Kansas State University

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's Donna Fullmer hasn't just written the book about the design process — she's written the series.

The assistant professor of interior architecture & product design just released "Presentation Basics," the fourth book for her Studio Companion Series published by Fairchild Books.

Fullmer said "Presentation Basics" helps students hone both of the critical aspects of successful presentation: visual and verbal skills. The book also takes a look at business etiquette and body language, stressing the impact of these factors on a presentation.

Other books in Fullmer's series include "Design Basics," released in 2012; "Drafting Basics," 2012; and "3D Design," 2013. Fullmer said each book was developed for today's student and presents material in a contemporary and graphic manner.

"Students learn differently today than they did a few years ago. They needed something that was short and concise," she said.

Fullmer is excited about the response to her books, especially from students.

"It was such an awesome moment when I saw the tools and lessons I was using to teach my students being used by others," she said. "I had originally imagined that the books would be used by professors; I didn't expect to see students using the books to teach each other. That's when I knew I was doing something right."

Fullmer may consider adding books to her series in a few years.

"The books are being adopted into architecture programs all over the United States right now," she said. "In a few years, after we have some feedback from the schools and the publisher, there may be an addition to the series or an entirely new series."

Certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualified, Fullmer is a professional member of the Interior Design Educators Council, International Interior Design Association and Glass Arts Society. She graduated from Kansas State University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Interior Architecture and received a master's in integrated professional studies from DePaul University. She has worked for large, nationally ranked full-service design firms across the Midwest, where her work focused on commercial interiors specifically in office, restaurant and theater design. She also has taught freshman core classes to graduate-level courses.

Her creative endeavors include art glass design, including stained glass, fused and slumped glass, and blown glass. She has a small studio on campus where she and her students create pieces that can be integrated into their product and furniture projects or simply be objects of art.