Catherine Sckerl

Catherine Sckerl is a Professor of Practice in Architecture at Tulane University and the Managing Director of the Center on Climate Change and Urbanism. She is an architect and urbanist with interdisciplinary expertise in urban design, cultural heritage, and participatory research methods.

• Education: Bachelor & Master of Architecture (Tulane University), Master of Arts in International Studies of Vernacular Architecture (Oxford-Brookes University), PhD Candidate in City, Culture, & Community Program (Tulane University)

Her research focuses on the intersection of vernacular architecture, urban morphology, and community engagement, particularly in Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico, where she examines how self-builders negotiate urban belonging amid gentrification and climate change. Previous work includes participatory design and architectural heritage studies in New Orleans, St. Petersburg, and Venice.

At Tulane, she teaches courses in urbanism, architectural research methods, and design/history-theory sequences. Her firm, Espero Planning & Design Studio, has executed projects like Austin Studios Creative Placemaking (funded by the NEA Our Town grant) and LEED-certified developments, emphasizing sustainability and community collaboration.

• Scientific Awards:
  • NEA Our Town grant program