2023−2026
Organizing open
thesis defenses
thesis defenses
about
Organizing an open thesis defense is never easy. Especially when no one at the institution has done it before. Since 2023, the Web Design program’s graduation defenses at the Stroganov Academy’s College of Design and Decorative Arts have been open to the public – and hosted at some of Moscow’s most notable venues.
Project specifics
Every year, I try to make the defense process smoother — for both students and the committee. For students, that means clear expectations: not just a finished project, but a well-rehearsed pitch with a solid presentation. For the committee, it means getting all materials in advance — so they can focus on listening, not flipping through files.
Finding the right space also matters. For the past two years, defenses have been held at AKI.Lab — I established a partnership with the space, one that matches the quality of the work.
Finding the right space also matters. For the past two years, defenses have been held at AKI.Lab — I established a partnership with the space, one that matches the quality of the work.
Organization
Since all deadlines are known well in advance — the defense date is set about six months ahead — it comes down to orchestrating the process so that every student is fully prepared by the finish line, and each presentation is optimized for both content and timing
Producing
Beyond organizing the event and securing the venue — and we need more than just a big screen and a clicker — there's the task of selecting and inviting expert reviewers for the State Examination Committee. In recent years, I've brought in specialists from CIAN, AIC, HSE, MADS School, and others
Design support
Every defense comes with a small visual identity — making the experience more memorable for both participants and guests. The package includes a landing page with student work, invitations, and thank-you letters for partners and expert committee members
Process
- 01Approved the graduation thesis
topics - 02Set the defense date and secured
the venue - 03Negotiated with potential reviewers and State Examination Committee members
- 04Provided students with technical requirements and evaluation criteria
- 05Supervised thesis work and rehearsed student presentations
- 06Collected feedback from the committee and sent thank‑you letters
Landing pages I created for the 2025 and 2026 open defenses (in Russian)
2019–2026
Educational program outcomes