DesignIntelligence

Architecture — Most Admired Educators


Each year, DesignIntelligence honors excellence in architecture and design education, and education administration, by naming outstanding professionals from these fields. Educators and administrators from the disciplines of architecture, interior design and landscape architecture are considered for inclusion. The most admired educators are selected by DesignIntelligence staff with input from thousands of design professionals, academic department heads and students.

David Allison

David Allison

Professor/Director of Graduate Studies in Architecture & Health, Clemson University

“Prepares the best students for a rapidly changing design culture. Good grasp of design and strategic thinking.”

Amale Andraos

Amale Andraos

Dean, Columbia University

“For her focus, seriousness and capacity to encourage a high level of work and experimentation (theoretically/conceptually and materially) in an open culture/climate and with global engagement.”

David Bell

David Bell

Professor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

“Excellent understanding of design theory and practice. His students are very well prepared for real-world practice of architecture.”

Deborah Berke

Deborah Berke

Dean, Yale University

“Deborah is the consummate thinker-practitioner. She leverages design intelligence to build thoughtfully.”

Mohammed Bilbeisi

Mohammed Bilbeisi

Professor, Oklahoma State University

“He's an incredibly inspiring source of energy with a skill set of quality design and incredible presentation skills that inspire young architects to want more! Passionate about teaching!”

Hans Butzer

Hans Butzer

Dean, University of Oklahoma

“He is innovative and understands the business of architecture”

Tim de Noble

Tim de Noble

Dean, Kansas State University

“Ability to bring different departments and faculty together for a common cause”

Hernan Diaz Alonso

Hernan Diaz Alonso

Director/CEO, Southern California Institute of Architecture

“For his progressive thinking with global impacts”

Evan Douglis

Evan Douglis

Dean, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

“Vision for the future of education and the profession. Mentorship of students and faculty. Engagement of alumni and greater community.”

Donna Dunay

Donna Dunay

Professor, Virginia Tech

“Donna continues to be able to bridge the world of design with the realities that an architect will experience in a real office environment. Donna continues to bring light to the history of women in architecture, also continuing to bring that large scale back down to "What makes a Town?".”

Margaret Fletcher

Margaret Fletcher

Professor/Associate Chair, Auburn University

“She champions her students and is the perfect combination of intimidating and inspiring. She demands a lot and helps you get there.”

Thomas Fowler

Thomas Fowler

Professor/Director of Graduate Program, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

“Very inspiring and motivates people to reach their highest potential. Challenges you to discover your creativity through unconventional design thinking.”

Matthew Hall

Matthew Hall

Professor, Auburn University

“Matt Hall understands how to balance the theory & pragmatism of architecture. He handles the pace of a curriculum well and teaches from each scale of the built environment.”

Daniel Harding

Daniel Harding

Professor/Director of Graduate Architecture Programs, Clemson University

“His commitment to the students creates a great environment for learning and exploration.”

Rodney Hill

Rodney Hill

Professor, Texas A&M University

“Best instructor, motivator, ideas generator and artist”

Alison Kwok

Alison Kwok

Professor, University of Oregon

“Her passion and perseverance for passive design, LEED, control systems, and dedication to education shines beyond the courses I took with her, but also into my career.”

Stephen Lee

Stephen Lee

Professor/Head, Carnegie Mellon University, School of Architecture

“Multi-faceted educational approach, taking advantage of excellence in technical programs at other departments at CMU”

Peter MacKeith

Peter MacKeith

Dean, University of Arkansas

“Dean MacKeith has a tremendous understanding of the big picture. He exemplifies this in pushing the limits not only locally, but nationally in design conversations and current construction methodology. He constantly has a pulse on the greater good for architecture and the impact that it makes. He is an encourager and challenges the status quo of the professors, students and profession alike.”

Jonathan Massey

Jonathan Massey

Dean, Taubman College, University of Michigan

“A global, yet personal approach to design education.”

Thom Mayne

Thom Mayne

Professor, Southern California Institute of Architecture

“His vision, knowledge of materials and construction, and passion for learning is unequalled”

Kevin Moore

Kevin Moore

Professor, Auburn University

“He challenges us to keep our thought processes pure and experimental, not to be swayed by glamour of design, but to focus on intent.”

Kate Schwennsen

Kate Schwennsen

Director/CEO, Clemson University

“She has developed a very strong program while creating a 'kinder and gentler' environment where all types of students can learn and prosper.”

Michael Speaks

Michael Speaks

Dean, Syracuse University

“Michael's transdisciplinary approach to architectural education is a phenomenal breath of fresh air in the profession.”

Larry Speck

Larry Speck

Professor, University of Texas, Austin

“Passion for teaching, knowledge of everything architecture.”

Nedir Tehran

Nader Tehrani

Dean, Cooper Union

“Scholarly, intellectual, great teacher, thoughtful administrator, good person”

Ingalill Wahlroos-Ritte

Ingalill Wahlroos-Ritte

Dean, Woodbury University

“Ingalill has an amazing vision for the role of the architect as not just an expert on design and the process of architecture, but as citizens in the wider world”

Peter Waldman

Peter Waldman

Professor, University of Virginia

“He is truly an inspiring, great man. He is an adviser, teacher and friend.”

Robert Weddle

Robert Weddle

Dean, Drury University

“He has a sincere compassion for the students, the College of Architecture, and his ability to influence individuals in a positive manner.”

Sarah Whiting

Sarah Whiting

Dean, Harvard GSD (formerly Rice University)

“Actively works to combine the intellectual / academic with the pragmatic / practical across faculty and curriculum.”