Archinect - Features

Using Optimism to Guide Online Education with Karl Daubmann, Dean of Lawrence Technological University College of Architecture and Design

2020-05-13T09:00:00-04:00

Archinect's Deans List is an interview series with the leaders of architecture schools, worldwide. The series profiles the school’s programs, pedagogical approaches, and academic goals, as defined by the dean–giving an invaluable perspective into the institution’s unique curriculum, faculty, and academic environment.

For our latest installment, Archinect spoke with Karl Daubmann Dean of Lawrence Technological University College of Architecture and Design (LTU CoAD). What makes the university unique is it is one of four American universities that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) to offer an online Master of Architecture degree.

During our conversation, Daubmann unpacks the program's decade-long experience in providing an online master's education. Together we discuss common misconceptions about choosing an online degree, online studio culture, and building trust with students. According to Daubmann, the beauty of the school's programming is in its ...

Are We Digital #6: Make it Delightful

2020-05-04T16:16:00-04:00

In the Fall of 2018, all incoming, on-campus, freshmen at The Ohio State University received an Apple iPad from the school. Referred to as the Digital Flagship initiative, this program aimed to level the technological playing field for incoming students of all backgrounds. It was a kind of simplified response to William Gibson’s often-rehearsed claim that the future is already here, however, not evenly distributed. Students were now equipped with a portable screen (and camera), carrying case, and Bluetooth stylus, and faculty were introduced to a new world of teaching opportunities afforded by the common denominator of the Apple iPad.

Managing a Virtual Design Studio with Leah Alissa Bayer

2020-03-24T12:59:00-04:00

As we continue our investigation of virtual practice in architecture, the diverse range of insights and approaches represented attest to the creative spirit of the architectural profession. We recently spoke with Jennifer Kretschmer, AIA, founder of J Kretschmer Architect, a fully virtual architectural practice. We learned valuable insights from Kretschmer’s experience in virtual practice prior to this pandemic.

Today we connect with another professional who manages an entirely virtual team. Leah Alissa Bayer is a licensed architect in California, Washington, and Hawaii. She is the founder and studio director of EVIA Studio, a fully virtual research-based architecture and consulting firm in Silicon Valley. Leah’s portfolio includes multi-family housing, high-end custom residential, master planning, and workplace design. Before founding her own studio, Leah worked as an Architect at Perkins and Will in San Francisco.

In this discussion, we learn from Leah’s experience in running a v...

Running a Virtual Architecture Practice With Jennifer Kretschmer

2020-03-17T13:23:00-04:00

With drastic measures underway to mitigate the novel COVID-19 pandemic, many architects are transitioning to remote work. Firms, both large and small, are making the shift towards a virtual practice, and for many, the move brings new terrain. Remote work has been a topic of discussion for quite some time, but there has always been a certain stigma in its relationship to architectural practice. Is this a feasible way for the design community to work?

As the industry continues to run this compelled experiment, we may soon find out. But, in the meantime, we know the integration of remote work is not novel to architecture. Just recently, Archinect connected with Diana Nicklaus, co-founder and principal at Saam Architecture, to discuss the firm’s remote work model and the fluidity with which it has been able to operate. And as we continue our investigation into the tools and tactics of the virtual office, this week we talk to Jennifer Kretschmer, AIA, founder of J Kretschmer Architect.

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