GDES Alum Wins Dunlop Merit Award for Automotive-Inspired Senior Project

Kalil recently graduated from the School of Industrial and Graphic Design’s (SIGD) Graphic Design program with a clear sense of purpose, a refined design voice and a senior project that earned him the William Dunlop Merit Award—one of the program’s highest honors. For Kalil, the recognition represents more than an accolade; it reflects years of encouragement from the SIGD faculty, as well as exploration and growth within the program.

Kalil credits Auburn with preparing him exceptionally well for the transition from student to professional. During an internship with the College of Education, he saw firsthand how seamlessly his coursework translated into real-world practice.

“I felt confident and well-prepared, not just technically, but also creatively,” he said.

Auburn taught him how to pair strong design fundamentals with personal expression, while always remaining attentive to brand, audience and context.

At the heart of Kalil’s work is a desire to help others see beauty in the world around them. He finds fulfillment in creating visuals that resonate and invite people to pause, reflect and connect. Just as important to him is sharing the thought process behind his designs—those moments when someone suddenly understands the intention behind an element and experiences that spark of appreciation.

“It’s so cool to see that lightbulb moment when someone realizes the intention and beauty behind a design element,” he said. “It’s that connection and shared appreciation that truly inspires me.”

One of his most formative experiences at Auburn came through collaging with Professor Emerita Kelly Bryant. The process unlocked a new level of creativity that quickly became central to his practice.

That passion carried into his senior project, “Valet,” a publication-driven exploration of luxury and exotic car culture. Drawing from his lifelong fascination with cars, Kalil reframed them through design, culture and emotional impact. The project’s centerpiece was an eight-story print magazine that used collage to inject energy and movement, supported by a cohesive brand system that includes refined model car packaging, a tactile launch event invitation and a curated Instagram presence.

“Together, these elements establish ‘Valet’ as a contemporary platform that shifts how luxury and exotic cars are seen and discussed,” he said.

Kalil describes his design philosophy as rooted in balance, clarity and intentionality—with a deep love for detail. Inspired by Charles Eames’ statement that “the details are not the details; they make the design,” he approaches even the simplest outcomes with layered thought and meaning.

“I love to get into the nitty-gritty, ensuring that every element is intentionally placed and that there’s a deeper layer of meaning and connection in the design,” Kalil said. “Even if the final outcome appears simple, it’s the layers of thoughtful choices that bring the design to life.”