James Doerfler

Master of Architecture, Syracuse University
Bachelor of the Arts, University of Hartford

Licensed Architect in New York, New York and New South Wales, Australia (inactive)

James Doerfler is Visiting Faculty in the Auburn University School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture. James has international experience leading administrative, teaching and research initiatives in academia and practice. He designed new curricula for architecture programs in the US and Australia and led research projects on different topics including façade design and technology, high performance building, prefabricated building systems and sustainable water projects. James led interdisciplinary design/build projects with industry and community partners providing exceptional real world learning experiences for students.

His innovative joint teaching and research was presented at multiple national and international conferences. Collaborating with colleagues, these classes received numerous awards and grants including Autodesk Worldwide BIM Experience Award, the NCARB Award 2010 and the SARA National Design Award 2018. James was previously a professor and interim head of department at the University of Technology, Sydney, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Director of Architecture Programs at Thomas Jefferson University and Chair in Architecture at Deakin University. Collaborating with faculty, students and industry partners, James has launched new programs, guided accreditation and advanced the missions of colleges of architecture, design and construction that prepares students for their professions. He served as president of the Building Technology Educators Society and as founding board member of the Façade Tectonics Institute and the International Association of Structures and Architecture.

Interest areas in research and practice:
Transdisciplinary Applied Research
Mass Timber Construction
Façade Design and Technology
High Performance Building
Prefabricated Building Systems
Sustainable Water Projects

National leadership positions:
ICSA Scientific Committee Member, ICSA 2016, University do Minho, Guimareas, Portugal, 2013–present
Façade Tectonics Institute, founding Board Member, Education Committee chair, 2015–2019
Building Technology Educators Society (BTES), President (2013) and Board member 2011–2014