LPA Design Studios has promoted Kate Mraw to Director of K-12, where she will lead the development and growth of the firm’s education design practice.
Kate Mraw
Since joining LPA in 2004, Mraw has worked with educators, students and communities to create more effective and efficient K-12 campuses based on a research-driven approach to design.
Mraw’s influence can be found in a range of campuses, including the e3 Civic High School in San Diego, the first high school in the country co-located in a public library; the historic preservation and renovation of Lanier High School in San Antonio, Texas; and the all-in-one K-12 Agnews campus under construction on a 55-acre historic site in San Jose, California, one of the largest K-12 projects in the state.
Mraw succeeds Jim Kisel, who is retiring after 28 years leading LPA’s education practice. Over the past three decades, LPA’s K-12 team has master planned and designed projects for more than 100 districts.
In her new role, Mraw says she will continue to expand LPA’s research capabilities, integrated approach and education efforts to cultivate the firm’s talent.
“We are invested in growing our people to grow our practice,” Mraw says. “We want to stay curious and continue to ask better questions that lead to deeper understanding and better solutions.”
Mraw is collaborating with school districts to develop more energy-efficient campuses that connect with nature. The firm also is working with clients to develop net zero energy campuses.
She received a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the University of Texas at Austin and is a frequent speaker at international industry events.
