Corgan Names Dallas Architecture Forum Board Member as Its Director of Design

“At its core, design is about human experiences, and everything we create is built around that principle,” Ian Zapata said.

In what can be considered a homecoming, Ian Zapata has come back to Dallas-based global architecture and design firm Corgan as director of design.

Corgan said Zapata will champion the firm’s leadership in design and innovation within the global design community.

“We’re thrilled to have Ian in this important design leadership role at Corgan,” Lindsay Wilson, president and Interiors Sector leader, said in a statement. “His vision for design excellence—grounded in a global perspective and intentional collaboration—will further strengthen our ability to deliver innovative, high-impact spaces.”

Corgan said that in his new role, Zapata will continue to advance the firm’s design philosophy while helping imbed elevated, data-driven, and sustainable design principles in the firm’s work across sectors including aviation and mobility, data centers, education, government, health, mixed-use, multifamily, office, and workplace.

High design meets sustainable architecture

Zapata began his career as an architectural intern at Corgan more than 25 years ago, the firm said. Previously, he also worked at Gensler.

Corgan said that with a portfolio spanning design and planning for airport, hotel, office, and corporate headquarters projects, he brings multifaceted experience to the role.

“At its core, design is about human experiences, and everything we create is built around that principle,” Zapata said in a statement.

Zapata leaned on this philosophy as he led a global practice focused on building transformation and revitalizing cities, creating work destinations that drive engagement, and advancing carbon-neutral design. Corgan said he is renowned for his ability to create transformative designs that resonate with clients and communities and that his design philosophy emphasizes the intersection of creativity, collaboration, and impact.

Corgan said that Zapata’s appointment underscores its dedication to advancing high design and sustainable architecture.

“We are at a pivotal moment of accelerated change—fueled by AI, big data, and the evolution of how people work, interact, and socialize,” Zapata said. “This shift challenges us to rethink not only buildings but also the very spaces where people connect. At Corgan, we embrace this transformation with curiosity by piloting innovative ideas, empowering our designers, and investing in future leaders while serving as a steady hand to guide our clients.”

Focus on developing talent

Corgan said that a key focus of the director of design role will be nurturing and developing the next generation of architects and designers. It said that Zapata’s leadership reflects a deeply-held belief that innovation stems from diverse perspectives coming together to solve problems—a philosophy that aligns with Corgan’s collaborative culture.

A registered architect and LEED AP, Zapata has served on the board of the Dallas Architecture Forum since 2012 and has been president of the board and chair of the Dallas Design Symposium.

Corgan has grown rapidly in the past five years and now has a total of 19 offices on three continents and more than 1,000 team members around the world. Its growth has been fueled in part by the continued development of exceptional, award-winning talent, the firm said.

Founded 87 years ago, Corgan is ranked the fourth-largest architecture firm in the U.S. by Building Design + Construction. It provides full architectural design services. Corgan is ranked No. 6 overall in Interior Design Magazine’s Giants of design in 2024, and The American Society of Interiors Designers named Corgan the 2024 “Firm of the Year.”

Corgan is an employee-owned architecture and design firm that works with clients in a variety of sectors including aviation and mobility, data centers, education, health, mixed-use, multifamily, office, and workplace.


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