AMES, Iowa — Following an extensive international search, Mark Raymond has been named the next chair of the Department of Architecture in the Iowa State University College of Design. His five-year, renewable appointment will begin July 1.

Raymond currently serves as director of the Graduate School of Architecture (GSA) at the University of Johannesburg, where he leads Africa’s largest postgraduate professional architecture program, internationally recognized for its transformative pedagogical approach.

“Sometimes, the right leader arrives precisely when your institution is ready to soar,” said Luis Rico-Gutierrez, dean of the College of Design.

“In Dr. Raymond, we’ve found a unique combination of visionary leadership, academic rigor and real-world expertise. His global perspective, coupled with a deep commitment to fostering innovation and community engagement, makes him an ideal leader to help shape the future of our Department of Architecture.”

Raymond brings extensive international experience in architectural education and practice to his new role at Iowa State. His career spans a wide range of roles in practice, teaching and research, including studies at the Architectural Association in London and professional experience with celebrated firms in the United Kingdom, Germany and the Caribbean — among them, Foster and Partners, Conran and Ulrike Brandi. These experiences culminated in the establishment of his own successful practice in the Caribbean.

In 2021, Raymond was named Plym Distinguished Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he directed a collaborative international studio exploring innovative architectural and design strategies. Under his leadership, the University of Johannesburg GSA has achieved significant growth and recognition as a center for forward-thinking architectural education with a focus on socially responsive design practices.

Raymond holds a PhD in architecture and design from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, completed through its Barcelona campus.

“I’m honored to join Iowa State University and the Department of Architecture at this exciting juncture,” Raymond said.

“The department has a strong legacy of fostering innovation, creative practice and academic excellence. I look forward to collaborating with its talented students, faculty and professionals to build on this foundation and explore new directions in architectural education that respond to the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly interconnected world.”

Contacts

Luis Rico-Gutierrez, Dean, College of Design, 515-294-7427, lrico@iastate.edu
Heather Sauer, Director of Strategic Communications, College of Design, hsauer@iastate.edu

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