Isabel Strauss

Isabel Strauss serves as Assistant Professor of Art at Smith College, specializing in the intersection of architectural history and African American cultural history with a geographic focus on Chicago's south side.

Her academic credentials include:

• M.Arch. from Harvard Graduate School of Design
• A.B. from Harvard College

Professor Strauss bridges scholarly research with professional practice through architectural design and curation. Her work explores how built environments reflect cultural narratives, particularly within African American communities. Prior institutional experience includes curatorial work at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, alongside design roles at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Johnston Marklee, and MASS Design Group.

Her creative output has been featured at major international venues including the Venice Biennale of Architecture, Chicago Architecture Biennial, and Arc en Rêve centre d'architecture, demonstrating significant impact in both academic and public spheres.