Dr. Kate Chiu

Biography

Kate Chiu is a lecturer at the University of Southern California School of Architecture, where she teaches architectural design and communication and engages students in critical architectural methodologies. Her teaching focuses on the intrinsic relationship between materials, methods, design, and construction within buildings, allowing students to develop a fundamental understanding of materiality and its influence on the design process. Through hands-on interactions with various building materials such as concrete, wood, and metal, students gain insights into the properties and applications of materials in architectural contexts. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of aesthetics and spatial concepts, encouraging experimentation with different representation techniques including drawing and model-making. In her courses, students are also exposed to contemporary technological and cultural shifts affecting architecture, aiming to foster critical discourse and theoretical understanding within the field. Kate's guidance helps students integrate academic knowledge with practical skills, ultimately supporting their professional interests and career goals.

Research Interests

Courses