John Folan

John Folan is the Department Head and Professor at the Department of Architecture within the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas. He directs the Urban Design Build Studio (UDBS), founded in 2008, and previously held the T. David Fitz-Gibbon Chair in Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University. His work emphasizes public interest, social justice, and participatory design in underrepresented communities.

• Education: B.S. in Architecture from University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana (high honors); M.Arch. from University of Pennsylvania (Henry Adams Medal recipient).

Research focuses on regionally specific, replicable design solutions and community empowerment through architectural interventions. Notable projects include the Urban Empowerment Zone initiatives in Tucson (via Drachman Design Build Coalition) and Western Pennsylvania’s PROJECT RE_. These efforts have been exhibited globally, including the 2016 Pan American Biennial and 2014 Hong Kong/Shenzhen Biennale.

His work has been recognized with AIA awards, SEED Awards, and the AIA Impact Practice designation for UDBS. He is a registered architect (since 1995) and LEED Accredited Professional (since 2008), with projects ranging from net-zero residential designs to international commissions like the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center and U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.

• Awards: Extensive list includes AIA honors, SEED Awards, and NUPIC first-place award.

Leadership spans academic and non-profit roles, including executive directorships of UDBS and PROJECT RE_. His career integrates material innovation, community engagement, and policy advocacy, with a focus on scalable, equity-driven design solutions.