Christopher J Howard

Christopher J Howard serves as Associate Professor and Director of Studies in Classical & Traditional Architecture at The Catholic University of America's School of Architecture and Planning. With over twenty years of professional architectural practice in the Washington D.C. region, he specializes in classical and traditional design approaches across ecclesiastical, residential, and urban design projects.

His educational background includes a Bachelor of Architecture (2000) and Master of Architectural Design and Urbanism (2010), both from the University of Notre Dame. Howard's scholarly work focuses on documenting classical and traditional heritage architecture, particularly in the Washington D.C. area, with notable research on historic buildings like the Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria.

Howard's research interests center on the intersection of classical architectural traditions with contemporary urban challenges. He actively explores how traditional design principles can address modern issues of civic identity, social cohesion, and cultural continuity. His work demonstrates particular expertise in watercolor rendering techniques as both a design tool and preservation documentation method. He has made significant contributions to monument and memorial design discourse, examining how civic art can foster community healing during periods of social unrest.

His publications reveal a consistent thematic focus on the value of architectural heritage, the role of traditional design in public spaces, and the relationship between built environments and civic values. Howard's writing connects historical architectural wisdom with contemporary design challenges, emphasizing sustainability through time-tested building approaches rather than technological novelty.

• Leicester B. Holland Prize Competition (2019) for complete documentation of the Lyceum building
• Winning design for Contrabands' and Freedmen's Cemetery Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia (2014)

As Director of Studies in Classical & Traditional Architecture, Howard guides both undergraduate and graduate concentrations in this specialization. His professional practice complements his academic work, with current projects focusing on historic house renovations and ecclesiastical renovations. He has previously served as Lead Project Architect for major ecclesiastical projects and collaborated with the District Department of Transportation on visionary projects for the nation's capital. His teaching portfolio includes architecture and urban design studios, foundation courses in classical architecture, graphic skills development, and advanced traditional rendering techniques.