Dr. James Lord

Assistant Professor

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Biography

James Lord founded Surfacedesign in 2001 and brings 27 years of experience to his role as Design Critic at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. He leads the firm’s diverse portfolio of award-winning landscapes and has established Surfacedesign’s international reputation in urban design and sustainable landscape architecture. Notable projects include the Western Reclamation–Wynyard Quarter Waterfront Masterplan in New Zealand, Long Bay Regional Development in New Zealand, Auckland International Airport, Highbrook Business Park, and the AIA-award winning Smithsonian Masterplan in the United States. His work on the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th Anniversary Plaza and the ASLA award-winning IBM Plaza in Honolulu further exemplifies his commitment to innovative design. James' ideals balance cultural and ecological considerations with design vision and fiscal realities, ultimately creating poetic spaces and experiences that resonate whether in large or small projects.

Research Interests

Experience

Design Critic

— Present

Harvard Graduate School of Design • Gund 405

Visiting Faculty with expertise in landscape architecture and urban design.

Requirements for Harvard University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a technical or quantitative field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).