Thomas Chastain

Thomas Chastain is a Lecturer in the Institute of Urban and Regional Development (IURD) at the University of California, Berkeley. He is also a founding principal of STUDIO URBIS and partner at Dwelling Workshop, Inc., focusing on architecture, urban design, and affordable construction systems. His academic roles include teaching at MIT, Massachusetts College of Art, and serving on the Advisory Council for the College of Architecture at the University of Nebraska. He holds a BSAD from the University of Nebraska and an MArch from MIT.

His research explores urban fabrics, vernacular design systems, and the 'Instrumental Referencing System,' a place-based design tool. Projects span residential, commercial, and urban development in the US, Europe, and Asia, with exhibitions at biennales in Hong Kong-Shenzhen and Chengdu. He has lectured internationally on design systems and urban planning.

Teaching includes courses like 'ED 1: Introduction to Environmental Design.' His work bridges academic and professional realms, emphasizing sustainable and context-driven design solutions.