Lynn Paxson is a Professor in the Architecture department at Iowa State University. She holds degrees in both design and social science and is interested in students understanding architecture and design as a cultural phenomenon. She teaches social and cultural design classes as well as studios. She introduced the History of Native American Architecture class (cross-listed with the American Indian Studies Program) and has taught a number of studios related to First Nation projects and issues. A member of the American Indian Council of Architects and Engineers (AICAE) and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), Lynn serves as co-advisor to the Native American student groups at ISU, and to the NOMAS group. She has been recognized by the ACSA (American Collegiate Schools of Architecture) for her work in diversifying the architecture curriculum through the incorporation of native cultures and issues. She has a visiting appointment with the School of Architecture + Planning at the University of New Mexico where she is working with two colleagues to develop a national exhibition of Contemporary Indigenous Architecture. She has also served as a member of the College of Design’s Diversity Board since its inception. Her teaching and research reflect an integrative, interdisciplinary, approach and focuses on architecture as a cultural practice and on peoples and spaces that are often considered marginal. She is well known for her work in contested public space research. Her professional design work experience ranges from master planning to interiors and has included working on the design of computer software as well as more traditional architectural products. Prior to joining the faculty at ISU she was an Associate at Gensler and Associates/Architects-New York and with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill/NY where she was director of space programming. Her work has included a diverse group of projects and clients ranging from The New York City Board of Education, New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, Merrill Lynch, Kidder Peabody, and Boehringer Ingelheim to Disney and Warner Brothers.