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Heather Woofter appointed as Dean at the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture
United States Architecture News - Jun 15, 2023 - 09:27 1864 views
Heather Woofter has been appointed as the next dean of the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture.
Woofter currently serves as director of the College of Architecture and the Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Her role will be effective on August 15, 2023. She will succeed Michelle Addington, who will step down after six successful years as the school’s dean.
Woofter is the owner and co-design principal of the design firm Axi:Ome, the firm is known internationally for its award-winning designs in architecture, master planning and industrial design.
"It is an honor to join the UT Austin community and the distinguished faculty, students and staff in the School of Architecture," Woofter said.
"I look forward to future collaborations across campus and advancing our community vision in research and the design practices."
"UT Austin is unique because of its breadth of exceptional allied disciplines within the School of Architecture, expanding the cultural discourse while tackling pressing issues of the contemporary world," Woofter added.
Serving as the Sam and Marilyn Fox Professor in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University, she has been described as "a nationally recognized leader with a history of success and impact — both in industry and academia."
Her practice converges in the media, arts and cultural fields, exploring the relationship between research, writing, exhibition and collaboration.
As a passionate educator, she teaches the Practices course for first-year students, as well as advanced design studios at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. She received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech and a Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University.
"Architecture, planning and the disciplines of the built environment have significant impact on our society," said Jay Hartzell, UT Austin president.
"Their interdependencies with business, engineering, the arts, policy, and beyond speak to the opportunities for the School of Architecture to work across the University to improve urban life and the human condition.
Heather’s impressive contributions in academia and architectural practice strongly align with our pursuit of building partnerships and preparing our students to positively impact the world around us. Her accomplishments speak to our continued commitment to attract the greatest talent nationally and from around the world," Hartzell added.
She has also served as an assistant professor at Virginia Tech, alongside held visiting professor appointments at Konkuk University in South Korea and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece.
Besides her strong educational background, Woofter has worked as an adviser to several major community projects, including the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra and the Brickline green infrastructure projects in the St. Louis region.
Her firm, Axi:Ome, has a wide range of projects, including architectural projects in St. Louis such as a university public radio station, Art Walk, an urban corridor project supported by a National Endowment for the Arts grant, and the Center of Creative Arts addition to an Eric Mendelsohn building.
She was also recognized for her work with architects and firms such as Bohlin Cywinski Jackson in Pennsylvania, Marks Barfield in London and Robert Luchetti Associates in Massachusetts.
Known for her interdisciplinary view and practice, Woofter has worked with historians and artists, and guest-curated at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum. She also co-authored an interdisciplinary grant from the International Center for Energy, Environment and Sustainability titled “Resilient Cities” that supports faculty research projects in St. Louis.
Top image: Heather Woofter. Image © Jamison Ford.
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