Architect and educator Blaine Brownell has been named as the new director of the School of Architecture at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s College of Arts + Architecture. 

Brownell is currently a professor and interim head of the University of Minnesota’s School of Architecture, where he has previously led the school’s graduate studies and Master of Science in Architecture—Sustainable Design programs. 

According to a press release published by University of North Carolina, Brownell is a former Fulbright scholar who has authored eight books, including most recently Matter in the Floating World, a book published by Princeton Architectural Press that explores Japanese design. Brownell was recently elevated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows. 

Academically speaking, Brownell’s research focus revolves around issues of sustainability and materiality. He is a widely published author, both in academic and popular publications, including The New York Times, The London Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Nature. 

Brownell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and a Certificate in East Asian Studies from Princeton University and a Master of Architecture from Rice University.

In a press release announcing Brownell’s selection, Brook Muller, dean of the College of Arts + Architecture explains: “We enthusiastically welcome Blaine Brownell as next director of the School of Architecture,” adding, “Professor Brownell is a nationally recognized leader in sustainable design research and education, having published extensively on advances in building materials that will have revolutionary impacts on the profession and industry. He brings significant experience with consensus-based curriculum redesign and a deep understanding of the social and cultural context of sustainable design imperatives.”

Brownell is set to begin his tenure on July 1, 2020.