Jonathan Boelkins

Jonathan Boelkins is a Teaching Assistant Professor at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, University of Arkansas. He holds a Master's Degree from Washington University in St. Louis as a Danforth Scholar. Prior to academia, he served as Studio Director at Marlon Blackwell Architects, leading award-winning projects like the Ruth Lilly Visitor’s Pavilion and Saint Nicholas Eastern Orthodox Church. He transitioned the firm to Building Information Modeling (BIM), earning an AIA BIM award in 2012. His research focuses on BIM and Mass Timber, emphasizing sustainable and technologically advanced construction. Boelkins co-authored a USDA-funded $250,000 grant to explore CLT construction using Ozark National Forest timber. His teaching integrates digital tools like Revit with historical design principles, fostering a 'poetic pragmatism' in students.

Education:

• BARCH in Architecture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
• Master's in Advanced Architectural Design, Washington University in St. Louis

Research & Awards: His work critiques embedded biases in architectural software, drawing on Alvar Aalto's precedents. He advocates for BIM while critiquing its limitations. The 2012 AIA award highlights his BIM leadership. Collaborations with the Arkansas Forest Resources Center address sustainable timber systems.

Teaching Philosophy: Combines historical precedent with digital innovation, prioritizing design over economy. Courses emphasize scalable design processes applicable to professional practice. Student skill development in BIM directly enhances career readiness.

Grants & Projects: Led a USDA/USFS grant to develop CLT-based multi-story residential systems. Presentations and exhibitions include the 2018 Creative Finland in America Exhibition.