Associate Professor of Architecture and Director of Center for Community Studies
A community design leader, design researcher, and educator, Sara Khorshidifard brings over 15 years of co-creative design practice and pedagogical expertise, honed through rigorous academic training. Combined with her international practice, her portfolio career reflects a uniquely collaborative outlook and practical edge towards the design process. In spring 2024, Sara transitioned from her tenured associate professor and director position of a planning and design outreach center to a project management role with the City of Sausalito, where she oversees a diverse range of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).
As an extension of her academic role, Sara currently teaches architectural courses at the Academy of Art University. With a robust academic career spanning multiple institutions, Sara has taught a wide array of undergraduate and graduate courses in community design, architectural design, architectural programming, design theory, urbanism, global and cultural studies, thesis research, and computer-aided design. Her scholarly pursuits explore the synergistic intersections between intentionally designed and socially constructed spaces, employing qualitative, empirical, and interpretive methodologies with an emphasis on fieldwork. This academic journey has resulted in an extensive dossier of scholarly work, disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, popular press essays, invited talks, symposia, and workshops.
Sara holds a Doctorate in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a continuous Master's including a B.S. in Architecture, and a Master's in Landscape Architecture, along with two complementary Graduate Certificates in “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership (DEIL)” and “Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.” In addition to her volunteer role at the BIBI organization, Sara is currently volunteering as a Steering Committee member for the Organization of Women Architects + Design Professionals (OWA+DP).
What drives Sara is the integration of her perspectives and capabilities as a leader, designer, researcher, and educator in high-impact projects. She is dedicated to tackling the most challenging urban issues at the intersections of climate change and social divisions, striving to create sustainable and inclusive solutions.
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About Sara Khorshidifard, PhD, LEED AP ND, SEED
A community design leader, design researcher, and educator, Sara Khorshidifard brings over 15 years of co-creative design practice and pedagogical expertise, honed through rigorous academic training. Combined with her international practice, her portfolio career reflects a uniquely collaborative outlook and practical edge towards the design process. In spring 2024, Sara transitioned from her tenured associate professor and director position of a planning and design outreach center to a project management role with the City of Sausalito, where she oversees a diverse range of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).
As an extension of her academic role, Sara currently teaches architectural courses at the Academy of Art University. With a robust academic career spanning multiple institutions, Sara has taught a wide array of undergraduate and graduate courses in community design, architectural design, architectural programming, design theory, urbanism, global and cultural studies, thesis research, and computer-aided design. Her scholarly pursuits explore the synergistic intersections between intentionally designed and socially constructed spaces, employing qualitative, empirical, and interpretive methodologies with an emphasis on fieldwork. This academic journey has resulted in an extensive dossier of scholarly work, disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, popular press essays, invited talks, symposia, and workshops.
Sara holds a Doctorate in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a continuous Master's including a B.S. in Architecture, and a Master's in Landscape Architecture, along with two complementary Graduate Certificates in “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership (DEIL)” and “Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.” In addition to her volunteer role at the BIBI organization, Sara is currently volunteering as a Steering Committee member for the Organization of Women Architects + Design Professionals (OWA+DP).
What drives Sara is the integration of her perspectives and capabilities as a leader, designer, researcher, and educator in high-impact projects. She is dedicated to tackling the most challenging urban issues at the intersections of climate change and social divisions, striving to create sustainable and inclusive solutions.
| Present | PhD, Assistant Professor of Architecture, Drury University ‐ Higher Education | |
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Disciplines
Research Interests
Public Space Design Theory, Contemporary Architecture and Urbanism, Cultural Landscapes, Public Interest Design, Cinema and Architecture, and Architectural Education and Design Pedagogy
Honors and Awards
- Leadership and Service Award, Community Design Solutions, UWM, Spring 2012
- Bob Greenstreet Honorary Award, SARUP, UWM, Fall 2011
- ARCC Kings Medal for Outstanding Research, Spring 2011
- Scott Greer Award for Outstanding Research in Urban Studies, UWM, 2010
- Graduate School Chancellor’s Awards, UWM, three times in: Fall 2007, Fall 2009 & Fall 2010