Dean Lu Liu named Industrial Designers Society of America Fellow

Lu Liu, dean of the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, has been named a fellow of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) in recognition of his lasting contributions to the field of industrial design and commitment to advancing the profession.

Liu has shaped design education at Virginia Tech and beyond through innovative programming, student-centered leadership, and a deep commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.

Prior to entering academia, Liu spent more than a decade in international product design and management leadership roles across varied industries, including health care, gaming, telecommunications, and children’s products. 

He served as head of the Department of Graphic and Industrial Design at North Carolina State University from 2012-23, where he generated more than $3 million in sponsored student projects, expanded industry partnerships, and created experiential learning opportunities that connected students directly with real-world practice.

His efforts also supported more than $625,000 in grant-funded educational programs and professional development initiatives, and he has authored or co-authored more than 35 publications on design.

Liu joined Virginia Tech in 2023, and under his leadership, the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design has experienced a period of significant growth. Between 2023-25, both funded research and fundraising more than doubled, and undergraduate applications rose substantially.

Nominator Martha Sullivan, industrial design chair and associate professor of practice, highlighted Liu’s longstanding and far-reaching contributions to design education. “Since he began at Virginia Tech, I can already feel the positive effects of his guidance and support for industrial design and all related creative industries,” she said. “These examples and more show Dean Liu’s commitment to the principles of IDSA, exemplifying leadership, innovation, and a commitment to advancing our profession.”

Ed Dorsa, associate professor emeritus and past chair of industrial design, described Liu as a transformative leader whose appointment marks a “turning point in design education.” Dorsa praised Liu’s mentorship, ongoing support for alumni, and engagement with students.

“Since arriving at Virginia Tech two years ago, he has become famous as the dean ‘who shows up in studio after classes are officially over for the day,'” Dorsa said. “He loves talking to students regardless of their major, he offers critiques of their work, and he encourages them and motivates them to do the best work that they can, all the while making sure that they also take time off from their studio work to simply have some fun and enjoy their education, something that hasn’t been emphasized nearly enough in design studios."

David Gray, collegiate assistant professor in the Department of Engineering Education, underscored Liu’s approach to design as a practitioner, teacher, and leader. “Dean Liu has consistently exemplified design as both a craft and a calling — guiding students, colleagues, and entire organizations toward more integrated, ethical, and visionary futures,” he said.

As dean of the college, Liu continues to advance a culture of creativity, partnership, discovery, and experiential learning that empowers students to engage meaningfully with complex societal challenges.

Founded in 1965, the Industrial Designers Society of America is one of the oldest and largest organizations advancing industrial design, supporting practitioners, educators, and students through advocacy, professional development, and recognition programs.