Kristin Nelson

Kristin Nelson is an Associate Professor of Architecture and Community Development and Director of Assessment at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture. She holds a Master of Architecture from Iowa State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (with Honors) from the University of Iowa. Prior to UDM, she taught at the University of Florida and Iowa State University, and has over a decade of professional practice in international architectural firms alongside maintaining a critical design practice with her partner. Her expertise focuses on environmental systems, passive design, building enclosure systems, and sustainability, emphasizing the integration of technology and design studio pedagogy.

• Educations:
• Master of Architecture, Iowa State University
• Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honors, University of Iowa
• Research Interests: Environmental Systems, Passive Design, Sustainability, and Building Simulation. She advocates for applied, interactive teaching methods to empower students to explore technical drivers in design.
• Professional Background: Licensed architect in Nebraska (NCARB certified), with extensive experience in large international firms and collaborative practice.