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Architecture Professor Kate Simonen and Affiliate Associate Professor Susan Jones are reshaping the field of architecture through every project, idea, and student they mentor. Their work is central to the Department of Architecture at the College of Built Environments, where innovation and sustainability drive a vision for a future that addresses evolving environmental and societal challenges.

Recently, both were featured in the Women of Carbon documentary, which highlights the trailblazing efforts of female professionals in the built environment field who are at the forefront of sustainable design.

Simonen has dedicated her career to pushing the boundaries of material sustainability. Her research focuses on advocating for radical shifts in how the construction industry addresses its carbon footprint. But her influence extends far beyond her research—inside the classroom, Simonen challenges students to rethink design and question the status quo, encouraging them to imagine a future where architecture plays a pivotal role in addressing climate change.

Architecture is inherently tied to the health of our planet,” Simonen often tells her students. “Every choice we make—every material, every process—has a ripple effect. My goal is to teach students to not just see a building, but to see its impact on the world around it.

In the Women of Carbon documentary, Simonen emphasizes the urgency of their work, stating, “Change is not a choice. We are running out of things to extract.” Her words underscore the need to rethink materials and construction practices to reduce environmental harm, inspiring students to develop solutions that reflect this reality.

Alongside her, Susan Jones has carved out a path of her own, focusing on sustainable design through mass timber construction. Jones, a pioneer in using natural materials to create environmentally responsible structures, exemplifies how sustainability and design excellence can go hand in hand. She brings this ethos into her classroom, encouraging creativity and discovery through the exploration of wood as a renewable building material.

Working with wood brings us closer to nature,” Jones explains. “It’s about more than just using a sustainable material—it’s about finding ways to build that minimize harm and inspire others to think differently about the world around them.

For Jones, it’s also about forging a new path in a traditionally male-dominated field. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “What propelled me was a better way to do things. My voice had not been heard.” Her work in mass timber and sustainable design showcases that voice, proving that architecture can both honor tradition and pioneer innovative solutions for the future.

Department Chair Rick Mohler praises their work, stating,Kate and Susan are true innovators, pushing the boundaries of sustainable design while leading by example in both the classroom and the profession. Their work is inspiring the next generation of architects to think critically about the role architecture plays in addressing global environmental challenges.