Sarah Whiting

Sara_Whiting_02

Sarah Whiting is an American architect, educator, and writer. She is currently the Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD). Whiting is known for her contributions to architectural theory and practice, as well as her leadership in architectural education.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Sarah Whiting was born in Brussels, Belgium. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University in 1986. Whiting then went on to earn her Master of Architecture from Princeton University in 1990. She completed her Doctor of Philosophy in the History and Theory of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2001.

Career[edit | edit source]

Whiting began her career working for several notable architectural firms, including Peter Eisenman and Michael Graves. She later co-founded the architectural practice WW Architecture with her partner, Ron Witte, in 1999. The firm is based in Houston, Texas.

In 2010, Whiting was appointed as the Dean of the Rice University School of Architecture, where she served until 2019. During her tenure at Rice, she was instrumental in expanding the school's curriculum and fostering a collaborative environment.

In 2019, Whiting was named the Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Design, succeeding Mohsen Mostafavi. At Harvard, she has continued to advocate for interdisciplinary approaches to design and has emphasized the importance of addressing contemporary social and environmental challenges through architecture.

Contributions to Architecture[edit | edit source]

Whiting's work spans both theoretical and practical aspects of architecture. She has written extensively on topics such as urbanism, architectural theory, and the role of architecture in society. Her writings have been published in various architectural journals and books.

As a practitioner, Whiting's projects with WW Architecture have been recognized for their innovative design and thoughtful integration with their surroundings. The firm's work includes residential, commercial, and institutional projects.

Teaching and Influence[edit | edit source]

Throughout her career, Whiting has been a dedicated educator. She has taught at several prestigious institutions, including Princeton University, Harvard University, and the University of Kentucky. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and the integration of theory and practice.

Whiting has also been a mentor to many young architects and has played a significant role in shaping the next generation of architectural leaders.