About
Il Kim is an Associate Professor and Chair of Architecture at Auburn University's School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture. He holds a Ph.D. in Architectural History from Columbia University, and Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Architecture from Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music. His research focuses on Renaissance philosophy/theology’s influence on architecture, Japanese modernist architecture, and the interplay between scientific knowledge and architectural engineering in fifteenth-century developments. He is currently authoring a book exploring the intellectual connection between Leon Battista Alberti and Nicolaus Cusanus.
Professionally, Kim has designed buildings in Japan, including residential and healthcare facilities, and has co-edited works on contemporary American residential architecture. He serves as President of the American Cusanus Society (2024–2029) and leads Auburn’s study abroad programs in architecture, offering students immersive experiences in Japan, Scandinavia, and Barcelona.
Kim’s teaching spans architectural history and design studios, blending theoretical rigor with practical application. His academic leadership includes roles in Auburn’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC), where he has contributed to initiatives like the 2024–25 Seed Grant program supporting faculty research.
