Wendy Fok, founder and creative director of WE-DESIGNS in New York City, visited Iowa State’s College of Design Wednesday night.

In “Fabricating the future: Urban Living in the shared economy,” Fok spoke about her company’s endeavors in the world of design and architecture.

Fok has a bachelor of arts in architecture with a concentration in economics from Columbia University. She also has a master’s in architecture with a certificate in Urban policy and planning from Princeton University, as well as a doctorate of design from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

As creative director, Wendy is involved with multiple projects that challenge the future of work and automation.

WE-DESIGNS is a “company [that] creates interactive experiences and spaces, audio-visual installations, shareable digital artifacts and beyond,” according to their website.

“In my research I look at how people, business and technology come into play so as not to look at architecture as just building on building, but building an experience,” Fok said.

Fok spoke about the viability of 3D printing and if the uses of printed material are ethical. She also mentioned how bio printed materials are being created through 3D printing.

WE-DESIGNS used a 3D printer to locally create jewelry for the Von Magazine Launch.

“One of the ways that we actually structure our business is looking at projects beyond the scope of just spacial,” Fox said.

One of WE-DESIGNS most recent projects was a “Willy-Wonka style” scratch and sniff wallpaper. This project was a way to activate feelings of nostalgia by using smells within a space.

WE-DESIGNS is actively working on setting up a redefining luxury conference. They will be bringing in a lot of industry speakers to develop a larger discussion on what luxury is.