Donna Robertson, FAIA is a Professor in the College of Architecture at Illinois Institute of Technology. She teaches advanced undergraduate studios, and a seminar on The Library: History, Theory, Design. Her focus is on the political and social benefits of design excellence. When Dean of IIT Architecture (1996-2012), Robertson played a key role in IIT’s comprehensive program of physical renewal, resulting in new designs by Rem Koolhaas/OMA, Helmut Jahn, Michael Van Valkenburg, and restoration of Mies’ masterpiece Crown Hall and the IIT Chapel, following on her career interest in building “adaptation”. The resultant transformation to programs, enrollment, fundraising and campus vitality has been widely recognized.
Robertson expanded IIT’s programs of study, adding a Master of Landscape Architecture degree in 2007, and a Master of Integrated Building Design, along with concentrations in Sustainable New Cities and Healthy Environments.
Her partnership in macrodesign has projects throughout the USA, such as restoration and addition to a Neutra house in the Hollywood hills. When Dean at Tulane she served on the New Orleans CBD-Historic District Landmarks Commission. She is a Board member of Docomomo US/Chicago, and a Peer Reviewer for the GSA.
Robertson was a board member and President of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (2009 to 2012). Her focus was on women in the profession with re-examination of design methodology and ethos, towards empowering professionals and better developing our talent. She was on the Board of the Society of Architectural Historians (2012 to 2015), and a Director on the National Architectural Accrediting Board, serving as President in 2003, where she worked towards a “kinder, gentler review process”. She has served on design review committees for the Chicago Park District, and throughout the world. She was a juror for the 2018 Topaz Medallion for Education Prize for ACSA/AIA, and gave the John Burgee Lecture at Notre Dame School of Architecture.
An internationally respected, published critic and lecturer, Robertson was recognized as Woman Educator of the Year 2016 by Architectural Record, and a 2011 Most Admired Educator in Design Intelligence journal. She was educated at the University of Virginia (Master of Architecture, 1978, AIA Student Gold Medal) and Stanford University (B.A. with honors, English literature, 1974; Phi Beta Kappa.)
IIT Architecture: Donna Robertson