SCAD Names Paul Austin Executive in Residence
Founder of Austin Advisory Group will work with students across three SCAD schools during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in People
The Savannah College of Art and Design has named Paul Austin its Executive in Residence for the 2026-2027 academic year. Austin, founder of New York-based Austin Advisory Group and cocreator of the India-inspired fragrance house LilaNur Parfums, will engage students and faculty on scent and sensory creativity.
Why it matters
The residency connects students to working professionals in fragrance and luxury creation, reflecting SCAD's 2026-2027 theme, 'Real Work. Real World.' Austin's role was framed by SCAD as recognition of his impact on linking students to real-world stakes in the fragrance industry.
The appointment covers the 2026-2027 academic year and spans three SCAD schools: Fashion, the De Sole School of Business Innovation, and Building Arts. The announcement did not provide financial figures or the length of Austin's time on campus beyond the academic year.
The players
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
A private art and design university headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, known for its fashion, design and business programs.
Paul Austin
Founder of Austin Advisory Group and cocreator of the luxury fragrance house LilaNur Parfums.
The details
Austin will work with students and faculty to explore how scent and sensory thinking can inform the creative process. His background includes cocreating LilaNur Parfums, which has been sold through luxury retailers including Bergdorf Goodman and Harrods.
Timeline
2026-2027 academic year: Paul Austin serves as SCAD Executive in Residence.
Industry Bridge
The residency follows SCAD's practice of bringing working industry executives onto campus, a model the university frames under its 'Real Work. Real World.' theme for 2026-2027. Austin's fragrance background places the program within the growing commercial interest in scent as a creative discipline.
Savannah-area students in SCAD's Schools of Fashion, Business Innovation and Building Arts gain direct access to a working fragrance executive during the 2026-2027 academic year. Residents and prospective students can track the residency's public-facing activities as the year begins.
The takeaway
Hands-on access to industry practitioners can shape how students approach creative work. Students interested in fragrance, design or business can look for opportunities to engage with the residency during the academic year.
Further reading
Explore more People coverage tied to campus appointments and industry leaders.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WWD.
