Stefanos Polyzoides was appointed to be the new dean of the University’s School of Architecture by University President Fr. John Jenkins effective July 1, a University press release announced Tuesday.
Polyzoides is currently co-founder of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) and a partner in Moule & Polyzoides Architects and Urbanists, which has completed more than 700 projects since 1990.
“Stefanos brings to Notre Dame an international reputation for architectural work informed by tradition and moral purpose,” Jenkins said in the release. “He brings together design, the realities of urban living and sustainable development to produce buildings that serve communities and humanity. His leadership will enrich our School of Architecture.”
Along with several colleagues, Polyzoides developed a set of standards for community land use and architectural planning known as the Ahwahnee Principles in 1991.
“The 15 principles — which stress walkability, sustainability, diversity and neighborhood and district design — laid the groundwork for the 1993 founding of the CNU, which today includes more than 3,000 members who promote integrated development through education, legislation and planning,” the release said.
Earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from Princeton University, Polyzoides has lived in Southern California since 1973. He is a registered architect in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Florida and Texas.
Polyzoides said he is deeply honored to be serving as the next dean in the School of Architecture.
“In recent years, I have come to believe that this may well be the single institution in our country that prepares its students to address the diverse acute needs of our time,”Polyzoides said. “Not satisfied with teaching skills alone, the school professes an architecture and urbanism that is centered on human values, personal responsibility and community contribution.”
