VCU Arts Graduate Student Christie Chirinos Named Recipient of the 2025 Knovo Technology in Design Innovation Scholarship

PAVE Global, in partnership with Knovo, is pleased to announce Christie Chirinos, an MFA Candidate in Interior Environments at Virginia Commonwealth University, as the recipient of the 2025 Knovo Technology in Design Innovation Scholarship.

This annual scholarship recognizes one student who thoughtfully integrates emerging technologies into the design process, enhancing visualization, exploration, and storytelling. The recipient receives a $2,500 scholarship, 20 hours of virtual mentoring with Knovo’s design professionals, and an invitation to attend the 2025 PAVE Gala in New York City.

Images from Christie Chirinos's case study

Christie’s submission, Architecture Across Time: Using Digital Twins to Preserve and Reinvigorate the Historic Moore Street School, examines how accessible digital twin tools can support documentation, preservation, and concept development. Using a smartphone and the Matterport app, she created an immersive 3D model of the 1880s Moore Street School, an important landmark originally built for African American students in Richmond, Virginia.

Her case study illustrates how low-cost scanning workflows can strengthen early design accuracy, reduce site visits, and support collaborative discussion through remote walkthroughs and precise visual references.

“Christie’s project immediately stood out to our team,” said Barb Pohner, President of Knovo. “Her case study demonstrates a thoughtful integration of technology, design insight, and cultural context. By using advanced yet accessible tools to document and interpret a historic building, she shows how digital methods can both respect the character of existing spaces and support more informed design decisions. Her approach is practical, innovative, and aligned with the forward-thinking mindset that’s shaping our industry. It reflects the values at the core of Knovo’s mission - to elevate environments through clarity, precision, and data-driven design.”

Excerpts from the portfolio of Christie Chirinos

The PAVE Global Scholarship Program, now in its fifteenth year, provides financial assistance and professional development opportunities to students pursuing careers in the design and creation of consumer environments. Through partnerships with leading industry firms and partners such as Bish Creative, PAVE helps reduce barriers to education and foster professional growth opportunities for emerging designers.

For more information on the Knovo Technology in Design Innovation Scholarship, visit paveglobal.org/knovo.

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About Knovo

Knovo is an award-winning retail branch design and architectural services firm specializing in the transformation of built environments through technology-driven insight and thoughtful design execution. Offering 3D site surveys, as-built documentation, data-driven design strategies, BIM coordination, project management, brand compliance reviews, and ongoing operational support, Knovo partners with clients to create highly efficient and engaging spaces. With a focus on accuracy, visualization, and customer experience, Knovo brings clarity and purpose to every stage of the design process. Learn more at knovo.com

About PAVE Global

Founded in 1992 as The Planning and Visual Education Partnership, PAVE Global is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that enables young talent to build successful careers designing and creating consumer environments. All proceeds benefit PAVE’s educational programs, supporting students, educators, and industry connections through financial assistance, mentorship, and inspiration. Learn more at paveglobal.org.