Esteemed Professor Emerita and alumna Alisa Zamir, who taught at Pratt for over half a century, inspiring generations of design students with her knowledge, drive, and creativity, passed away on June 16, 2025. She was 84.
Zamir earned her MS in Package Design from Pratt in 1971 with a thesis that explored color as a marketing tool. She joined Pratt’s faculty in Graduate Communications Design and Package Design, where she taught from 1970 to 2024. During her decades at Pratt, Zamir became a pillar in the School of Design and a powerhouse in the creative industry. She made an immeasurable and lasting impact on her students, as well as her colleagues, friends, and the broader Pratt community.
In addition to teaching, Zamir built an impressive design career. She brought the knowledge and experience she gained from her professional practice into the classroom. As the Executive VP and Design Director at Taylor & Ives from 1981 to 2011, she worked for clients including the New York Stock Exchange, Marsh & McLennan, PNC Bank Corp, Hershey Food Corporation, and more. Prior to that, she was the Executive VP and Design Director at Solay and Zamir, Inc., and a Senior Designer at Fujita Design Inc. She contributed to various magazines and sat on the board of directors at the Israeli Institute of Packaging and Industrial Design. Before coming to Pratt, Zamir taught graphic design and package design at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem.
Zamir was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from ARC International, one of many accolades she received over the course of her career. Her work was also recognized by Creativity, Andy, Desi, Gold Quill, Neographics, American Corporate Identity, ARC, and ADC of LA and featured in publications including Graphics Today, IR, Idea, and Modern Packaging. Zamir earned her BA from the Central School of Arts and Crafts in 1963 and completed post-graduate studies in packaging design at the City of London College before earning her master’s at Pratt.
“As a dedicated teacher, mentor, leader, and friend, Alisa will be greatly missed and fondly remembered,” says Dean of the School of Design Anita Cooney. “We have been extremely fortunate to have her as part of our community for so long. As we grieve this loss together, we extend our condolences to her family and friends, and to our entire community.”
A memorial service will be held in the fall.