Celebrating the Retirements of Four Remarkable Faculty Members

As the academic year comes to a close, the College of Built Environments bids a heartfelt farewell to four extraordinary faculty members whose combined impact spans decades of teaching, mentorship, and innovation: Kimo Griggs, Peter Cohan, Steve Badanes, and Darlene Septelka. Each of these educators who are retiring in 2025 has left a distinct and lasting legacy in our classrooms, studios, and community.

Kimo Griggs
Associate Professor Emeritus, Department of Architecture

A master of craft and creativity, Kimo Griggs has long been a pillar in both the classroom and studio. A recipient of the Lionel Pries Distinguished Teaching Award, Kimo is known for his storytelling approach, his engaging materials and fabrication courses, and his ability to inspire students to work at the intersection of design and making. His popular furniture design studios regularly drew enthusiastic participation, and his students earned hundreds of accolades in the Chair Affair competition in Idaho.

Kimo’s influence can be seen throughout Gould Hall, from the rolling panels and model stands to the mobile platforms that have supported countless reviews and events. Students often found him in the fabrication lab, clad in coveralls embroidered with his name. At events, he was just as likely to appear in a tuxedo and hand-painted bow tie. His contributions to both pedagogy and community leave an enduring mark.

Peter Cohan
Associate Professor, Department of Architecture

Peter Cohan retires after 35 years of shaping design thinking through studio instruction and professional practice. Twice honored with the Lionel Pries Distinguished Teaching Award, Peter brought clarity and warmth to generations of students, helping them understand the deep relationship between structure, material, and form. His work in architectural tectonics emphasized simplicity, precision, and integrity—values echoed in both his teaching and his impeccable sense of style.

Peter established the Architecture in Scandinavia Program, the Scan Design Foundation Distinguished Visiting Professor Program, the Scan Design Foundation Architecture Internship Program and the Murcutt/AUSTRALIA Studio. In total he led 19 foreign study programs. These programs have given students the opportunity to experience the architecture of the Nordic countries, take studios from Denmark’s most talented architects and serve internships in Copenhagen’s most innovative firms.

Known for his calm demeanor and signature whistle, which could bring a large studio to immediate attention, Peter’s presence in the department will be deeply missed. His commitment to design education and his thoughtful mentorship have left a powerful legacy in the Architecture department and beyond.

Steve Badanes
Professor Emeritus, Department of Architecture

A legend in design-build education, Steve Badanes has led the Architecture department’s design-build program since 1988. As co-founder of Jersey Devil, Steve pioneered a hands-on approach to design that merges creativity, construction, and community impact. His students never failed to complete their assigned projects, from concept to construction, within the tight confines of a ten-week quarter.

Steve’s influence reaches far beyond UW. His work has been featured in publications, exhibitions, and three monographs. Still, he remains most proud of the Helmet House, which earned a “Weird House” award from the National Enquirer. An ACSA Distinguished Professor, Steve combined rigor and irreverence in equal measure, leaving behind not only structures but a philosophy of building with purpose and imagination.

Darlene Septelka
Teaching Associate Professor; Professional Faculty Fellow,
Department of Construction Management

A trailblazer in the construction industry, Darlene Septelka’s career spans more than five decades and a global portfolio of projects. She began as an apprentice draftsperson in 1972 and quickly rose to leadership roles, breaking industry norms and leading all-male engineering teams at major nuclear stations in the 1970s and 1980s. Over the years, she has managed more than $2 billion in construction projects across 15 countries for organizations including The Boeing Company.

Darlene’s professional achievements are matched by her commitment to education. She has served on national committees, led DBIA certification programs, and helped shape Washington State construction policy. Since joining UW full-time in 2020, she has brought this deep industry knowledge into the classroom, where she continues to mentor the next generation of construction leaders. Her accolades include the Boeing Chairman’s Safety Champion Award, DBIA College of Fellows induction, and multiple teaching honors from the Department of Construction Management.

Each of these faculty members has made the College of Built Environments a richer, more vibrant place to learn and grow. Their creativity, leadership, and dedication have shaped generations of students and advanced the fields of architecture and construction in profound ways.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Kimo, Peter, Steve, and Darlene for their years of service and lasting contributions.