Biography

Massimo Imparato is an accomplished educator, researcher, and design strategist whose work bridges academic leadership, professional practice, and international collaboration. With over two decades of experience spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, he brings a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary approach to architecture and design education. 

Currently Dean of the School of Architecture and Interior Design, Massimo has led transformative academic initiatives that align with sustainability, circular economy, and digital innovation. He is also the Founder and Curator of UAE Modern, a non-profit platform fostering dialogue between academia, industry, and the wider public through exhibitions and design research. Previously, he served as Founding Head of the Department of Industrial Design at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) in Suzhou, China, where he also held the role of Programme Director of the MDes in Industrial Design and contributed to strategic planning and curriculum innovation. 

His research focuses on sustainable design practices, materials innovation, and emerging pedagogies. He has presented and published on topics such as augmented reality in materials education, design as a process, and the circular economy. Massimo’s work has been featured at international forums including Cumulus Conferences, TEDxXJTLU, Milan Design Week, and Design Shanghai. He has curated exhibitions and organized symposia that promote local cultures in global settings, emphasizing inclusive and climate-conscious design. 

Massimo’s teaching portfolio includes design studios, furniture design, and architectural theory, having taught at institutions such as the American University of Sharjah, the Florence Institute of Design International, and Politecnico di Milano. His pedagogical philosophy is rooted in experiential and research-led learning, often involving real-world collaborations and public engagement. 
Parallel to academia, Massimo has held leadership roles in the design industry. As Art Director for Matrix International and Design Consultant for brands such as Azucena and Corte Zari, he developed award-winning products—most notably the Curvilinea chaise, part of MU.DE.TO’s permanent collection and shortlisted for the XIX Compasso d’Oro. 

He has served on editorial boards, academic senates, and advisory councils, and played a key role in shaping postgraduate design education at the SOS School of Sustainability. His holistic understanding of design as a cultural, economic, and technological driver informs his leadership and ongoing commitment to innovation in architectural and design education.