SPOTLIGHT ON: Mark Van Allen

Our team is built on talented people whose contributions and commitments form the backbone of ModCorr. In this series, we will be highlighting employees who use their creativity, determination, and achievements to help us innovate the corrections industry.

Our first feature will be Mark Van Allen.

Title: Director of Design

Education: Ball State University - 1983

First Job: Architectural Intern, Woolen, Molzan and Partners - 1980

Joined ModCorr - 2025

From historic restoration projects to shopping centers to large-scale justice architecture design, Mark Van Allen's creative problem-solving abilities and affable charisma have led to a long professional journey full of opportunity, growth, and a never-ending eagerness to learn. With 40+ years in the industry, Mark's career has been full of experiences that have given him a common sense understanding of the bigger picture of architecture and design. "When I started my career, I had no notion of the effect architecture had on society. I thought it was all about the buildings. Now I know it's about how the buildings affect the people using them. The users, in turn, make up our society," Mark reflected.  

It is worth noting that Mark's work in the justice industry has included an ever-increasing understanding of trauma-informed design, incorporating normative environments, and creating restorative spaces. Over the years, Mark’s design standards have evolved to include respect for the individual as the heart of his projects. Mark's understanding of how projects and designs affect the justice systems in which they exist has expanded with each project. As his career progressed, the creation of trauma-informed spaces allowed him to codify his personal design ethos as he looks to include dignity, transformation, and healing in all of his projects."

Recently honored by Correctional News in its 30 Over 30 list, Mark is an industry veteran with a wealth of perspective and knowledge. Mark's passion is focused on the innovation of architecture and space creation. "ModCorr is a disruptor in the corrections construction space as we desire to do things in a new and better way rather than following the usual paths that have been around for the last fifty years." While he is new to the manufacturing and construction sector, Van Allen says of his role as Director of Design, "I lead product development and design assistance for the implementation of ModCorr's products in the industry. My days are filled with unique twists and turns as I help the ModCorr team invent the future." Utilizing his perspective on normative environments, Mark is leading the team with some truly unique improvements to the future of ModCorr's catalog!

ModCorr aims to provide secure, scalable, and efficient solutions for our correctional clients. With our pioneering modular facilities, and incredible people like Mark Van Allen on our team, we are committed to meeting the industry's needs while evolving with it to ensure there are adaptable resources available.

Mark puts it best: "Our future is only limited by our imagination."

Thank you for being such an incredible asset to our company, Mark!