Michael Engel ('22 Product Design)

Micheal came to KCAI from Arkansas, originally planning to study animation. A year in Foundation year however, taught him that he missed having STEM classes. He currently works in the David T. Beals III Studios for Art and Technology combining his math, science, and art skills. 

“I’m interested in the larger kind of design concept not just product design specifically but also computational design. Even a step further is what we call Parametrics, which uses coding so the computer makes decisions based on your input.” Due to COVID’s effects on campus, he is now working remotely. “Thankfully, with a diverse smaller group of students we are able to keep our Product Design studio fully functioning every day. My personal studio practice is mostly digital, involving algorithmic design and digital fabrication, so it was not hard to transition when the pandemic started.”

He loves how open minded KCAI students and staff are to what art can be. “For me, the most valuable aspects of attending KCAI are the heartwarming relationships developed around every corner. What could be a normal work study position has turned into an opportunity for intensive internships and mentorships, as well as a hub for professional connections and research.”

Micheal is constantly inspired by MIT’s Media Lab and hopes to be there one day. He looks up to designer Neri Oxman who’s well known for her works combining architecture, biology, and computing.