Chelsea Kostek, IDSA

Chair of Industrial Design, Paier College Chelsea Kostek is the Chair of Industrial Design at Paier College. Prior to this, she was acting Chair of the Fashion Merchandising Department and Industrial Design faculty at The University of Bridgeport. She is known for her innovative focus and collaborative approach in the classroom and beyond. She has established partnerships with local businesses and global brands including University of Bridgeport’s Bauer Hall Innovation Center, Bridgeport’s Downtown Special Services Division, and Eastern Mountain Sports, to ensure her students get practical experiences that support their professional development as well as design skills. Her students are members of IDSA and have placed in the annual Student Merit Awards competition. Chelsea holds a BFA in Fashion Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and an MID in Industrial Design from Rhode Island School of Design. Before becoming a full-time educator, she worked professionally as an industrial designer for 15 years working with Brookstone, Lovesac, Griffin Technology, and more. She designed many consumer goods and products you’ve probably worn or sat on including the original Chilewich iPhone case. Her company Corporeal Design partners with brands to create wearable medical and accessory designs.

Chair of Industrial Design, Paier College

Chelsea Kostek is the Chair of Industrial Design at Paier College. Prior to this, she was acting Chair of the Fashion Merchandising Department and Industrial Design faculty at The University of Bridgeport. She is known for her innovative focus and collaborative approach in the classroom and beyond.

She has established partnerships with local businesses and global brands including University of Bridgeport’s Bauer Hall Innovation Center, Bridgeport’s Downtown Special Services Division, and Eastern Mountain Sports, to ensure her students get practical experiences that support their professional development as well as design skills. Her students are members of IDSA and have placed in the annual Student Merit Awards competition.

Chelsea holds a BFA in Fashion Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and an MID in Industrial Design from Rhode Island School of Design. Before becoming a full-time educator, she worked professionally as an industrial designer for 15 years working with Brookstone, Lovesac, Griffin Technology, and more. She designed many consumer goods and products you've probably worn or sat on including the original Chilewich iPhone case. Her company Corporeal Design partners with brands to create wearable medical and accessory designs.

Activities for Chelsea

Election Candidate, Education Council | 2023

Statement of Candidacy

If chosen as the Northeast Representative (Education Council) for IDSA, I intend to create connections within the design community. The Northeast region is a rich source of design companies as well as up and coming designers. I hope to connect students with opportunities to meet with, experience, and work with designers and companies in the area. I intend to support and diversify the Student Chapters and activities by adding new collaborative projects. I believe that design schools, students, and faculty will benefit from rich connections and develop a better understanding of needs in the world of design education. Students can delve into their studies at a deeper level by understanding the thinking and needs of practicing industrial designers. I will also support and further the efforts of the IDSA Student Merit Awards. This opportunity is exciting to take on and I am hoping to further IDSA’s reach. Thank you for your consideration.