One of Australia’s leading architecture faculties is getting a new department head after the Abedian School of Architecture at Bond University announced the selection of architect and University of Melbourne professor Paul Loh as its next dean.

A co-founder (along with David Leggett) of the Melbourne-based studio Power to Make/LLDS, Loh has practiced in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia. His past academic experience includes stints at Lund University, Tsinghua University, the University of East London, and the ETH Zurich. At the University of Melbourne, he is the Senior Lecturer in Digital Architecture Design and co-director of the Advanced Digital Design and Fabrication research hub. Loh has been affiliated with that school since early 2012.

Professor Derek Carson, Bond's current Executive Dean of the Faculty of Society & Design, referred to him as “leading name in robotics, digital fabrication, and patented technology,” adding that his reputation for research and innovation in both fields will “be invaluable as we look to build upon our reputation as an excellent provider of cutting-edge architectural education.” 

Towards that end, Loh said: “My practice and research enable me to bridge academia with industry, taking research into real-world environments and testing them. This integration of design with research has shaped my career, and I look forward to applying my experience in design research and innovation to the role, so that we can positively impact society, and our profession more broadly.”

Loh succeeds outgoing Dean Chris Knapp, who served in the role for the past four years. His predecessor is credited with building the school’s international standing and creating its perception as a leader in highly technicalized approaches to architecture education.