Dr. Rob Peña

Biography

Rob Peña is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator in the Department of Architecture at the University of Washington. His teaching and research focus on architectural design, with an emphasis on building science, ecological design, and high-performance buildings. He has over a decade of professional experience, including roles as a principal at Van der Ryn Architects and the Ecological Design Institute in Sausalito, California, and has worked with EHDD Architects in San Francisco and Mazria Architects in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Additionally, Peña has been involved in private practice across Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon. He has held teaching appointments at Montana State University, the University of Oregon, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and has taught as a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley. His academic work is characterized by interconnected themes, including critical practice in architecture and ecological design, as well as a commitment to teaching sustainable design methods. Peña also engages with the university community to promote ecological literacy and environmental health. He collaborates with the UW Center for Integrated Design, focusing on the development of high-performance, net-zero energy buildings, including significant projects like the Bullitt Center, working alongside partners such as the Bullitt Foundation and Miller Hull Partnership.

Research Interests

Experience