Rachel Beach

Mrs. Rachel Plybon Beach, a West Virginia native, possesses a diverse background encompassing both creative and leadership pursuits. She pursued her passion for design at Bauder Fashion College in Atlanta, specializing in Interior Design, Fashion Design & Merchandising, and Modeling.

She furthered her education at the University of Charleston, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from the esteemed Carleton Varney School of Art & Design. This included an internship at Dorothy Draper, Inc. in New York City, under the mentorship of Mr. Carleton Varney.

Rachel's professional career spans decades beginning in 1992, encompassing a wide range of design projects, including healthcare, hospitality, education, and museum installations. Notably, she dedicated five years to the renovation of the West Virginia State Museum from 2004-2009.

Beyond her design practice beginning in 2010, Rachel has made significant contributions to education. As an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator at Pierpont Community & Technical College, she has mentored students in both Fashion Merchandising and Interior Design. She has also held leadership roles in various organizations, including the West Virginia Affiliate of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and the SPARK! Board of Directors.

Rachel's commitment to excellence is reflected in her numerous achievements, including the NISOD Excellence Award, recognition in the 2021 LIV Hospitality International Design Awards, and successful leadership of the Marion & Taylor Counties Salvation Army Fashion Show. In 2025, she joined the faculty at West Virginia University's College of Creative Arts and Media, continuing her dedication to inspiring the next generation of designers in the School of Art & Design’s Interior Architecture Program.