Mackenzie Stagg

Bachelor of Architecture, Auburn University

Mackenzie Stagg is an Assistant Research Professor focused on housing affordability and building technology. Mackenzie’s research explores the products, policies, and partnerships that facilitate the development of high-performance housing. Through the Rural Studio Front Porch Initiative, Mackenzie engages with external housing providers and stakeholders to increase equitable access to homeownership in underserved communities. A graduate of Auburn University, Mackenzie has collaborated with Rural Studio in a variety of capacities: first as a student, then as outreach instructor, and now as a research professor. Through Rural Studio, Mackenzie has taken part in the design and construction of ten homes as well as several community-centered projects. Mackenzie’s work at Rural Studio has been intertwined with design work at organizations in Birmingham, AL; Christiansburg, VA; and New Orleans, LA.

Interest areas in research and practice:
Mackenzie’s research interests center around housing affordability. Her research explores how the creation of high-performance homes can reduce the total cost of homeownership while simultaneously reducing risk for the homeowner, lender, and insurer. Centered around the areas of efficiency, resilience, health, and community, this research touches the areas of building technology, housing policy, and finance.