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Paul Austin Named SCAD Executive in Residence for 2026-27
Fragrance strategist Paul Austin, founder of Austin Advisory Group and co-creator of LilaNur Parfums, has been appointed SCAD Executive in Residence for the 2026-2027 academic year. He will work with students and faculty across fashion, business innovation and building arts on scent, design and sensory creativity.
SCAD chief academic officer Jason Fox said the appointment reflects Austin’s work connecting students with the practical demands of fragrance creation. The university’s theme for the academic year is “Real Work. Real World.”
In the role, Austin will engage with students and faculty across the School of Fashion, the De Sole School of Business Innovation and the School of Building Arts. The collaboration will examine how scent and sensory thinking can shape creative work, from fragrance and brand development to the design of spaces and experiences.
Austin founded Austin Advisory Group, a New York-based strategic and creative firm that works with brands, founders and cultural institutions. He also co-created LilaNur Parfums, an India-inspired luxury fragrance house that launched internationally through retailers including Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods and Good Earth in India.
Austin said the way people engage with scent is changing significantly. His appointment comes as the fragrance industry continues to expand.