John Hoal

John Hoal is a Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), where he previously chaired the Urban Design program (2007-2019) and founded the Doctor of Sustainable Urbanism degree (2015-2019). He is a faculty fellow at WashU’s Institute for Public Health and directs the Master of Urban Design program. His work bridges urban design activism, evidence-based practice, and ecological urbanism, focusing on livable, equitable cities. Hoal co-founded St. Louis’ first urban design department, led H3 Studio Inc. (a global planning firm), and advises on climate adaptation strategies for cities like New Orleans and international hubs in South Africa and Australia.

Research interests include climate adaptation in river basins, public space activation, and sustainable urban metabolism. He collaborates internationally on projects like the “Living with the Great Rivers” initiative and the Mississippi River Delta restoration. Hoal’s interdisciplinary approach integrates urban morphology, ecological design, and community engagement to address planetary urbanization challenges.

• Awards: S.ARCH International Architecture Awards (2017), Changing Course Competition Winner (2015).
• Grants: Nature-Based Infrastructure Grant (APA, 2020–24), HUD Choice Neighborhoods Grant (2014–16).

Hoal lectures globally and serves on design excellence committees, including the Walton Family Foundation’s Northwest Arkansas program. His recent work emphasizes flood resiliency in small towns and sustainable international education frameworks.