Kathy Velikov, a professor of architecture, has been appointed Taubman College’s new associate dean for research and creative practice. She succeeds Geoff Thün, a professor of architecture who recently became U-M’s associate vice president for research for the social sciences, humanities, and the arts.

As associate dean, Velikov will enhance research across the architecture and urban and regional planning programs to generate knowledge and creative work that challenges and enriches the future. She will work with faculty to continue to catalyze research and creative practice initiatives that encompass the breadth and range of the college. 

“I look forward to helping elevate and advance the multiple facets of research and creative practice at Taubman College,” said Velikov. “I hope to bring my broad range of knowledge, expertise, and experiences with funded projects to support current areas of strength and to build new alliances, partnerships, opportunities, and creative spaces for the college.”

Velikov has a broad range of interdisciplinary and collaborative research interests that engage with critical questions of design across matter, technology, and spatial practices. Her work in responsive building envelopes, urban and social infrastructures, and territories of the Anthropocene cultivates environmentally conscious thinking and practices within society. 

Her research and work, “along with her leadership as president of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture — the primary organization supporting research into the use of computation in architecture, planning, and building science — amply qualify Kathy for our associate dean position,” said Dean Jonathan Massey. “I look forward to working with her as she helps us elevate our creative practice and research.”