Welcome to the Design Department at MiraCosta College!
Our mission is to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where creativity, innovation, and critical thinking thrive. We are dedicated to empowering students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the ever-evolving fields of architecture, design and engineering. Through a blend of theoretical and hands-on learning experiences in practical making and visual communication, we aim to inspire our students to become visionary designers who can make a positive impact on the world.
Our department offers a comprehensive range of degree and certificate programs tailored to meet the diverse interests and career goals of our students. Whether you are pursuing an associate degree or a certificate in Architectural Design, Computer Aided Drafting and Design, Engineering Technology, or Mechanical Design, our curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in design principles, technical skills, and industry practices. Our courses are taught by experienced faculty who are passionate about mentoring the next generation of design professionals.
At MiraCosta College, we are committed to providing our students with the resources and support they need to succeed. Our state-of-the-art Maker lab is equipped with the latest software and technology, ensuring that students have access to the necessary tools to bring their creative visions to life. Additionally, we offer a variety of support services, including career counseling, portfolio reviews, and internship opportunities, to help students transition from the classroom to the professional world. Join us at the Design Department and embark on a journey of creativity, innovation, and professional growth.
Faculty and Staff
Paul Clarke, Professor
Paul Clarke began his tenure at MiraCosta College as lead instructor of the architecture, drafting, and engineering programs. In addition to teaching fulltime, he has served the college on Academic Senate, Faculty Assembly, Budget and Planning, and Strong Workforce. He led the Design, HAAT, and CSIT departments as chair, and the Budget and Planning Committee as co-chair. Collaboration with his colleagues in these roles led to the creation of the Maker Lab, new project management and engineering technology certificates and degrees, and faculty contract enhancements. Prior to MiraCosta, Professor Clarke worked in industry for many years and taught in the Design department at Long Beach State University. He holds bachelors and masters degrees from Cal Poly and Long Beach State, an MBA from USC, and professional certifications and licenses from Autodesk, the US Green Building Council, and the California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.
David Parker, Professor
Professor Parker received his Master of Architecture degree from The Graduate School of Design at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA and his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh PA. He has been a registered architect in the state of California since 1993.
Before joining MiraCosta College’s Design Department, Professor Parker taught and practiced architecture both locally and overseas. He taught architecture, design and drawing courses in the United Arab Emirates at the American University of Sharjah’s College of Architecture and Design as well as the American University of Nigeria. Professor Parker has 15 years of architectural practice in the industry working for firms in Washington D.C., Kuwait, Irvine and San Diego.
Chris Boehm, Instructional Associate
Robert Christopher Boehm graduated from UC Berkeley in 1993 with a BA in International Economics. After working in production and sourcing for a Fortune 500 company for nearly a decade, he relocated from San Francisco to Encinitas to pursue his passion of working with orchids. Chris began attending school at MiraCosta in 2007 where he completed Certificates of Achievement in Landscape Architecture and Drafting and Design. It was during this time that his interest in 3D modeling and rapid prototyping blossomed. He is a Certified SolidWorks user. Since 2009, Chris has been a Design Department Tutor, Lab Assistant, Advisor to the Design/Maker Club, Instructional Associate, and Associate Faculty, getting to teach DESN 101, DESN 203 and DESN 204. He is now the full-time Instructional Associate of the department, a Notary Public, and earning his MBA at Cal St. San Marcos.
Mercedes Evans, Associate Faculty
Associate faculty member Mercedes Evans received her bachelor’s degree in architecture from the National University of Engineering, Lima, Peru. After graduation, she worked as a professor assistant for the architecture and engineering departments, teaching Computer Applications for Architecture and Mechanical Drafting. Four years after teaching, she won a scholarship to study Urban Planning and obtain her master’s degree from the University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
When she moved to California, she took an AutoCAD class, which opened doors to work on residential, commercial, and institutional projects at different architectural firms in Orange County. Mercedes Evans has been teaching for more than 25 years in interior design, architecture, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing at different colleges in Orange County.
She enjoys playing with her grandchildren, traveling, outdoor activities, photography, designing, learning architectural history, and 3D modeling.
Mo Dagher, Associate Faculty
Mo Dagher is a career engineer with over 40 years of experience in engineering, management, and scientific research. He covered a variety of engineering fields in the areas of Aerospace, Nuclear Power, and Solar Energy. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with students in practical applications that link academic instruction to real life engineering solutions. His work on the Solar Two Molten Salt Power Plant earned him a design patent and he has many publications related to his work on nuclear fusion.
He is motivated to share all his experience and knowledge as well as help guide students to successful careers in engineering. He joined MiraCosta College in fall of 2019 to teach engineering graphics and design. He enjoys being around students, loves the outdoors, and reading.
Facility Map
