Elif Tural

Dr. Elif Tural is an Associate Professor in the School of Design at Virginia Tech, specializing in Interior Design. She joined the institution in 2016 and maintains an active research program focused on health-centered design solutions. Her work examines how built environments impact human wellbeing, with particular emphasis on aging populations, environmental comfort factors (lighting/acoustics), and community-engaged design processes.

Education includes:

• Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning, Arizona State University
• MFA in Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Bilkent University
• B.Arch from Middle East Technical University

Her research explores three interconnected domains: 1) Health-supportive interior environments, especially for aging populations; 2) Lighting design and sensory perception in built spaces; 3) Community-centered design methodologies. This work integrates environmental psychology, accessibility standards, and emerging technologies to create evidence-based design frameworks.

Publications demonstrate strong focus on aging-in-place solutions, environmental behavior analysis, and educational/healthcare environments. Recent works increasingly incorporate VR technologies and human-centered design approaches. Her scholarship consistently addresses accessibility challenges through interdisciplinary collaborations.

Awards include:

• 2022 CAUS Teaching Excellence Certificate
• 2020 Scholarship Excellence Award
• 2018 New Faculty Teaching Award
• 2017 Edison Price Lighting Fellowship

Secured significant external funding including NSF grants ($350,000) for building ecology research and industry partnerships with Steelcase exploring acoustic design and hybrid learning environments. Leads community projects like the Warm Hearth Memory Courtyard redesign.

Professional service includes leadership roles in Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) and Interior Design Educators Council. Maintains LEED Green Associate and WELL AP credentials.