New Dean appointed at RGU’s Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment
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THE Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment at Robert Gordon University has appointed a new Dean.
Former President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Professor Peter Exley FAIA RIBA NOMA is currently Professor of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and will join RGU at the end of May.
A strategic and innovative leader, Prof Exley is founder of the internationally recognised practice, ‘Architecture is Fun’, a Chicago-based architecture and design firm. His practice was awarded the AIA Chicago Firm of the Year in 2017 and prides itself on designing and advocating public spaces, learning and play environments for children, families and communities.
As Professor at the School of Art Institute of Chicago, Prof Exley has taught a wide range of cross-disciplinary subjects, drawing on his experience of community engagement to foster a climate and equity-based curriculum. He received the Nathan Clifford Ricker award for Teaching in Excellence Award in 2017 and has extensive research publications on urban issues such as public spaces, pocket parks and micro-city environments.
He has also written two books including ‘Design For Kids’ (2006) and the eponymous, ‘Architecture Is Fun’, which he co-authored with his partner Sharon Exley in 2021.
Prof Peter Exley said: “I am excited to lead The Scott Sutherland’s School’s vision to solidify our position as a leader in research, and to be launching a community of confident and capable students with the capacity, and expertise to literally build a resilient future.
"This is only possible with an outlook that is interdisciplinary, collaborative, and public minded at local, regional, and global scales.
“We should expect to engage an even broader network of community, civic, institutional, and business partnerships to collective benefit, with visible outcomes that are fair, and equitable for all. It’s a pivotal time in this industry, and for our community; I’m proud to be part of this RGU team leading change with vision, and purpose.”
RGU’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Olivier has welcomed Professor Peter Exley’s appointment to lead The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment.
He said: “We are delighted to be appointing Professor Exley as Dean for The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, not only in education but also as founder of an internationally recognized practice of award-winning architecture and through his role as President of the American Institute of Architects.
“The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment has a strong social ethos that underpins all its teaching and research. We work closely with industry to ensure our courses are up to date and to equip our students with relevant skills to design and build sustainable and well-considered structures and spaces that reflect society's aspirations. Prof Exley has a demonstrable track-record, and I am confident that under his leadership, the Scott Sutherland School can continue to build on its success as one of the country’s leading architectural schools.”
The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment is one of the three oldest of its kind in the UK, with a heritage that extends back to the 19th century.
