Faculty of Design

In 1992, the year AIAC was transformed into KazGASA, a new specialization—“Architectural Environment Design”—was introduced within the Faculty of Architecture at the initiative of Yuri Igorevich Bakhmutov. At the same time, Kazakhstan’s first Department of Design was established. The department received significant support from the Union of Designers of Kazakhstan, led by Timur Bimashovich Suleimenov, as well as the Almaty Center for Contemporary Art and its director, Valeria Ibraeva. 

Thanks to the enthusiasm and exceptional leadership of Yuri Bakhmutov, extensive work was carried out to create a unique design space within KazGASA. This space became a second home for many faculty members and students. He was supported by his colleagues and like-minded professionals, including Alim Ravilovich Sabitov, Lyailya Rymbekovna Turganbayeva, Pavel Petrovich Savranchuk, and Nelli Mikhailovna Uteeva. 

This led to the development of a new project-based concept of design education, which stood out among other universities in Kazakhstan. While many institutions focused solely on the artistic aspects of design, KazGASA pioneered a more comprehensive approach.