Published: Feb. 27, 2018

Graduate School Dean Ann Schmiesing has appointed Paul Chinowsky director of the Program in Environmental Design (ENVD) for a three-year term effective July 1.

Paul Chinowsky

Program in Environmental Design Director Paul Chinowsky

ENVD, a program housed within the Graduate School, offers an interdisciplinary approach to design, combining research, transformative thinking and real-world applications. Students build on foundations in architecture, landscape architecture and urban planning to develop innovative approaches to enhancing the built environment.

“Paul has been involved with environmental design for many years,” Schmiesing said. “The interdisciplinary nature of his teaching and research, coupled with his outstanding service to the campus, will be a great asset to the program.”

Chinowsky is the associate vice provost for student success in Academic Affairs and a professor of civil, environmental and architectural engineering. His research emphasizes the interdisciplinary focus of environmental design as he addresses the resiliency of buildings and infrastructure to changing climate conditions.Working with engineers, economists and designers, hedeveloped one of the first models that addresses a design perspective on infrastructure adaptation in direct response to climate change.

“It is an honor to be named director, as I believe the Program in Environmental Design uniquely prepares students to address the key challenges facing our society,” Chinowsky said.

“Energy demand, climate change resiliency, environmental stewardship and urban development are only a few of the emerging and challenging issues that environmental design students are preparing to address as future industry leaders. I look forward to working with ENVD colleagues to continue to build this program into a national and international leader in environmental design education and research.”

Chinowsky received his PhD in 1991 from Stanford in civil engineering. He earned a Master of Architecture in 1988 in computer-aided design and a bachelor's in architecture in 1987, both from California Polytechnic State University. He was chair of the Boulder Faculty Assembly from 2013 to 2015.

The current director of ENVD, Kevin Krizek, will complete his three-year appointment at the end of June and continue his position as professor in ENVD, where his research focuses on transport and land-use policies that promote sustainable and affordable urban travel and enhance urban livability.

“During my time as dean, I have been inspired by the passion and dedication of the environmental design babyֱapp, staff and students,” Schmiesing said. “I am thankful to Kevin Krizek for his service to this dynamic program these past three years.”