Michael Rall, IDSA, received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Drafting and Design from Appalachian State University and a Master of Industrial Design from North Carolina State University.

Michael is an Associate Professor of Industrial Design
at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC where he teaches both studio courses and those built around CAD development. The expansive nature of Industrial Design has allowed Michael to work in a variety of fields from gifts to furniture. He is particularly interested in how the ever changing areas of new technology, both input (Touch Sensitive Displays) and output (3D Printers), can be implemented into the classroom. Michael is an avid user of both technologies in his creative work as a way to rapidly visualize new design work.

In addition to teaching full time, he has worked to connect the community to the many fields of design through developing a High School Design Camp, volunteering at Blowing Rock School 3D Print Club and as the Director of Craft Enrichment.

Michael also works as an Industrial Designer for the multidisciplinary design firm The Other Edge. Simultaneously, he has completed several freelance design projects for various companies. He has shown his work internationally at Top Drawer London (2020), IDS Toronto (2016) and Zona Tortona (2009). In addition, design work that he has contributed to has been shown at IDS Toronto (2014), Salone Satellite (2011) and Barrett-Jackson Car Auction (2011). He has also licensed his witty, yet functional “Ironing Man” ironing board cover to Viral Brands which is sold internationally under the Just Mustard Brand.

While working with The Other Edge, Michael has helped to develop countless other designs that have been licensed to international gift companies.