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PAVE Global Launches “Next Step by PAVE,” a New Professional Development Series for Emerging Design Talent

New program kicks off with interactive career exploration webinar on February 12, 2026


Text reads "NEXT STEP by PAVE Global" with a multicolored staircase icon. Subtext: "A Virtual Professional Development Series."

PAVE Global has launched Next Step by PAVE, a new professional development series created to support students and emerging professionals as they navigate early career decisions within the design industry.


Next Step by PAVE addresses the gap between academic training and professional practice. While many students graduate with strong creative and technical skills, they often lack visibility into how careers unfold across the design ecosystem and how to position themselves early on. The series focuses on career navigation, essential professional skills, portfolio and interview preparation, and broader conversations around culture, identity, sustainability, and impact.


Next Step by PAVE was developed with leadership from PAVE Global’s Community Outreach Committee, chaired by Lauren Chipman, to support career readiness and early professional development.


“Next Step by PAVE is about helping students and emerging professionals understand how the design industry actually works beyond the classroom,” said Dash Nagel, Executive Director of PAVE Global. “By focusing on career navigation, professional skills, and real industry perspectives, we’re giving them tools they can use throughout their careers, not just at their first job.”

Programming within the series draws from professionals across the design ecosystem, including design firms, vendor and manufacturer partners, construction companies, and client-side organizations. Sessions are designed to provide a real-world perspective, highlight transferable skills, and offer honest insight into industry expectations and career growth.


The series will officially kick off with an interactive webinar titled Designing Your Career: Navigating Opportunities Across the Industry on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM ET. The session will feature career journey spotlights from:

  • Lauren Chipman, CEO and Principal, Chipman Design Architecture

  • Jamie Poulos, Chief Growth Officer, OPTO International

  • Adam Hirsch, President, Hirsch Construction Corp.

  • Christine Sturch, Senior Director of Format Strategy and Design, Walgreens


Webinar promo with profiles of Lauren Chipman, Jamie Poulos, Adam Hirsch, Christine Struch. Title: Designing Your Career. Date: Feb. 12, 1 PM ET.

The one-hour virtual session will conclude with a live, interactive Q&A, allowing participants to engage directly with the panel and receive guidance tailored to their career goals.

The inaugural webinar is open to current students and recent graduates in interior design, architecture, visual merchandising, graphic design, and related fields. Registration is now open.


As the series grows, Next Step by PAVE will continue to expand its programming and build a curated archive of on-demand content accessible through PAVE Global’s website.


For more information or to register, visit www.paveglobal.org/next-step.


For media inquiries or participation opportunities, contact info@paveglobal.org.

About PAVE Global, www.paveglobal.org 

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.

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