Paul Emmons

Paul Emmons is the Patrick and Nancy Lathrop Professor of Architecture at Virginia Tech, serving as Associate Dean of Graduate Studies for the College of Architecture and Urban Studies. He chairs the PhD Program in Architecture + Design at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center. His academic background includes a PhD in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania (2003) and a MArch from the University of Minnesota (1984).

Emmons' research focuses on architectural history and theory, particularly exploring drawing, representation, and material culture. Key projects include studies of architectural diagrams in 20th-century handbooks, material studies of aluminum in design, and investigations into circular design processes. His work has been published globally, including his 2020 book Drawing, Imagining, Building.

Recent publications (2022-2023) address topics from material ethics to remote architectural practices. His research bridges historical analysis with contemporary design methodologies, emphasizing embodied knowledge and material innovation.

Emmons currently oversees graduate studies across architecture, arts, and design disciplines at Virginia Tech. His academic leadership includes shaping PhD curricula and fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations.