Chris Chapin

Chris Chapin has dedicated his career in design education to the positive influences artists and designers can have in providing innovative solutions to the global community. He joined KCAI in 2009. Since that time, he has led the Graphic Design program, taught cross-disciplinary Foundation studios, and developed a progressive Product Design program. As creator and founding leader of Product Design at KCAI, Chapin directs a program distinguished by its innovative collaborations with all disciplines on campus, industry professionals, entrepreneurship educators, and community leaders. The program is further distinguished by a strong entrepreneurial emphasis helping each graduate create a sustainable career in design innovation. This bold program prepares future designers to be agents for change through the objects, systems and businesses they create.

Previously, Chapin was Professor of Communication Arts and Fine Arts at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. He is a career photographer, designer and arts educator with degrees from the Institute of Design at IIT and Texas A&M University College of Architecture. He has held lead creative posts in the private sector and served as principal and creative director of a California-based design firm. Chapin has held distinguished leadership roles in arts education, has served on the board of City in Motion Dance Theater and Kansas City Academy, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board at the Metropolitan School of the Arts Kansas City.