About Rae Nawrocki (that's me!)

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I was born and raised on the border of Waverly & Auburn, Alabama. One is a tiny Alabama town with a a strong grassroots history and the other, a college town (war eagle!!) with a big energy. I grew up surrounded by the kind of places that makes you want to make things, It became a way of life for me. It's the kind of environment that gets into your bones and can never leave. 

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I studied Graphic Design at Auburn University's College of Architecture, Design & Construction, where I spent four years finding every excuse to experiment between disciplines. My design work has been recognized in exhibitions and earned awards along the way, including a win for Outstanding Display at the nationwide Biodesign Challenge for the project From the Ashes. I was also named a GDUSA 2026 Student to Watch, which still feels a little surreal to type out. 

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Outside the studio, I served as Station Manager of WEGL 91.1 FM, Auburn's student-run radio station, where I worked alongside an incredible team to keep the station strong and the programming something worth listening to. I produced award-winning work of my own and helped guide the staff to prestigious nominations. I also moderated the Auburn Student Government Debate, which is a very different kind of design problem.

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I host Type Speaks, a podcast about things ranging between visual communication and the designers and thinkers shaping it. I build alternate reality games and interactive audio experiences. I've taught art to kids ages 4–12 and contributed to the research and creation of a traveling exhibition.

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If there's a through line in all of it: I believe design is most interesting when it asks something of the people it reaches. I'm here trying my best to keep making work that does exactly that.

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