The Pratt Institute, located in New York City, has named Anita Cooney as its new dean of the School of Design, effective in April.
Since the school’s formation in 2014, Cooney has served as acting dean of the School of Design and was chair of Pratt’s Interior Design Department. Under her leadership, the school grew into one of the nation’s top interior design programs.
Cooney—a Pratt alumna who also holds a B.A. from Brown University—previously served as the assistant chair of the Institute’s undergraduate department of the School of Architecture from 1996 to 1999.
“We are extremely pleased to announce Anita Cooney as dean of the School of Design. Her success in building top-ranked academic programs and extensive knowledge of the Institute are a significant asset to our students and faculty,” says Pratt Institute Provost Peter Barna. “Her interdisciplinary educational approach and commitment to a culture of exploration and innovation will prepare our students to push the limits of design.”
With more than 20 years of professional practice experience, Cooney is also the owner and principal of acoo design and has worked at firms such as Takashimaya and Robert A.M. Stern Architects.
“The opportunity to work collaboratively to support the School of Design’s programs and enrich the experience of students is invigorating,” says Cooney. “I am thrilled at the prospect of working with such talented faculty and students to help further the Institute’s mission at this incredibly exciting time for design at Pratt and in Brooklyn.”
