Jason Shields

Jason Shields is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Interior Design at the University of Manitoba, within the Faculty of Architecture. He holds a B.Env.D. and MID from the University of Manitoba. His research focuses on Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), AI-generated environments, and digital archivism. He explores how these technologies reshape interior design education and practice, particularly through advanced studio courses and reactive architectural installations. Shields has received multiple IDEC Innovative Teaching Awards (2020, 2021, 2023) for his pedagogical innovations, including studios on animal care facilities and Nordic recreational centers.

His work bridges design, technology, and heritage preservation, exemplified by projects like LiDAR-scanning at-risk sculptures and VR preservation of Winnipeg's 'The Wall.' He has presented globally at conferences like IDEC, AMPS, and Creativity and Cognition, co-authoring papers on virtual world-building, AI design tools, and archival challenges in digital content. Shields has been featured in media such as Winnipeg Free Press and CBC for his preservation efforts and technological explorations. He teaches courses like Virtual World Building (COMP 7570/ARCG 6102) and mentors through undergraduate and graduate studios.

Outside academia, his passions include film, photography, and sound production. His research often intersects art, technology, and education, advocating for immersive and innovative design practices.