Diane Shaw

Diane Shaw is an Associate Professor of Architectural History at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Architecture within the College of Fine Arts. Her research focuses on vernacular architecture, urban history, and cultural landscapes of North America, Mesoamerica, and medieval Europe. She teaches courses on world architecture, American regionalism, and urban design history. Shaw has won the Henry Hornbostel Teaching Award and holds leadership roles in professional organizations like the Vernacular Architecture Forum.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Architectural History, University of California, Berkeley (Year not specified)
• M.A. in American Studies, George Washington University
• B.A. in History, Smith College

Research Interests:

• Examines overlooked urban landscapes and social constructions of public space
• Studies vernacular urbanism, medieval London privacy laws, and Mesoamerican architecture
• Explores village improvement movements and rural-urban dynamics

Recent Work: Investigating early 20th-century community reforms and rural New England decline.

Awards:

• Henry Hornbostel Teaching Award (CMU College of Fine Arts)
• Appointed to Pennsylvania's Historic Preservation Advisory Board (2002–2006)

Teaching & Leadership:

• Current courses: History of World Architecture, American Regionalism, Urban/Suburban Housing
• Editor of the Vernacular Architecture Forum's Special Publications Series
• Served on the Board of Directors for the Vernacular Architecture Forum

Labs/Teams: Active in interdisciplinary urban studies research and public history projects, including collaborations with the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center.