Professor of Interior Architecture and Design recognized for revitalization efforts in local community
Interior Architecture and Design Professor Stephanie McGoldrick has recently been awarded the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) Community Service Award and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Impact Stipend for projects completed in the New Bedford community to revitalize park spaces and support small, minority-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations.
“It’s extremely rewarding and humbling to be recognized by two of the most prestigious international interior design organizations,” said McGoldrick. “I’ve always aspired to use my design and lighting expertise to make a lasting impact on the people and places that might not typically have access to these types of services.”
The IDEC Community Service Award honors significant contributions of community service by an individual or group at a national, regional, and/or local level associated with the discipline of interior design. The IIDA Impact Stipend was established in 2020 to recognize and support IIDA members who pursued a new educational goal, supported their design community through mentoring or offering resources, or used their expertise to volunteer in their community. The program awards up to five recipients a $1,000 stipend and IIDA Membership at no cost.
Supporting the local community
McGoldrick was chosen for both awards in recognition for the work she does with her students in the New Bedford community. Some of their projects include lighting solutions for Wings Court park, interior and exterior enhancements for small, minority-owned businesses, space-planning and furniture recommendations for the Community Economic Development Center’s (CEDC) new office after their previous space was lost in a fire, and revitalizing a small pocket park on the corner of Phillips and Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford, using the “Wicked Cool Places” grant to install lighting and purchasing an activity panel to engage families.
“The pocket park revitalization was a critical one, as the park was under scrutiny from local politicians due to unsafe conditions,” said McGoldrick. “The new lighting improves both the safety and security in this space. With a larger grant received this year, we will be adding shade structures and more interactive elements."
