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David Isern is a Peruvian architect and multidisciplinary designer focusing on the intersection of space, heritage, and cultural traditions through urban memory and gender in the Americas. His work engages decolonial, feminist, and insurgent theories, providing a foundation for understanding and applying evolving practices within urban ayllus, which are community-focused designs. His research employs ethnographic, participatory, and speculative design methods that intersect urban cultural spaces and citizen-driven engagement, generating innovative initiatives. Isern’s current projects explore the role of Andean women in urban migration within Peru, emphasizing their contributions to community-making and urban policy as key agents in growth and placemaking. He advocates for inclusivity and equity in architectural education and aims to create responsive spaces for diverse voices. Isern has held teaching and administrative roles at the University of Cambridge and Texas Tech University and has worked with several architectural firms, including SOM and Pentagram. He runs his own speculative design research practice, Studio David J Isern, and is recognized for his leadership in architecture education.
University of Illinois • Champaign, IL
Core faculty member focusing on multidisciplinary design and architectural education.
SOM • New York City, NY
Worked on various architectural projects addressing modern urban challenges.
Pentagram • New York City, NY
Involved in diverse design projects across multiple disciplines.
Architexas • Dallas, Austin, San Antonio
Contributed to architectural design and urban planning initiatives.
Studio David J Isern •
Runs a speculative design research practice focusing on community engagement.
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