The 360-degree horizon of the Llano Estacado, 80% sky and 20% ground, continue to
define and inspire me, as well as our students, faculty, and staff.
As an educator, I believe we can foster an optimistic culture of student-centered
education for future architects and designers through the investigation of architectural
issues arising from the students’ individual concerns, design processes, and design
potentials in relation to the development of architectural design exercises and problems.
Today’s architectural education faces an array of technological innovations which
define what and how we teach anew. This encompasses the architectural design process,
representation, and the making of architectural fabrication. I embrace this challenge
and believe that architectural education today must strive for a balance between digital
and haptic components in an architect’s education, along with an ecologically built
environment.
I believe no single design philosophy answers the design needs of today’s ever-shifting
realm. Every design project starts with its own constraints. There are design problems
for which new design technologies, such as digital fabrication processes, are suitable,
and there are design problems for which traditional technologies are a better fit.
The choice is not “either/or” but rather “both/and”. With every new design problem,
we must assess anew. Linear and dogmatic design approaches can easily lead us down
one-way streets, resulting in shortsighted results. What seems relevant today can
change in an instant tomorrow.
Over the last 23 years, I’ve continued to be inspired by my experience in West Texas,
and much of my work springs from conditions particular to the culture in West Texas.
I’m certain that international recognition can be achieved from this place and by
our students, alumni, and faculty.
At the Huckabee College of Architecture, we offer our undergraduate and graduate students
the educational environment in which design excellence can grow, be nurtured, and
flourish through the exceptional faculty and staff who disseminate their collective
knowledge to our students in order to help them become the best critical thinkers,
future architects, and design professionals they can be.
It’s a privilege and a honor to serve as your Dean.
Thank you.
upe
