Leslie Johnson

Leslie Johnson serves as Senior Lecturer and Master of Architecture Year 1 Coordinator at Illinois Institute of Technology's College of Architecture, holding a B.Arch from Illinois Tech and M.Arch from University College London Bartlett School of Architecture. Her dual expertise bridges academic instruction and professional practice as Principal of Applied Haptic.

Her research focuses on the sensory dimensions of architectural spaces, particularly haptic (touch-based) interactions in interior environments. This manifests through award-winning work in housing design and commercial interiors where materiality and spatial sequencing create distinctive user experiences. Her teaching emphasizes experiential learning methodologies connecting theoretical frameworks to built outcomes.

Johnson's professional excellence is evidenced by multiple industry recognitions:

• American Institute of Architects National Housing Honor Award (2012)
• American Institute of Architects Interior Architecture Award (2010)
• Hospitality Design Gold Key Award Finalist (2010)
• American Institute of Architects Interior Architecture Award (2010)
• Midwest Construction Interior Project of the Year (2009)

As Year 1 Coordinator, she shapes foundational curriculum for emerging architects while mentoring students through her professional practice lens. Her studio-based pedagogy integrates real-world design challenges with critical analysis of spatial perception, preparing students for complex architectural problem-solving.