Michael Desmond

Michael Desmond is a Professor of Architecture at Louisiana State University's College of Art & Design. He holds a BArch from LSU, MArch from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, and a PhD in Architecture History/Theory from MIT. His research focuses on architecture’s societal role, American urban history, and cultural mythologies influencing architectural evaluation. He directed the Getty Foundation-funded LSU campus inventory project, resulting in the book The Architecture of LSU (2013) and a statewide exhibition. Desmond also received a Gulf States Merit Citation for the Bluebonnet Swamp Interpretive Center.

• Education:
  • Bachelor of Architecture, LSU
  • Master of Architecture and Urban Design, Harvard GSD
  • PhD in History, Theory & Criticism of Architecture, MIT

His work bridges historical analysis and practice, emphasizing architectural heritage preservation and cultural context. Desmond pioneered LSU’s Doctor of Design program and frequently leads student tours of European architectural sites.

• Key Projects:
  • Getty Foundation Campus Heritage Grant (2010)
  • Exhibition: Frank Lloyd Wright: The Living City catalog contributions

Teaching spans design studios and architectural history courses, merging theoretical frameworks with practical application.