KU Architecture Professor Chad Kraus Receives William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence
The University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design congratulates Chad Kraus, AIA, Professor of Architecture, on receiving the 2026 William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence, one of the university's highest honors recognizing exceptional teaching.
Kraus is nationally recognized for his innovative teaching, scholarship, and leadership of KU's award-winning Dirt Works Studio, where students engage in hands-on design-build projects exploring sustainability, natural materials, and community-centered design. Under his direction, the studio has completed 15 built projects and earned numerous national and international honors, including Architecture Masterprizes, AIA Design Awards, and The Architect's Newspaper Best of Design Award. He previously received the ACSA Design-Build Award for excellence in architectural education.
A leading voice in design-build pedagogy, Kraus is editor of the influential volume Designbuild Education (Routledge, 2017), a collection of essays and case studies examining the growing role of design-build experiences in architectural education and their impact on student learning, professional practice, and community engagement.
His scholarship focuses on design-build education and natural material research, particularly mass timber and earthen construction. Prior to joining academia, Kraus worked for Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, contributing to internationally recognized projects including the Metal Shutter Houses, Nomadic Museum, and Furniture House 5.
Through his teaching, research, and professional practice, Kraus has inspired generations of students while advancing innovative approaches to architectural education. His dedication to experiential learning and student success exemplifies the spirit of the William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence.
Kraus will be honored at the University Teaching Awards celebration on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Jayhawk Welcome Center. Hosted by Chancellor Douglas Girod, the annual event recognizes recipients of KU's highest teaching honors from the Lawrence and KU Medical Center campuses and includes a cocktail reception followed by the formal awards program. Community members are invited to attend and are encouraged to RSVP.