PULLMAN, Wash. — Phillip Tabb, an entrepreneurial architect-educator from Boulder, Colo., joins Washington State University Aug. 10 as director of WSU’s School of Architecture.
Tabb replaces Rafi Samizay, who held the position for eight years and now returns to full-time teaching, research and creative activity after a sabbatical term.
WSU’s professional five-year architecture program and master’s program have offerings in both Pullman and Spokane. Approximately 300 students and 20 faculty use the studio learning approach to integrate design, cultural, environmental, technological, historical and futuristic insights into building and community planning.
Tabb has practiced architecture for 25 years in Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, Indiana and in England. His specialties include sustainable urbanism, solar planning, community architecture, sacred place-making and off-grid residence design.
He also has taught part-time for 20 years, using a design studio approach similar to WSU’s. At the University of Colorado in Boulder and Denver and as a visiting professor in Arizona, Canada and London, he taught environmental systems, sustainable architecture and green building and planning, and sacred architecture, among other courses. He wrote “Solar Energy Planning: A Guide to Residential Development,” published by McGraw Hill in 1984.
A 1969 architecture graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Tabb earned a master’s degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a doctorate from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London.
He says he is looking forward to working with the faculty, staff, students and communities to contribute to both regional and universal design. He hopes to integrate his divergent experiences into a focused educational program.
“Phillip Tabb’s practical and professional experience combined with his academic background distinguished him from our competitive field of candidates,” said Rafik Itani, search committee chair. “His entrepreneurial approach and understanding of the future direction of architecture will help WSU maintain close relationships with our industry partners. We’re excited to have him at WSU.”
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Note to Editors: After Aug. 10, Tabb may be reached for interviews at
509/335-5539.
