ShowLTU CoAD 2026

ShowLTU CoAD 2026 is an exhibition showcasing more than 200 original works by graduating students and alumni from Lawrence Technological University’s College of Architecture and Design (CoAD). In its 5th year, ShowLTU CoAD 2026 sponsored by DFab, gives the public a rare look at the intersection of education and industry to see what the future of architecture and design may hold.

“These are emerging designers, many of whom are already starting their  careers,” said Lilian Crum, interim dean of LTU’s College of Architecture and Design. “It’s a chance to see where they’re headed and how well-supported they are by industry upon graduation – if not before.”

New this year, ShowLTU CoAD organizers have incorporated sponsored studios to the mix of work on view. It’s an opportunity for LTU students to work on real world design challenges with a real firm or company. The companies collaborating with LTU on these 2026 sponsored studios include:

·       A-Linx

·       Design Declassified (in partnership with Centrepolis Accelerator)

·       Vitriform3D and Albert Kahn

·       HKS

·       D3 Health + Fitness

·       Forgotten Harvest

·       Vitriform3D and PLOP 

The event opens to the public at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2026 with an awards ceremony, followed by the highly-anticipated guest lecture at 5 p.m. This year, organizers will welcome Kai-Uwe Bergmann, FAIA, and a partner at BIG, who will share a free lecture titled, “Materialism.” Industry Night follows from 6-8 p.m.

Participants have completed either a master’s degree in Architecture or a bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Graphic Design, Game Design, Interior Design, Product Design or Transportation Design. Organizers shine a spotlight on the industry’s next generation and embrace current industry practitioners in industry-sponsored studios where real-world advancements in design are highlighted.

For example, Dante Cerroni will feature his Loop Lamp, a CNC manufactured lamp made out of a high density polyethylene (HDPE). He found that the fully-recycled plastic material allowed for light transmission with minimal scattering and a warm hue. 

"It's about giving the material a new life and using its properties as assets rather than constraints," Cerroni said.

His project - and all student works from the Design Declassified Sponsored Studio - will head straight from ShowLTU CoAD 2026 to New York City to be featured for the first time as part of the Schools Showcase at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF). It is part of NYCXDESIGN. running May 17-19 at the Javits Center.

ShowLTU CoAD 2026 remains free and open to the public as it continues 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 8 and Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9. All events are held Building 3, College of Architecture and Design at LTU, 21000 West 10 Mile Road, in Southfield, Mich.

Reserve a ticket here to attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/showltu-coad-2026-industry-and-alumni-night-student-awards-lecture-tickets-1985069936617?aff=oddtdtcreator