Design Identities will celebrate five Black Design alumni who have been influencers in their fields. Students from each department will conduct one on one interviews with an alumnus in their field to learn about their successes as designers and to encourage the next generation of students, especially BIPOC students, with an introduction to and an interest in design. 

Interviews, portfolios of work, and backgrounds on each designer will be released weekly throughout February and the first week of March on the College of Design’s social media channels and on a dedicated webpage. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to see information on a new designer each week.  Additional information can be found by visiting the Design programs website. Additional information can be found by visiting the College of Design’s website.

Co-founder of EVOKE Studio Architecture, Edwin Harris believes that remarkable architecture enhances the lives of its occupants. For over a decade, he has consistently generated exciting designs that are decisive, focused, and rooted in clear objectives and novel concepts. Edwin’s distinctive design talent has been recognized throughout his career. His design aptitude and competitive spirit have gained him winning recognition in several competitions including the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. These striking achievements complement the 26 design awards that Edwin’s projects have achieved. He was invited to serve as design award juror for AIA Detroit & AIA South Carolina. While at The Freelon Group and Perkins+Will, his visioning for projects like Emancipation Park garnered him recognition as an Emerging Designer for the global firm. Renowned architect and Edwin’s mentor, Phil Freelon, declared Edwin a supremely talented architect on the rise.

Edwin is a role model for aspiring designers and encourages them through career lectures and design dialogues. In 2020, Edwin was named to the Triangle Business Journal 40 under 40 for his professional achievements and community service initiatives. He also serves as a board member for non-profit, Diversify Architecture, which aims to reach grade school students to increase the diversity within the architecture profession. Edwin has lectured for the RTP 180 Lecture Series. He regularly mentors elementary, middle, and high school students at numerous schools throughout the Raleigh-Durham area. Edwin has also nurtured collegiate talent nationally as an invited juror at the National Organization of Minority Architects Conference and invited guest critic at both Lawrence Technical University and UNC Charlotte. Currently, he teaches and empowers the next generation of architects and designers as a Professor of Practice at North Carolina State University.