Joelle Jefcoat

Joelle Jefcoat is a Lecturer in Architecture at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design (GSD), combining expertise as an architect, attorney, and legal leader. She serves as Chief Legal Officer at Perkins&Will, a global design firm, and has over a decade of experience in project architecture and management for complex educational and commercial projects.

• Affiliations: Harvard GSD, Perkins&Will, American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Bar Association (ABA).
• Roles: Lecturer in Architecture (Harvard), Adjunct Professor (UNC Charlotte), AIA Fellow (2020).

Her research interests integrate legal frameworks with architectural practice, emphasizing risk management, contract documentation, and diversity initiatives. She chairs committees like the AIA Documents Committee and ABA Construction Law Forum’s Design Division, advocating for equitable professional standards.

• Education: Juris Doctorate (Charlotte School of Law), Master of Architecture (University of Virginia), Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (University of Illinois).

Notable recognitions include AIA presidential appointments to diversity committees and leadership roles in North Carolina’s legal and architectural communities. She is admitted to practice law in North Carolina and the U.S. Supreme Court.