KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 7, 2025

For the first time in Kennesaw State University history, two architecture students earned recognition from the International Design Awards (IDA), a global competition that celebrates exceptional talent in design.

Sean Spencer and Michael Rixom, both seniors in the Department of Architecture, earned Silver in Commercial Architecture/Cultural/Educational Architecture for “A Framed Story,” a sustainable, community-driven architecture project based in Marietta Square. Spencer and Rixom were selected among submissions from more than 80 countries.

“It was surreal,” Spencer said. “When Michael told me we won silver at the IDA, I couldn’t believe it. This wasn’t just a win for us; it was a win for KSU.”

Based on the rich culture of Marietta, “A Framed Story” reimagines the traditional community center. The design features an elevated structure to create an open-air plaza beneath, a flexible space for public gatherings, performances, markets, and community interaction. It’s a bold gesture that pays homage to the many small gathering spots surrounding Marietta Square while establishing a new focal point for civic life.

“This project was about storytelling,” Spencer said. “We wanted to minimize the building footprint on the ground so we could maximize public use. The open space beneath becomes a cultural canvas, whether it's a farmer's market, live performance, or just a place for people to gather.”

The public space is framed by a soaring, airfoil-shaped canopy that anchors the building’s net-positive energy design. This feature channels wind to turbines, captures solar energy, and collects rainwater for reuse. Spencer and Rixom embedded sustainability into the structure itself, using reclaimed materials that connect the building to Marietta’s past while promoting responsible construction.

“We didn’t want to just add sustainable features at the end; we designed around them from the start,” Rixom said.

The project was created during the duo’s integrative studio course. The studio is an advanced design space where students must align creative vision with real-world building codes, zoning regulations, and construction constraints. This added a level of rigor that pushed both students to grow not just as designers but as future professionals.

“It’s one of the few projects in school where the design could actually be built,” Rixom said. “We went beyond theory and made wall sections, construction details, and ensured everything was up to code.”

The achievement also drew praise from Hazeem Rashed-Ali, dean of KSU’s College of Architecture and Construction Management, who applauded the students' innovation and impact.

“Sean and Michael’s achievement is a testament to the talent, creativity, and dedication we foster here at KSU,” he said. “Placing in the International Design Awards not only highlights the strength of our architecture program, but it also demonstrates the global impact our students are capable of making. We are incredibly proud of their work and excited to see where their journey takes them next.” 

Working together for the first time, the two took a collaborative approach from Day 1. They swapped sketches, built models of each other’s concepts, and constantly exchanged feedback.

“Architecture coursework is very individual up until this point,” Rixom said. “This project taught us how to trust each other and recognize that great design can’t happen in a vacuum.”

Their trust paid off. A major turning point came during a mid-semester review when a juror, an experienced principal at a major Atlanta firm, told them it was one of the most beautiful student projects he’d seen at KSU in more than 20 years.

“That moment gave us confidence,” said Spencer. “It validated that what we were doing wasn’t just different, but it was meaningful.”

As graduation approaches, both students are preparing to take the next step in their careers. Rixom plans to pursue full-time work at a firm, with an eye on opportunities in Atlanta or Chicago. Spencer is on a similar path, hoping to join a team where he can continue blending culture and sustainability through meaningful design.

The two also aren’t ruling out the idea of collaborating again in the future, perhaps on professional projects or even starting their own design studio.

“We’ve proven we can create something impactful together,” said Rixom. “This award gives us momentum.”

– Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photo provided

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.