Phoebe Crisman

Phoebe Crisman is a Professor of Architecture at the University of Virginia's School of Architecture, specializing in Global Environments & Sustainability. She leads the Global Studies program and directs the Global Sustainability Initiative. Educated at Harvard and Carnegie Mellon, she combines academic roles with architectural practice, focusing on sustainable design, urban regeneration, and community engagement. Her work emphasizes ecological and cultural sustainability, particularly in overlooked regions and underserved communities. Key projects include the Learning Barge, a floating environmental education center, and the Money Point Sustainable Revitalization Plan, which integrates ecological restoration with industrial site reuse. Crisman has received numerous awards, including the JAE Best Design as Scholarship Award and the VSAIA Prize for Design Research.

Education: Masters in Architecture & Urban Design (Harvard GSD, Distinction), BA in Architecture (Carnegie Mellon). Postgraduate Fulbright Fellowship in the Netherlands. Professional experience includes roles at firms in Chicago, Cambridge, Hong Kong, and founding Crisman+Petrus Architects. Her research explores design strategies for sustainable urbanism, with a focus on global challenges like megacity development and village preservation in India.

Research interests span sustainable architecture, ecological restoration, and the intersection of design with social equity. Over 60 conference papers and 70 lectures highlight her contributions to architecture education and practice. Notable grants include funding from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and the Virginia Environmental Endowment. She has authored/co-authored books like Global Sustainability and co-edited collections on climate action and design value.

Awards include the NCARB Prize for Creative Integration of Practice and Education, and recognition for the Learning Barge's educational impact. Her work bridges academia and practice, fostering resilient communities through design innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.