Lynne Dearborn

Dr. Lynne Dearborn is a Professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois, part of the College of Fine and Applied Arts. She holds an NCARB certificate and is a licensed architect. Her work focuses on spatial justice, health equity, and the interplay between built environments and human well-being. She leads the Health and Wellbeing program, developing curricula across undergraduate and graduate levels, and has held administrative roles including Associate Director of the School of Architecture and Co-Director of the East St. Louis Action Research Project.

Education: Ph.D. in Architecture (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2004); Master of Architecture (University of Oregon, 1994); dual Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Science (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1983).

Research emphasizes evidence-based design for underserved communities, funded by grants from the U.S. EPA, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and others. She collaborates with institutions like the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies and Kahler Slater. Her recent projects include 'Shaping Healthier Housing' and 'Assessing Healthier Housing,' examining housing policy and neighborhood design impacts on health equity.

Teaching includes courses like ARCH 372 (Design for Well-being) and ARCH 522 (Advanced Research in Environment, Architecture & Global Health). She advises Ph.D. students in architecture and landscape architecture focusing on health-related research.

Leadership roles include presidential leadership in the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), driving equity initiatives in architectural education accreditation standards. She co-authored the AIA Framework for Design Excellence – Design for Well-being.