Vicky Borchers Retires

Vicky Borchers joined the Kansas State University faculty in 1995 following a 17-year career in professional practice. She retired at the end of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Professor Borchers received her undergraduate degree in interior architecture from Kansas State University and a master of architecture from Texas A&M.

While in practice, Professor Borchers focused on interior architecture, facility management and software technology development. She was president and owner of 3D-ISIS, Ltd., a company formed to develop CAD furniture management software used by more than 200 facility planners and designers.

Professor Borchers brought her professional experience to bear on the development of the Department of Interior Architecture and Product Design’s computer applications courses as well as the creation of the hardware infrastructure necessary to support the integration of computer technology into the studio. Her knowledge of how the profession employs technology and her ability to bring that knowledge into the courses she taught was critical to developing competent and talented professionals.

Tireless in her efforts to provide students with exposure to the newest software, Professor Borchers acquired what at the time was the newest generation of 2D/3D software-Revit-and taught the program to students. While other design programs and practitioners were just beginning to adopt this software, our students already had substantial experience.

In addition to teaching beginning and advanced computer applications, Professor Borchers taught a studio that focused on solving problems presented by individuals or communities. This studio experience provided students with the opportunity to closely interact with a “client,” important for advanced students soon entering practice.

Professor Borchers also created a study abroad service learning project. In her previous travels to Peru, she developed a relationship with a community of traditional weavers, living in a small, remote village high in the Andes, who are committed to improving their village, especially the school. Our students have several times traveled to Chahuaytire to live and work with the residents of this tiny village.

In recognition of her teaching and service to Kansas State University, Professor Borchers is conferred the title of emeritus associate professor of interior architecture and product design.