PAVE Global Opens Nominations for the 2026 Educator of the Year Award

The fifth annual award recognizes educators making a meaningful impact on students and the future of design education

Hollywood, Fla. (July 20, 2026)— PAVE Global, in partnership with Chipman Design Architecture, is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 PAVE Educator of the Year Award.

Now in its fifth year, the award recognizes an outstanding educator whose excellence in teaching, leadership, and commitment to design education has made a meaningful impact on students and the profession. The honoree will be recognized during the PAVE Gala on Thursday, December 10, 2026, in New York City.

“As a former educator, I’ve seen how much influence one teacher can have on the trajectory of a student’s career. That influence carries forward into our industry in ways that are real and lasting. Supporting the Educator of the Year Award at the PAVE Global Gala is an opportunity for Chipman Design Architecture to recognize the educators doing that work every day and to stand behind the next generation they are helping to build,” said Lauren Chipman, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Chipman Design Architecture.

Strong nominees consistently find new ways to engage and inspire their students, create opportunities beyond the core curriculum, demonstrate leadership within their departments, and contribute to the continued growth of the design profession.

Industry peers, colleagues, administrators, and students are invited to nominate an eligible educator. Self-nominations are also welcome, and there is no fee to submit a nomination.

Nominees must be current full-time, tenured, or adjunct professors with at least seven years of experience teaching in a post-secondary program related to interior design, architecture, visual merchandising, engineering, graphic design, UX/UI design, industrial design, product design, experiential design, or a similar area of study.

The 2026 Educator of the Year will receive:

• A $3,000 award

• One ticket to attend the PAVE Gala to be recognized

• Up to $1,000 in travel support for flight and hotel expenses if located outside the New York/New Jersey area

• Official digital assets and recognition through PAVE’s website, social media channels, and an official press release

Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals and educators who are not affiliated with the nominees.

The nomination deadline is Friday, October 30, 2026, before 11:59 p.m. Eastern/8:59 p.m. Pacific.

To review the complete eligibility criteria and nomination requirements or submit a nomination, visit paveglobal.org/educatoraward.

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About PAVE Global, paveglobal.org 

Founded in 1992 as The Planning and Visual Education Partnership, PAVE Global is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation dedicated to helping young talent build successful careers designing and creating consumer environments. PAVE connects students, educators, and the design industry through financial assistance, mentorship, inspiration, and access to industry insight.

About Chipman Design Architecture, chipman.design

Chipman Design Architecture (WBE) is a people-first, family-owned retail, restaurant, and hospitality architecture firm composed of innovators, architects, and interior designers who love creating spaces for tomorrow. For over forty-five years, the firm has separated themselves with a focus on the future in regard to organizational structure, customer experience, and fostering community. With corporate headquarters in Chicago and five additional national offices, Chipman Design provides interior design, experiential design, and architectural expertise throughout North America. Today, the firm's Principal team, led by the third-generation family member and CEO, Lauren Chipman, offers innovation and professionalism through complete architectural and interior design services. Through membership in the U.S. Green Building Council, the firm's commitment to sustainability and lowering energy consumption continues to reinforce recognition of the critical role of architects in today's world.