PAVE Global is pleased to announce Mark Mappala, Senior Associate Professor in the Interior Design Department at Bellevue College, as the recipient of the Third Annual PAVE Global Educator of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by Chipman Design Architecture. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional full-time educators for their outstanding dedication to design education and their commitment to preparing the next generation of design professionals.
"Mark Mappala makes it his mission to amplify voices that often get overlooked. His classes are built around real-life issues of equity, community and belonging, making design meaningful and genuinely connected to the world we live in," said Lauren Chipman, CEO of Chipman Design Architecture.
Mappala's impact on design education extends far beyond traditional classroom instruction. With over twelve years of industry experience in retail, residential, aviation, and graphic design before transitioning to academia, he brings a unique professional perspective that enables students to engage with real-world challenges and understand the practical applications of design principles.
In his letter of support, Dan Beert, Professor and Program Chair of Interior Design at Bellevue College, emphasized Mappala's exceptional contributions: "In 15 years, I don't think that I've met another interior design educator as dedicated to the profession, its ethics and values, and its future practitioners as Mark. He's inspired me and contributed through his collaborative spirit to the success of our students."
Excerpts from the Portfolio of Professor Mark Mappala (Click to Expand)
Former student Espe Zivkovic, IIDA Student of the Year 2023, shared how Mappala's guidance transformed their educational journey: "As an international student from Colombia adapting to a new culture and career path, Professor Mappala's guidance proved transformative. His advice resonated deeply, instilling confidence and helping me establish a significant presence within the design community."
One of Mappala's core teaching philosophies centers on reflecting and supporting the diverse identities and experiences of his students. He has pioneered initiatives that encourage students to connect their projects with their personal experiences and cultural identities, creating an environment that fosters both technical skill development and personal growth. His innovative "Collaborator/Mentor engagement" program pairs Capstone students with industry professionals, providing invaluable guidance through real-world design challenges.
"Students graduating from Bellevue College are being hired at design firms all over the country," noted Jeany Kim, Associate Principal at Arcadis, in her nomination letter. "Mark's influence on Bellevue College's Interior Design program has been transformative. He has worked tirelessly to align the curriculum with industry standards and accreditation requirements, all while centering student feedback, diversity, and equity."
Mappala will be honored at the 26th Annual PAVE Gala on December 12th, 2024, where both he and Bellevue College's Department of Design will each receive $1,500 grants.
PAVE Global extends its sincere gratitude to Chipman Design Architecture for their generous sponsorship of the 2024 PAVE Educator of the Year Award.
A Special Thank You to Our 2024 PAVE Educator of the Year Award Judges (in alphabetical order):
Chelsea Helms, STICH Design Shop
Jowita Abbott, NELSON Worldwide
Lauren Chipman, Chipman Design Architecture
Kate Kyung-ha Lee, Arcadis
For more information on the PAVE Educator of the Year Award and to view past honorees, please visit www.paveglobal.org/educatoraward.
About PAVE Global
Founded in 1992 as The Planning and Visual Education Partnership, PAVE Global is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, with all proceeds benefitting PAVE's educational programs. The organization enables young talent to build successful careers designing and creating consumer environments. Our vision is to cultivate relationships with students, educators, and the design industry through financial assistance, top-industry thinking, inspiration, and mentorship.
For more information, please visit www.paveglobal.org.
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