In Ann Arbor, University of Michigan officials announced today that Antje Steinmuller is taking the reins as the next chair of Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. She will replace John McMorrough, who is currently interim chair.
The announcement follows an international search led by Dean Jonathan Massey; Catie Newell, an associate professor at Taubman who chaired the search committee; and student representatives including Tara Mehta, Taubman class of 2024.
Steinmuller has been an associate professor at California College of the Arts (CCA) for the past 17 years. There, she chairs the bachelor of architecture program and co-directs the Urban Works Agency, CCA’s urbanism research lab. She also recently completed a 3-year elected position as secretary and treasurer on the ACSA Board of Directors.
“It is an honor to have been selected as chair of architecture at Taubman College,” Steinmuller said in a statement. “I am drawn to the breadth of perspectives among the faculty in the architecture program, and to the potentials for interdisciplinary connections that University of Michigan offers as a renowned research institution.” Steinmuller continued: “As architecture programs across the country examine architecture’s disciplinary core in relation to climate change and social justice, Taubman College is perfectly positioned to bring new voices to the table through its fellowship program, which has launched the careers of some of the most interesting academics in the U.S. I am excited to join the amazing group of students and faculty in the continued development of innovative work and pedagogies that explore architecture’s agency vis-à-vis today’s most pressing issues.”
Dean Jonathan Massey added: “The students, staff, and faculty who engaged in the search process appreciated Steinmuller’s extensive achievements in practice, research, education, and leadership. They highlighted her interpersonal strengths, collaborative values, and insight into the present state and potential future of our architecture program, along with her commitments to climate and social justice, engagement with DEI, and nuanced work on common futures. We look forward to her joining the Taubman College community.”
Antje Steinmuller completed a diploma in interior architecture and furniture design at Hochschule für Technik in Stuttgart, Germany; an architecture diploma at Technische Universität in Berlin; and a masters of architecture at UC Berkeley. She cofounded ideal X, a design consultancy which focuses on urban spaces. She was also a principal at Studio URBIS in Berkeley, California. To date, she’s displayed work at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism, SPUR Urban Center, and the Venice Biennale of Architecture.
Pending approval by the Board of Regents, Steinmuller will begin her 3-year appointment on July 15.
