The University of Texas at Austin has announced the next dean of its School of Architecture: Heather Woofter. Woofter joins the Longhorns from the College of Architecture and the Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design at Washington University in St. Louis, where she currently serves as the director.
Heather Woofter is recognized in both practice and academia, having most recently taught first year and advanced design students as the Sam and Marilyn Fox Professor at Washington University’s Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. She has previously held teaching positions at Virginia Tech, Konkuk University in South Korea, and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece. In addition to her role in the classroom, Woofter also co-authored an interdisciplinary grant from the International Center for Energy, Environment and Sustainability titled “Resilient Cities” that supports faculty research projects in St. Louis.
“Architecture, planning and the disciplines of the built environment have significant impact on our society,” said Jay Hartzell, UT Austin president, in a press release. “Their interdependencies with business, engineering, the arts, policy, and beyond speak to the opportunities for the School of Architecture to work across the University to improve urban life and the human condition. Heather’s impressive contributions in academia and architectural practice strongly align with our pursuit of building partnerships and preparing our students to positively impact the world around us. Her accomplishments speak to our continued commitment to attract the greatest talent nationally and from around the world.”
Her own practice, Axi:Ome, brings together media, arts, and cultural fields, while exploring the relationship between research, writing, exhibition, and collaboration. Many of Woofter’s works have been recognized alongside architects and firms like Bohlin Cywinski Jackson in Pennsylvania, Marks Barfield in London, and Robert Luchetti Associates in Massachusetts. Woofter has been an advisor on many major community projects, such as Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra and the Brickline green infrastructure projects in the St. Louis region.
“It is an honor to join the UT Austin community and the distinguished faculty, students and staff in the School of Architecture,” Woofter said in a statement. “I look forward to future collaborations across campus and advancing our community vision in research and the design practices. UT Austin is unique because of its breadth of exceptional allied disciplines within the School of Architecture, expanding the cultural discourse while tackling pressing issues of the contemporary world.”
Woofter’s term as dean will begin August 15. She succeeds Michelle Addington, who will step down after six years in the position in order to focus on climate research.
