Architect and educator Blaine Brownell is named Director of UNC School of Architecture

Architect and educator Blaine Brownell has been named as the new director of the School of Architecture at the University of North Carolina’s College of Arts + Architecture. 

Brownell is currently a professor and interim head of the University of Minnesota’s School of Architecture, where he has previously led the school’s graduate studies and Master of Science in Architecture—Sustainable Design programs. 

According to a press release published by University of North Carolina, Brownell is a former Fulbright scholar who has authored eight books, including most recently Matter in the Floating World, a book published by Princeton Architectural Press that explores Japanese design. Brownell was recently elevated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows. 

Academically speaking, Brownell’s research focus revolves around issues of sustainability and materiality. He is a widely published author, both in academic and popular publications, including The New York Times, The Lon...