In this podcast episode, Steven Faerm (Parsons School of Design in NYC) is talking about the future of design education. “Teaching is a complex thing and we haven’t been giving it much attention”. Faerm puts emphasis on a student-driven design education, customization of learning experiences and the holistic nature of design school. In the context of a changing job market and a shift to conceptual thinking in the design landscape, Faerm addresses the significance of authenticity and individual expression for design students while raising awareness of the impact of smartphones on mental health.

Steven Faerm is an Associate Professor of Fashion at Parsons School of Design (Director, BFA Fashion Design, 2007–2011). A Parsons alumnus ('94) and Designer of the Year Nominee, he began teaching in 1998 while working as a professional fashion designer and illustrator for Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, and more. He has been recognized for his teaching by receiving both his University's "Distinguished Teaching Award" and his School’s "Faculty Award." Steven has taught and lectured at over 40 institutions on 5 continents for students spanning all educational levels, from pre-college- to undergraduate- to graduate-level and beyond. He has created college- and pre-college programs and workshops at Parsons and other leading international institutions, and has served on academic advisory boards for numerous colleges of art and design. Steven’s research examines design education, teaching and learning, young adult development, and the complex connections between these subject areas. He is the author of Fashion Design Course: Principles Practices, and Techniques (translated into 9 languages) and Creating a Successful Fashion Collection: Everything You Need to Develop a Great Line and Portfolio, and his scholarship has been widely featured in academic journals. His forthcoming third book, Introduction to Design Education: Theory, Research, and Practical Applications for Educators (Routledge) was released in 2023. Steven holds a BFA from Parsons School of Design, an MSEd from Bank Street College of Education, and an EdM from Harvard University.

@burg_halle

This episode is hosted by Christian Zöllner, Professor of Industrial Design at BURG Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle.

→ Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle

→ Hurra Hurra Festival

→ Steven Faerm Website

→ Steven Faerm

→ Tobias Revell

→ Article: Speculations on the Future Design School Structure

→ Book: Introduction to Design Education

→ Matthew Kressy

→ Book: iGen by Dr. Jean Twenge

→ Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin