Interim Architecture Department Head appointed

Professor Margot McDonald, AIA, NCARB, LEED BD+C, has been named Interim Department Head of the Architecture Department.

As a Masters in Architecture graduate from the University of Oregon and a licensed architect, Prof. McDonald has emphasized teaching students about building energy performance and sustainable design for more than two decades. She has been a professor of architecture at Cal Poly since 1992, and previously served as interim head of the architecture department in 2002-03.

She was the lead coordinator for the UC/CSU/CCC Sustainability Conference at Cal Poly in 2008, served on the CSU Chancellor’s Office Sustainability Advisory Committee for Education and Research in 2010, and is currently chairing the President’s Sustainability Advisory Committee at Cal Poly. Most recently, her teaching as focused on integrated project design in an interdisciplinary studio.

McDonald succeeds outgoing Interim Department Head James Doerfler, who accepted a position as the director of architecture programs of Philadelphia University. His accomplishments include helping to lead professional studios, co-op programs, developing award-winning interdisciplinary design studios, and overseeing the department’s graduate program.

For more information, see the Cal Poly press release.

Posted: 08.09.13