Professor Dr. Chad Connery

Biography

Chad Connery is an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. With a successful career as an architectural designer, his work spans a wide range of design scales, integrating human bodies and infrastructure. He is the co-founder of MOTE Projects, an internationally recognized speculative design practice that has received numerous awards for its innovative and materially grounded design approaches. Connery's design philosophy is deeply influenced by his upbringing in a rural context, with his mother as a horticulturist and father as a carpenter, which informs his understanding of landscape, assemblies, form, and construction. In his teaching, he emphasizes a student-led approach, prioritizing the use of matter systems and tools in architectural education, encouraging students to develop a sense of gravity in their work. He advocates for collaboration within the academic community, emphasizing the importance of equal agency and input among students and faculty in the design process. His approach fosters autonomy and flexible thinking, equipping students with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly unpredictable professional landscape.

Research Interests