The Siebel Center for Design is more or less a game-changer when it comes to hands-on, multidisciplinary learning at the University of Illinois. If you're a student, educator, or industry partner, you might already know that this isn't just another building on campus. It’s a space meant to spark ideas, bring people together, and push the limits of what design can do. Whether you're into engineering, business, fine arts, or computer science, this place is built for you to learn, create, and grow.

So, what makes the Siebel Center for Design stand out? Well, for starters, it was made possible by a generous $25 million gift from alumnus Thomas Siebel, and the full project came in around $48 million. It’s part of the Grainger College of Engineering, but its reach goes far beyond that. You’ll find classrooms, studios, and even a fabrication space where you can build just about anything you can imagine. The idea is simple: bring people from all different backgrounds together and give them the tools to design the future.

And here’s the cool part—this place isn’t just for advanced students or faculty. It’s for everyone. Whether you're new to design or you've been tinkering with ideas for years, there are ways to get involved. From online training modules to hands-on workshops, the Siebel Center makes it pretty easy to jump in and start creating. So, if you're curious about what this space offers or how you can be part of it, keep reading. This post will walk you through everything you need to know about the Siebel Center for Design.

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Table of Contents

• What Is the Siebel Center for Design?
• Why It Matters for Students and Faculty
• Spaces and Equipment You’ll Have Access To
• How to Get Involved and Start Creating
• FAQ

What Is the Siebel Center for Design?

The Siebel Center for Design is, at its core, a multidisciplinary hub for students, faculty, and partners to explore the power of design thinking. Located on the University of Illinois campus, this building is a relatively new addition, having broken ground not too long ago. It was created with the goal of bridging different fields of study through hands-on learning, collaboration, and innovation. So, if you're thinking of it as just another classroom building, you're missing the point.

It’s a place where you can bring your ideas to life. Whether that means building a prototype in the fabrication lab, collaborating with peers in a design studio, or even presenting your work in a flexible classroom setting, the Siebel Center is built to support every step of the design process. And it’s not just about tools and spaces—it’s about people. The center actively brings together students from different majors, faculty from across the university, and even outside partners who want to work on real-world challenges.

As the inaugural director of the center once put it, the main goal is to help integrate design thinking into the broader university community. That means giving people the skills, the space, and the support they need to think creatively and solve problems in new ways. It’s not just about making something cool—it’s about making something that matters.

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Why It Matters for Students and Faculty

For students, the Siebel Center for Design offers more than just a place to hang out or do homework. It’s a place to grow, explore, and learn by doing. Whether you're studying engineering, business, art, or something else entirely, the center gives you the chance to work on real projects, collaborate with others, and gain experience that goes beyond what’s possible in a traditional classroom setting.

Faculty, too, benefit from the presence of the Siebel Center. It opens up new opportunities for interdisciplinary research, teaching, and partnerships. Professors can use the space to hold classes, run workshops, or even develop new courses that focus on design and innovation. The center also helps bring in industry partners who are interested in working with students and faculty on meaningful projects that have real-world applications.

And then there’s the community aspect. The center isn’t just for people who already know how to design or build things—it’s for everyone who wants to learn. It’s a place where you can ask questions, make mistakes, and figure things out in a supportive environment. That’s why the staff at the Siebel Center offers online orientations, training modules, and even one-on-one help to make sure that anyone can feel comfortable using the tools and spaces available.

Spaces and Equipment You’ll Have Access To

One of the most exciting parts of the Siebel Center for Design is the variety of spaces and tools it offers. Let’s take a quick look at some of the main areas you’ll find inside:

• Design Studios – These are flexible, open areas where students can work on team projects, sketch ideas, or brainstorm solutions. They’re meant to be collaborative and inspiring.
• Classrooms – Unlike traditional lecture halls, these rooms are set up for active learning. They have movable furniture, plenty of whiteboards, and tech tools that make it easy to present and share ideas.
• Media Studio – This space is perfect for video editing, audio recording, and other media-related work. You can create content for presentations, design portfolios, or just play around with new tools.
• Fabrication Lab – This is where the real making happens. You’ll find 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and other tools that let you turn your digital designs into physical objects. Safety first, though—each piece of equipment has a training level, so you’ll need to complete the right modules before using them.

And if you’re new to all of this, don’t worry. The center offers step-by-step training so you can learn at your own pace. You can take online modules, attend in-person sessions, or even get one-on-one help if you need it. The idea is to help you feel confident using the tools, not to overwhelm you with technical jargon.

How to Get Involved and Start Creating

So, how do you actually start using the Siebel Center for Design? Well, for starters, you can check out their website to find out more about the different spaces and how to reserve them. You can also sign up for online training modules that’ll walk you through the basics of using the equipment. Once you’ve completed the necessary training, you’ll be able to access the shop, the media studio, and other areas of the building.

If you’re part of a student group or organization, you might be able to partner with the center on a project or event. Faculty can also reach out to the assistant director of programming & marketing to explore ways to integrate the center into their courses or research. And if you’re not sure where to start, just drop by and ask! The staff is there to help and is always excited to meet new people who are interested in design and innovation.

Whether you're looking to build a prototype for a class project, collaborate on a new business idea, or just learn a new skill, the Siebel Center for Design is the place to be. It’s more than just a building—it’s a community of creators, thinkers, and doers who are passionate about making a difference through design.

FAQ

How do I reserve a space in the Siebel Center for Design?

You can reserve a space through the center’s online system. Just log in with your university credentials and pick the room or studio you want to use. Make sure to check the availability calendar and follow any guidelines they have for usage.

Do I need training before using the fabrication lab?

Yes, you do! Each tool in the fabrication lab has a different training level. You’ll need to complete the required online modules and in-person orientations before you can use the machines. This is for your safety and to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Can non-engineering students use the Siebel Center for Design?

Absolutely. The center is open to students from all disciplines. In fact, one of the main goals of the center is to bring together students from different fields to work on creative, interdisciplinary projects. So whether you're studying art, business, or anything in between, you’re welcome to use the space and get involved.

If you're interested in learning more about how design thinking is shaping the future of education and innovation, you might want to check out Grainger College of Engineering to see how the Siebel Center fits into the bigger picture. Also, Learn more about the different programs and initiatives that support student innovation at the University of Illinois. And if you're curious about how other universities are approaching design and creativity, this page has some great examples and resources to explore.