Nazarian selected as first H. Ralph Hawkins, FAIA, Chair in Architecture
The University of Texas at Arlington has selected Shadi Nazarian as its first H. Ralph Hawkins, FAIA, Chair in Architecture.
Nazarian, a cross-disciplinary scholar with expertise in the development and optimization of construction materials and technologies, will lead broadened initiatives in sustainable material and fabrication research for UTA’s College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs (CAPPA). She will start Sept. 1.
This appointment marks a significant milestone for the college and signals a new era of excellence and innovation, said Maria Martinez-Cosio, CAPPA interim dean.
“Professor Nazarian will play a key leadership role in the college as the first H. Ralph Hawkins, FAIA, Chair in Architecture,” Martinez-Cosio said. “Her extensive expertise, innovative research and commitment to advancing sustainable architectural practices will undoubtedly inspire and guide our students, faculty and larger community. We eagerly welcome her to UTA and anticipate the transformative impact on the School of Architecture.”
In 2012, Ralph Hawkins, a UTA alumnus and chairman emeritus of HKS, a global architectural firm, and his wife, Susan, made a $1.5 million commitment to support the School of Architecture, where he received his undergraduate degree in 1973. Hawkins is a recipient of the 1994 Distinguished Alumni Award whose contributions have advanced the college's vision of innovation through practice. The established endowed chair will promote research, innovation and development of best architectural and design practices.
With an impressive architectural and academic background, Nazarian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the School of Architecture. She comes to UTA from Pennsylvania State University, where she has been an associate research professor in the Stuckeman School's Department of Architecture since 2012. Her ongoing research agenda and focus on 3D concrete printing contributes to advancements in technology and sustainable architectural practices. This research has been published and presented nationally and internationally.
With nearly $1 million in awards, Nazarian led an interdisciplinary team of faculty and students in NASA's 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge (2017-19). This competition was designed to promote the use of sustainable practices, in-situ materials and automated additive manufacturing at large scale on Earth and beyond.
Nazarian's work contributes to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals through X-Hab 3D, a startup company co-founded with several colleagues. X-Hab 3D's research and development team has partnered with Penn State researchers through various programs to implement technologies developed in academia into the public realm. Together, they have recently formed research initiatives with Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, University of Alaska in Fairbanks, XTreme Habitat Institute and Cold Climate Research Institute to offer solutions to housing crises, particularly in rural America.
Nazarian holds a post-professional master’s degree of architecture and a minor in theory of architecture from Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art and Planning, where she began her interest in interdisciplinary studies. She also holds a professional bachelor’s degree in architecture and a bachelor’s degree in environmental design from the University of Minnesota’s School of Architecture and College of Design.
- Written by Onome Aganbi, CAPPA