Leadership Transition at the School of Architecture
On June 3rd, Graduate Director Mark Mueckenheim stepped down from his position at his own request, after nearly twelve years of transformative leadership at the Academy of Art University’s School of Architecture.
Since assuming the role in August 2013, Mark has played a central part in shaping the graduate program into a rigorous, forward-thinking, and highly respected academic environment both nationally and beyond. Under his guidance, the program has experienced substantial growth, defined by a refined and structured curriculum, an accomplished and internationally recognized faculty, and a student body engaged in purposeful, high-level design inquiry.
While we are truly sorry to see him go, we are also deeply grateful for Mark’s twelve years of outstanding leadership, accomplishments, and unwavering dedication to the School of Architecture. His impact on the University and on the many students and faculty he has supported over the years has been both meaningful and lasting.
Mark made the decision to step down voluntarily, believing that the school is now in a strong and stable position for new leadership. With a solid NAAB accreditation plan in place and the graduate program well-positioned midway through its current eight-year accreditation cycle, he felt this was the right moment for transition. We sincerely appreciate his offer to assist during this period.
In his farewell message, Mark expressed heartfelt thanks to his many colleagues and collaborators, including Nicole Lambrou, David Gill, Eric Reeder, Ben Rice, Peter Suen, Dora Epstein Jones, Aurgho Jyoti, and Maria Paz de Moura Castro, as well as Karen Seong, Eric Lum, Jennifer Asselstine, Sameena Sitabkhan, Eva Chiu, Braden Engel, and Doron Serban.
He also extended his appreciation to the broader faculty and to the many students whose talent and commitment have defined his time at the University.
As he steps into the next phase of his career, Mark will be dedicating more time to his architectural practice, together with Brazilian architect and former faculty member Maria Paz de Moura Castro, and their current international projects; including a major art pavilion for the Inhotim Art Foundation in Brazil; as well as returning to long-postponed research and writing. He also looks forward to spending more time with his young family.
We thank Mark Mueckenheim for his extraordinary contributions to the School of Architecture. The program moves forward in capable hands under the leadership of Undergraduate Director Karen Seong, who will guide the school through this transitional chapter.
Mark’s future activities can be followed at:
www.pmckm.com and www.mcknhm.com
He maintains the following Instagram channels for his practices:
https://www.instagram.com/mcknhm_architects/
https://www.instagram.com/pmckm_architects/