Architecture Lecture Series
The Architecture Lecture Series welcomes architectural and experiential design leaders from around the country to the University of Kansas to illuminate new ideas and inspire purpose-driven design practice. Lecturers bring a wide range of expertise in areas such as sustainable building, digital environments, public interest design, historic preservation, health and wellness design, and more.
Fall 2024 Schedule
September 13 | Elizabeth Diller, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, DS+R
Recent work: Diller Scofidio + Renfro
4:30 PM, Wescoe 3139
Elizabeth Diller founded Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) with Ricardo Scofidio in 1981. The studio’s work has transformed much of New York City through large-scale planning and architectural initiatives including Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the High Line. Diller also led two projects that have reshaped New York’s cultural landscape: the renovation and expansion of MoMA and The Shed. She has worked with cultural institutions around the world to expand access to the arts, from the ICA in Boston and The Broad in Los Angeles, to the Victoria and Albert Museum’s East Storehouse, currently under construction in London. Diller serves as a member of the UN Council on Urban Initiatives, and is a Professor of Architecture at Princeton University. Architecture, Not Architecture, a double-volume monograph on DS+R’s cross-disciplinary work, is now available for pre-order on Phaidon Press’s website.
October 18 | James Pfeiffer and Katie Nichols, BNIM
Relationship Building
4:30 PM, Marvin Forum
James Pfeiffer, AIA, LEED AP, is a Principal, award-winning designer, and creative collaborator at BNIM. James has led numerous projects that have set new standards in human-purposed, high-performance integrated design, including significant work with civic and academic institutions. His project leadership results in quantifiable positive outcomes for BNIM’s clients, from energy and water efficiency to improved occupant health and increased user productivity. James’ work has been recognized for design excellence and sustainable stewardship from national entities including American Institute of Architects, Architectural Record, and the U.S. Green Building Council.
Katie Nichols, AIA, LEED AP, is a Principal at BNIM with 20 years of experience who is focused on design excellence and advancing environmental restoration, resilience, and high performance. She leads project teams in a collaborative and communicative process to create a collective vision for transformative project outcomes. Her most recent work has included project leadership on the new Dr. E.J. and Margaret O’Brien Hall at Marquette University, home to the College of Business Administration. Katie also holds a key role in implementing BNIM’s Sustainability Action Plan and guiding conversations to advance equity and inclusion in the firm’s practice.
November 15 | Alex Ogata, Populous
Impermanent: Architecture as Event
4:30 PM, Marvin Forum
Alejandro “Alex” Ogata is a Peruvian-born architect and director of the Design Studio at the global design firm, Populous. As Studio director, he leads a team formed specifically to foster new ideas and push the boundaries of what is possible. A former Fulbright scholar and SOM Fellow; his work has been recognized through grants and awards from design organizations like Benetton’s Fabrica and Shinkenchiku-sha. Academically, he has lectured or taught at various universities including Kansas, Kansas State, Nebraska, Howard, Stanford’s CIFE and UMKC’s Bloch business school. He lives and works in Kansas City, Missouri.