Traci D. Sooter

Traci D. Sooter is a Professor of Architecture and Director of Design/Build Programs at Drury University’s Hammons School of Architecture. She was elevated to the American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows (FAIA) in 2018, a lifetime honor recognizing her contributions to architecture and society. Her career bridges academia and practice, with a focus on sustainable, community-driven design-build projects that address social equity and disaster resilience.

• B.S., Southwest Missouri State University (1984)
• M.Arch., Washington University in St. Louis (1999)
• Master of Construction Management, Washington University in St. Louis (1999)

Her research and teaching emphasize sustainable architecture, design-build pedagogy, and disaster-response housing. She has led over 20 community projects, including collaborations with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, and the TKF Foundation. These projects integrate social equity and innovative construction methods, such as 3D-printed low-income housing and LEED Platinum certifications.

Notable scientific awards include the Sigma Kappa Colby Award (2012), Faculty of the Year (2016), and FAIA (2018). She has also received institutional recognition such as the Ozarks Green Building Coalition Design Excellence Award (2009).

Sooter’s work engages interdisciplinary teams across Drury University, Crowder College, Cornell University, and the USDA Forest Service. Her projects like the Butterfly Garden & Overlook and A Home for MJ (Architects Newspaper Best of Design, 2019) exemplify her commitment to using architecture as a tool for community healing and social impact.