Rives Taylor

Rives Taylor is a Lecturer at Rice University and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston, with over 30 years of experience in architecture, strategic planning, and sustainable design. He currently directs Gensler’s firm-wide sustainable design task force and has influenced over 5,000 students through his teaching and design studios.

Education:

• M.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• B.Arch. and B.A., Rice University

Research & Expertise: Taylor specializes in sustainable design strategies, including eco-charette processes, building performance metrics, and the integration of sustainability into architectural practices. His work emphasizes environmental sustainability, materiality, and human wellbeing in the built environment. He has developed frameworks like the “Four Tiers of Sustainability” and collaborates with organizations like Architecture 2030 and the Design Futures Council.

Professional Contributions: Taylor’s methodologies are embedded in global client protocols (e.g., ExxonMobil, Toyota) and were showcased at the Paris Climate Accord. He co-produces an annual publication on sustainable design strategies for Gensler.

Labs/Teams: Leads Gensler’s sustainable design task force, impacting firm-wide practices and global client decisions.