Heather Ligler

Heather Ligler is an Assistant Professor & Foundations Coordinator at the School of Architecture, Florida Atlantic University. Her work bridges computational and formal methods in architecture, particularly through shape grammars — visual algorithms enabling geometric rule-sets for design logic, criticism, and transformation.

• Education: Ph.D. & M.S. in Design Computation (Georgia Tech), B.Arch & B.Interior Arch (Auburn University)

Her research focuses on shape computation to formalize design narratives, critique architectural history, and innovate future practices. She explores applications in adaptive reuse, refugee housing, and virtual reality.

Recent publications address structural wall layouts in historic buildings, tile generation systems, and refugee shelter transformations. These align with interests in design automation, heritage conservation, and algorithmic aesthetics.

Scientific Awards

• President’s Fellowship at Georgia Tech
• Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts & Sciences Fellowship

Her work is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, General Services Administration, and Stuckeman Center for Design Computing. She has taught at Penn State and Georgia Tech, and contributed to the Shape Machine software and CourtsWeb database.