A recent visit from interior design alumni Carl Williams and Margaret Ward highlighted the powerful role alumni play in shaping WSU’s program through mentorship, philanthropy, and industry insight.
Interior design alumni Carl Williams (BA ’70, MA ’73) and Margaret Ward (’72) recently returned to Washington State University’s Pullman campus for a nostalgic, yet forward-looking visit. Longtime friends and classmates, the two took the opportunity to reconnect with the program that helped shape their careers.
While traditional interior design elements and principles remain the foundation of WSU’s nationally-accredited curriculum, many other things have changed since Carl and Margaret were students at WSU more than 50 years ago. Back then, interior design students relied solely on hand-drafting tools, markers, physical samples, and boards to present their concepts. Many aspects of the interior design process are still created manually, but designers now work with advanced software like Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite alongside cutting-edge digital fabrication tools that bring their ideas to life with greater speed and precision.
Carl and Margaret were impressed by the sophistication of today’s students, seen in both their high-quality work and the integration of innovative technologies with hands-on learning. The evolution of tools reflects a broader transformation of the program, preparing students for the fast-paced, tech-driven demands of today’s design industry. At the same time, Carl and Margaret were also impressed by the program’s vast materials resource collection—an irreplaceable resource from which students still get to experience designing with real materials that no digital program can sufficiently simulate.
“I was so pleased to see changes in the curriculum with projects that are based on real structures and clients,” said Carl. “It helps them learn how crucial it is to understand real client needs and desires and how to glean that information.”
In a follow up note, Margaret echoed Carl’s impressions: “I was happy to see that the current program brings the four design disciplines together under one roof, facilitating respect and communication. Likewise, the curriculum’s emphasis on designing within a budget. We were both very impressed with your program and how you have continued to make it better—it’s a tribute to you and your diligence.”
Then and Now: Interior Design at WSU
When Carl and Margaret were students, the interior design program was housed within the College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. In 2012, it became part of the newly established School of Design and Construction (SDC) in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. The SDC brings together WSU’s four design-build disciplines—architecture, construction management, interior design, and landscape architecture—fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
The visit offered Carl and Margaret a deeper understanding of the school’s interdisciplinary approach, reinforcing the value of industry engagement and alumni relationships in shaping academic excellence across all programs.
Since graduating, both Carl and Margaret have remained deeply engaged with WSU’s interior design program, offering their time and expertise through portfolio reviews and, more recently, establishing scholarships to support the next generation of designers. Carl established the Carl Williams Scholarship in Interior Design in 2022. Margaret followed two years later with the Ward Scholarship in Interior Design in 2024.
During their visit, Bob Krikac, associate professor and program head of interior design, highlighted the direct impact of their generosity, time, and mentorship on the program’s growth and the dynamic culture—but it was the opportunity to interact with students that most resonated with the returning Cougs.
“I can’t say enough about your delightful students,” said Margaret.
“You have created a nurturing environment there,” added Carl. “It was a delight to see how much the students adore and respect you.”
A fun historical connection adds a layer of legacy to Carl’s story: his grandfather, Carl C. Williams, served as a WSU regent from 1945 to 1949. Meeting minutes from that time document his role in shaping the university’s direction—proof that Cougar pride truly runs in the family.
Carl and Margaret’s visit not only reaffirmed their pride in WSU, but emphasized the powerful role alumni play in shaping the future—through mentorship, philanthropy, and simply showing up.
“Carl and Margaret are the embodiment of Cougs paying it forward”, says Krikac. “They have seen lots of senior work as portfolio reviewers over the years, but this in-depth visit allowed them to meet freshmen through graduate students, see their projects, and hear their stories. Meeting with scholarship recipients was especially moving, being able to hear firsthand how their generosity has made a significant impact on the students’ lives and academic experiences.”
“It was a pleasure to visit with Carl and Margaret while they were on campus,” said Jason Peschel, SDC director and associate dean for facilities modernization. “They are wonderful advocates for the interior design program and the profession. The students benefited greatly from their interactions with Carl and Margaret. I hope that they can find time to get back to Pullman again soon!”
For more information about the School of Design and Construction at WSU, visit sdc.wsu.edu.