda Ramos (Innovation Field Office) for a conversation about creating a better world through design. As we prepare ourselves for the new year, how are you invoking the power of design for social innovation? Join us for a vibrant, important conversation.

Ralph Caplan Memorial Lecture: Week of December 11, 2023
An annual lecture presented by the Museum of 21st Century Design and SVA MA Design Research, Writing and Criticism. Honoree, date, and location to be announced.

Interested in MA Design Research, Writing and Criticism? Please reach out to designresearch [​at​] sva.edu to schedule a call with our program chair, Molly Heintz. Applications are due January 15, 2024.