Caitlin Mueller

Caitlin Mueller is an Associate Professor in the Building Technology Program at MIT's Department of Architecture. She leads the Digital Structures research group, focusing on computational methods that integrate architectural and structural design. Her work emphasizes sustainable materials, digital fabrication, and reducing embodied carbon in construction. Mueller holds a S.B. in Architecture (MIT, 2007), an M.S. in Structural Engineering (Stanford, 2008), and advanced degrees in Computation for Design and Optimization and Architecture from MIT (2014).

Research Interests:

• Computational design tools for early-stage architectural and structural synthesis
• Material-efficient structures via shape optimization
• Integration of historical collaboration practices into modern interdisciplinary education
• Low-carbon construction materials and methods

Her recent work explores circular economy strategies in construction, including zero-waste fabrication methodologies and 3D-printed earthen materials. Mueller has been granted tenure by MIT (2022) and frequently collaborates with industry partners to implement sustainable design solutions at scale.