Lorraine Justice

Lorraine Justice, FIDSA | RIT

2008 Educator Award Winner

Justice is presently Dean of the Rochester Institute of Technology, College of Imaging Arts and Sciences. In her previous role as head of the School of Design at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, she brought the School to international prominence within three years, put new graduate programs in place and opened two design centers in the People’s Republic of China. 

Through her work, she has impacted ID at many levels. The leap she made to take leadership of the design program at Hong Kong Polytechnic was unprecedented; she moved to China and created a transformation there, while deriving huge respect in the region and making unparalleled connections between our cultures. She has assisted design students from all over the world, and design faculty whenever possible. From taking interest in individuals’ growth to advocating government-level support for design worldwide, Justice is passionate about the level at which design can change the world.  Additionally, she has consistently been at the center of discussions regarding contemporary design practice and remains a huge influence on such thinking globally.

“It was my honor to receive this award because I hold IDSA as the professional body representing design practitioners and educators in the highest esteem,” Justice said. “I grew up with IDSA and it has given back to me much more than I had imagined. For those of you wanting to make a change, make a difference or find a professional family, I suggest you stay involved with IDSA. Design education and practice is what can help the US at this point and we need to stay strong and united.”