Carter to Step Down as Dean of Architecture and Planning

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Brian Carter announced today that he will step down as dean of the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning after more than seven years in the post. He will devote more time to design research and practice as a member of the school's faculty.

Carter was named dean in 2002 after working in practice in London and subsequently serving as chair of the Department of Architecture at the University of Michigan. During his tenure at UB, enrollment increased 11 percent in the school's accredited programs in architecture and planning.

Under Carter's leadership, the school developed an ambitious program of international opportunities for students, significantly increasing the number of architecture and planning students who study abroad, as well as developing faculty programs in Europe, Central America and Asia. In addition, and in support of the UB 2020 emphasis on academic collaboration, the School of Architecture and Planning now offers several new dual-degree programs, including those in law and planning and in architecture and media study.

"It has been an honor to serve as dean of a school of architecture and planning on a campus and in a city where the value and importance of planning and architecture are recognized with enthusiasm, and where there is an impressive commitment to design," Carter said. "I was invited to serve as dean at UB to help build the school and guide it into the 21st century, and I am extremely grateful to the faculty, staff, students and alumni with whom I have worked closely. Together we have been able to accomplish many things that are, I believe, significant for our school and for UB, and which will hopefully serve them well into the future.

"It has been inspiring to be the dean of a school of architecture and planning in a city known internationally for outstanding planning and notable architecture, and at a university that is increasingly recognizing the importance of design. The school's outstanding reputation as a leader in design research has positioned it to play an important role globally, and I hope to continue to advance the school's reputation in design as a member of the faculty," Carter added.

UB President John B. Simpson thanked Carter for his distinguished leadership of the School of Architecture and Planning, and noted that his tenure has been characterized by a strong focus on increasing opportunities for students and enhancing the school's ties to the community.

"Under Brian's leadership, educational opportunities for UB students were extended to the far reaches of the globe -- to Tokyo, Barcelona, Aarhus, Darmstadt, London and Costa Rica," Simpson said, "and he brought to UB and Buffalo several world-renowned architects and planners through a visionary lecture and exhibition series that inspired students, faculty and members of the community alike.

"The school, the community and hundreds of students have benefited tremendously from Brian's work and leadership, and they will continue to do so when Brian assumes a new role as a member of the faculty," Simpson added.

UB Provost Satish K. Tripathi noted that during Carter's tenure, the school embraced a philosophy emphasizing the ways in which architects and planners could improve society and benefit the community.

"Under Dean Carter's leadership, the school -- through faculty research and student extracurricular projects -- developed important partnerships with the Greater Buffalo community that will continue to flourish and benefit Buffalo's architectural and planning history and future," Tripathi said.

"From an interdisciplinary perspective, Dean Carter embraced a cross-disciplinary approach to solving complex problems. With that view, Brian was integral in many cross-disciplinary faculty-hiring initiatives and today we see the benefits across the university in innovative curriculum and faculty research."

Carter will remain dean until July 1; a search for his replacement will begin soon, Tripathi said.

Carter serves as a board member for the Darwin Martin House, the Albright Knox Art Gallery and the Richardson Center in Buffalo. In 2008, he was appointed to Northern Arts in the UK -- a panel that advances art and architecture in the regeneration of cities in England. A peer reviewer for the GSA Design Excellence Program, Carter recently was appointed to serve on the Sustainable Development and Design Panel for the City of Sheffield in the UK.

Prior to becoming dean, he was chair of architecture at the University of Michigan from 1994 to 2001. He is a registered architect who practiced in London and Arup prior to pursuing a career in higher education in North America. A member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Carter has curated a number of significant international exhibitions about architecture and designed a series of award-winning buildings in Europe. His is the author of numerous publications on architecture and design, including a book on Frank Lloyd Wright's laboratories and offices for Johnson Wax published by Phaidon Press.