Isabella Parker
Designing a Path Forward: An Alumni Spotlight on Isabella Parker ’20
Isabella Parker, a 2020 graduate of Marywood University with a Master of Interior Architecture, has quickly established herself as a rising professional in the design field. Now working as an Interior Designer at MKSD Architects in Allentown, she was recently recognized as one of Lehigh Valley Business’ 2026 Women to Watch, an honor highlighting emerging leaders under 35 who demonstrate professional excellence, community involvement, and a commitment to inspiring change. Honorees were selected by an external panel of judges alongside LVB editors, and this year’s class was celebrated at an awards event on May 6 at DeSales University Center in Center Valley.
Reflecting on her decision to attend Marywood, Isabella credits the strength of its academic offerings. “They have a great architectural program!” she said. The program, and especially the faculty within it, played a defining role in shaping her experience. “My biggest influence was probably my professors within the architectural program. They really inspired me to become passionate about design.”
That passion has translated into early professional success, with her recent Women to Watch recognition standing out as a proud milestone. “Being named one of the Lehigh Valley Business’ 2026 Women to Watch,” she noted, is her most significant accomplishment to date.
Isabella attributes much of her readiness for the professional world to the rigor of her education. “It taught me perseverance and to be creative,” she explained. Looking back, she sees her time at Marywood as transformative, not only in developing her technical skills but also in shaping her mindset. “I think the rigorous architectural program at the school helped develop my growth as a designer; challenges to me are opportunities and prior to school I think I would have felt differently about that.”
During her time as a student, Parker was actively involved both inside and outside the classroom. She participated in the International Interior Design Association throughout her undergraduate and graduate years, served in student government during her final two years of graduate school, and took on a teaching role in her last year. These experiences further enriched her academic journey.
Observing the university today, she is encouraged by its continued growth. “It seems like the architectural program is growing fast each year which is great!” she said.
In her current role, Isabella finds fulfillment in the collaborative and creative environment at her firm. “I’m extremely passionate about all of the projects I work on in my firm. We do a lot of fun exciting projects and we have a great team! It feels a lot like being back in school,” she shared.
For current Marywood students, Isabella offers simple but meaningful advice: “Live in the moment! Work hard and enjoy the creative freedom you have in school.”