Clemson’s School of Architecture director recognized with ‘18 Educator Honor Award
August 8, 2018
Katherine Schwennsen, FAIA, professor and director of Clemson University’s School of Architecture, has been named an American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) 2018 Educator Honor Award winner.
Katherine Schwennsen
The Educator Honor Award is the most prestigious award that the American Institute of Architecture Students confers on a faculty adviser or educator. Nominees are judged for their contributions to the education of architecture students, exemplary education of the public on the virtues of excellence in architecture and the environment and mentorship practices.
“I am most grateful to the AIAS for recognizing me with the 2018 Educator Honor Award. There is no organization from which I would be more honored to receive recognition,” Schwennsen said.
As a leader in the field, Schwennsen bridges architectural education and practice, with expertise in issues of design leadership, diversity and evolving models of practice and education in architecture. She joined Clemson as chair in 2010, and under her helm, the School of Architecture has continued to flourish with consistently ranked programs, including the Master of Architecture top 20 ranking in Design Intelligence for the past seven years.
During her tenure, Schwennsen has watched her students become principals, associates and employees of innovative multi-disciplinary design firms around the world and winners of national Young Architect Awards, national AIA Associates awards and national AIA Firm awards.
“I have always believed in and depended on the clarity and power of the young voices in this profession. Throughout my career, and certainly continuing here at Clemson, AIAS leaders have consistently provided the most articulate, informed, purposeful and passionate arguments of any debate,” Schwennsen continued. “Our future depends on these young leaders, and I have every confidence that they are up to the challenge.”
Since 1956, the American Institute of Architecture Students has functioned as an intercollegiate network and representational voice for architecture students. Every year, AIAS honors individuals and groups for their exemplary work in areas such as leadership, collaboration, scholarship, and service. The AIAS Honor Awards were developed to publicly recognize outstanding achievements by students, educators, and practitioners who have exhibited an exemplary commitment to the education and development of architecture students.
