Brett Steele, current director of the Architectural Association of Architecture (AA) will soon be heading to sunnier shores. Scott Waugh, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost of the University of California School of Arts and Architecture (UCLA), has just announced that Steele has been appointed dean. In that role, Steel will oversee the school’s program in architecture, as well as its programs in urban design, visual arts, design, media arts, world arts and cultures, and dance. Moreover, he will be in charge of the school’s two prominent museums, the Fowler and the Hammer.

“Chancellor [Gene] Block and I are confident that Brett will provide outstanding leadership as dean of the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture,” said Waugh in a press statement.

Steele has served as the chief executive and academic leader of the AA since 2005. He will start his new job at UCLA in August of next year, succeeding interim dean David Roussève. While at the AA, Steele launched a visiting school in Dubai as well as a worldwide network of short courses and workshops. He started the AA Interprofessional Studio, an M.A./M.F.A program that explores alternative forms of interdisciplinary collaboration. Back in the late 90’s, Steele co-founded the school’s first Master of Architecture program, the AA Design Research Lab.

“I am honored and excited to be appointed dean and to join the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture,” Steele said following the announcement. “I look forward to working with everyone across all four of the brilliant departments in the school and with the inspiring directors and their teams at each of the incredible public arts units. My thanks go especially to Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Waugh and Chancellor Block for this wonderful opportunity to lead an inspiring and unique school forward as part of the university’s larger mission.”

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