Our Mission
Remove financial barriers, provide professional support, and make a diF in the lives of aspiring designers.
What We Do
At The dF, we work to create targeted programs that support aspiring designers facing financial barriers. More importantly, we act an extension of your professional network by connecting talented students with industry leaders.
Who We Are
Board President, Garland deGraffenried, grew up in Westminster, Massachusetts and is a graduate of Oakmont Regional High School. Garland earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Syracuse University and is currently the Managing Director at SHVO in New York City.
“The dF has given me the opportunity to reconnect with communities that supported me when I was an aspiring architect”
Treasurer & Secretary, Jason Renock, was born and raised in Syracuse, New York. He earned his undergraduate degree from the Whitman School of Business at Syracuse University and a graduate degree from Georgetown University. Jason currently works for Toll Brothers - Apartment Living in Arizona.
“The dF helps students afford opportunities to explore design across dozens of industries”
Board Member & Award Leader, Elizabeth Gralton, a Wisconsin native, is a licensed architect in the state New York and holds a Master of Architecture from Syracuse University and a B.A. from the University of Kansas. Her work has included store design and development throughout Asia and Europe for Ralph Lauren, as well as ongoing projects in high end residential design on both the east and west coasts.
“I am proud to be a part of a foundation that honors an incredible woman, Connie Caldwell”
Executive Associate, Arjun Patel, is from San Francisco, California and is a Third Year Undergraduate Student pursuing a B.Arch at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture.
“I am grateful to be a part of The dF and provide support to my fellow design class”