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Nancy Richardson Design Center

Nancy Richardson Design Center Make ideas into reality. "RDC curriculum takes you out of the classroom."

— Allie Berger, CSU Admissions Counselor

RDC Fabrication Labs

Experience the RDC Fabrication Labs via a toolbox course – as part of a Design Thinking Certificate or Minor – or through a semester-long Lab Access Membership.

Have a project in mind or want to explore state-of-the-art fabrication technologies? You can learn techniques in wood or metal, prototyping in resin or laser cutting, or venture into the digital world of design, augmented reality, and virtual reality. Check out the Nancy Richardson Design Center’s evolving list of innovative toolbox courses and fabrication lab equipment trainings.

All CSU students, faculty, and staff can purchase a semester Lab Access Membership to access all five fabrication labs including equipment, trainings, technician assistance, and select testing materials. You can purchase a Lab Access Membership anytime throughout the semester by visiting the Prototyping Lab (RDC Room 123) with RamCash or online via credit card. More details of the Lab Access Membership fee can be found in the RDC Lab Access Membership Breakdown.

 

Are you a CSU department or local business seeking design or fabrication services? We offer all-inclusive design and small production runs for special projects. Contact the RDC Fabrication Labs to get started with a quote for customized creations made with our cutting-edge equipment.

Are you a non-student interested in volunteering in the fabrication labs? Check out the new RDC Volunteer Program join the labs and mentor lab users.

Prototype Lab

UV and fabric printers reside alongside industrial quilters and sewing machines while laser cutters hum as 3D and resin printers build up models. Enter an atmosphere of unlimited possibilities in the Prototype Lab.

Students using the Prototype Lab

Wood Lab

Artisan woodworking meets high-tech creations in the Wood Lab. Whether you need a chisel or large CNC router for your creations, the RDC is here to help you make it yours.

A design student using the miter saw in the Wood Lab

Metal Lab

This is your space to grind, weld, bend, and cut your metallic ideas. Feel empowered while you wield a torch and forge new learning experiences and techniques in the Metal Lab.

A student using the welder with a welding mask on in the Metal Lab

Ideation Lab

The Ideation Lab has the equipment you need to obtain highly marketable digital skills in augmented and virtual reality. Now it is easier to stay up-to-date on leading technology and software.

Imaging Lab

The sky is the limit in the Imaging Lab. Efficiently promote an event or show off your custom designs by using the exposure unit and screen printing presses.

Volunteer Program

Mentor and monitor students in the RDC Fabrication Labs. Authorized volunteer positions are available to non-students with relevant fabrication experience. Now accepting applications.

  • 550+ hours of Wood Lab use since opening
  • 3000+ hours of Prototype Lab use by over 440 lab users in our first 5 semesters
  • 1916 hours of 3D printing in our first 5 semesters