Formerly the Hines Professor of Sustainable Architectural Design at Yale University, Michelle Addington has been chosen to be the new dean of the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Architecture. She is the first woman to be appointed to the role, a program that was founded in 1910.
Addington’s academic focus and professional interests include energy systems, advanced materials, and new technology. Prior to serving as a professor at Yale, Addington worked at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and DuPont as an engineer and manager. She received a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Tulane University and a bachelor of architecture from Temple University. She obtained a master in design studies and doctorate in design from Harvard University where she also taught for ten years before joining Yale.
“Michelle is an intellectual visionary and understands the critical and evolving role of design, architecture, and planning. The interdisciplinary perspective she brings from academia and her professional career is unique,” said executive vice president and provost Maurie McInnis in a press release.
Addington will replace the interim dean, Elizabeth Danze, FAIA, of Austin-based Danze Blood Architects, who has served since July 1, 2016. Addington’s appointment will begin July 1, and she will hold the Henry M. Rockwell Chair in Architecture.