Architect, educator, and researcher Mariana Ibañez joins as the new chair and associate professor at UCLA Department of Architecture and Urban Design. She is taking over from Heather Roberge who has served as chair of the department since July 2017.

She is a graduate of the University of Buenos Aires, where she received her BA in architecture and a Master's of Architecture and Urbanism from the Architectural Association in London. Her experiences in academia and professional practice will add to UCLA's passion for research and "critical engagement with the history and theory of architecture and the future contingencies of contemporary culture."

Before her new position as chair, Ibañez taught at Harvard GSD for over a decade and most recently taught at MIT as Associate Professor of Architecture. She has also held teaching positions at the Daniels Faculty of Architecture in Toronto and Columbia GSAPP. She is the co-founder and principal of the architectural practice, Ibañez Kim, alongside Simon Kim. Their work revolves around architecture, culture, and media. Together they run the research lab Immersive Kinematics. 

Ibañez shares a few words on her appointment, "I am honored and excited to be joining the UCLA community. "I have long admired the ideas and projects that students and faculty have contributed and the strong leadership that has shaped our discipline. Now more than ever, I am reminded of the impact and importance of what we do. I look forward to beginning our work together."

Stay tuned for an Archinect exclusive where we chat with Ibañez and learn about her journey as an architect and her plans for the department during her term.