School of Architecture publication awarded in prestigious international design competition

Clemson University’s School of Architecture and Department of Art are celebrating a major design accolade. INTER–, Issue 1, the inaugural edition of the School’s student-led publication, has been named one of “the 100 best examples of typographic excellence produced around the globe” by the Society of Typographic Arts (STA) in the 2025 STA 100 design competition.

This annual international competition honors the most exceptional typographic design from across the world, highlighting work from categories ranging from magazines, animation, events, installations, film and more. Each year, only 100 entries are selected for inclusion, placing INTER– in elite company among professional studios, academic institutions, independent designers and students worldwide.

“INTER– was conceived as a platform for conversation, curiosity and creative exploration, led by student editors to enhance the School’s annual Clemson Architectural Foundation Lecture Series theme,” said Jim Stevens, director of the School of Architecture. “For the first issue of INTER– to be recognized on an international stage for typographic excellence affirms the thoughtful design by Assistant Professor of Graphic Design Drew Sisk and editorial work by alumni Rachel Glanton and Connor Smith that went into launching this publication.”

The first issue of INTER– revolved around the theme of “The Third Place,” a concept that looks at the places people go outside of work and home. According to Sisk, the design took advantage of the print medium to explore concepts of the in-between, interspersed and interrupted.

“Student-edited architectural journals play an important role at many institutions across the country, and they have always been sites of rigorous graphic experimentation,” explained Sisk. “I was excited to see Clemson launch its own journal and help shape its visual form.”

Sisk took inspiration from the content in the publication and the theme of “The Third Place,” saying he approached the journal’s design as an architectural experience.

“[I thought] about the readers’ movement through the publication spatially and how printed publications operate as three-dimensional, temporal objects,” Sisk said. “I enjoyed working on this project with Rachel and Connor, along with Communications Coordinator Bea Bates.”

Sisk developed a bold visual identity for the publication with deconstructed letterforms that became architectural building blocks to lead the reader through each section. Geometric shapes line the edges of each page, coming together to spell out the third place theme on the outside edge of the book.

“When I approach design projects, I like to think about the affordances of particular formats, which are the particular constraints and material possibilities inherent to any particular object, in this case a printed booklet,” shared Sisk. “I also value working with an economy of means—how might we give form to the content and contribute to its meaning without excessively crowding it, and how might we create visual impact while working within the constraints of tight budgets and standard formats that minimize waste and environmental impact? These are ideas we examine with each project in my classes, and it’s great to put them into practice with a project like this, first issue of INTER-.”

INTER– Issue 1 reflects the School’s commitment to design not only as a medium for ideas but as an experience in itself. It also highlights the talent found within the Department of Art’s new Bachelor of Fine Arts graphic design emphasis, in exploring unconventional strategies to generate visually immersive works that transcend the medium in which they are created.

The publication also spotlights the interdisciplinary work within Clemson University’s College of Architecture, Art and Construction. It underscores the College’s dedication to fostering design excellence at all levels of education and practice.

View the full list of winners and INTER– Issue 1’s entry here: STA 100 – INTER– Journal, Issue 1.