Michelle Laboy

Mitchelle Laboy is an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture at Northeastern University, with affiliate appointments in Civil and Environmental Engineering and the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs. Her research focuses on transdisciplinary methods to advance resilience and sustainability across scales, emphasizing socio-ecological integration in design. She is licensed as a civil engineer (Puerto Rico) and holds professional certifications in safety assessment and architectural practice.

Education:

• Master of Architecture and Master of Urban Planning, University of Michigan, 2005
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, 2001

Research Interests: Michelle Laboy’s work explores the intersection of architecture, engineering, and urban planning to create regenerative, socially just environments. Key themes include:

• Building and site systems integration
• Resilience in urban and infrastructural systems
• Green infrastructure and decentralized stormwater solutions
• Material circularity and persistent design
• Transdisciplinary education and collaborative practice

Awards:

• 2022 and 2017 Latrobe Prize (AIA College of Fellows)
• 2020 Excellence in Teaching Award (CAMD)
• 2004 AIA Henry Adams Medal

Grants & Projects: Laboy has led/co-led projects funded by ARPA-E, NSF, DOE, and Autodesk. Notable initiatives include:

• Boston LightWells (Boston Groundwater Trust/Autodesk Grant)
• Community Resilience in Extreme Temperatures (Northeastern University)
• Future-Use Architecture (AIA College of Fellows)

Professional Experience: Co-founder of FieLDworkshop, a research-based design practice. Previously worked at Maryann Thompson Architects and Skidmore Owings & Merrill. Active in teaching courses like Integrated Building Systems and Graduate Topics in Architecture.