FAIRMONT — Pierpont Community & Technical College assistant professor Rachel Beach, recently received an international award and recognition for her work in interior design.
Beach, the program coordinator of Pierpont’s applied design program was awarded an honorable mention placement at the international 2021 LIV Hospitality Design Awards competition.
“[This award] helps validate all of the hard work I have put in throughout my career,” said Beach. “Being recognized with an award like this after 30 years of hard work is an incredible feeling.”
The LIV Design Awards is an international competition that recognizes excellence in hospitality architecture, interior design and guest experiences on a global scale.
During the 2021 competition, there were more than 400 submissions from 41 countries around the world.
Beach was awarded for her proposed design of the third floor of Pierpont’s Advanced Technology Center in Fairmont.
“Earlier this year, at the request of [Pierpont Interim President] Dr. Anthony Hancock, I designed a project for the yet-to-be-completed floor of the ATC building on the campus of Pierpont,” said Beach. “I used the collaboratorium design concept that was implemented in a few regions in the United States and many more in Europe.”
The proposed space would be used in a multitude of ways. The design gives the institution the flexibility to use it as needed.
“I wanted to design a space that was multifaceted and flexible,” said Beach. “I used the elements of collaboratorium design to answer the wide range of challenges in the higher education environment.”
Hancock knew the in-house designer was the way to go.
“When we began looking for ideas for the third-floor space at the ATC, I thought who better to design a space than our own expert interior designer,” Hancock said. “After seeing Rachel’s incredible finished product, it was obvious it deserved an award.”
Pierpont’s applied design program has two concentrations, interior design and fashion merchandising. While in the program, students learn a range of skills, including the ones used by Beach in her proposal.
“Designs are always changing and evolving,” said Beach. “We teach our students the skills they need to become successful interior designers. That includes a multitude of design styles that help them adapt to the changing style popularities throughout the world. That’s why I encourage my students to become lifelong learners and hope they will continue their design education as they grow in their professions.”
“Pierpont’s faculty are top-notch in their respective disciplines and industry,” said Pierpont Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Michael Paul Waide. “Ms. Beach’s work speaks for itself and represents Pierpont’s commitment to providing quality instruction and training through our skilled, experienced instructors.”
And that is good for the school and its students.
“It’s important for students to know the incredible education they receive at Pierpont,” said Hancock. “At Pierpont, you will learn from instructors who are some of the best and brightest in their fields.”
