Faculty

Profile

Scott Aker is a registered architect, writer, educator, and co-founder of the NYC-based non-profit Institute for Architectural Research. 

With over 15 years of experience, Scott works simultaneously between academics and practice on a wide range of project types from airports, architectural infrastructure, first-class lounge interiors, food-service, hospitality, accessible K-12 school renovations, assisted living facilities, and civic memorials. 

Scott's current research on memorial architecture, Design Action for Victims of Trauma, culminated in a built award-winning project (The June 5th Memorial park) recognized most recently by the 2021 AIA Tri-State (NY/NJ/PA) Merit for Regional and Urban Design. Scott's memorial design theories and interdisciplinary collaboration is documented as a cover feature in Fall 2020, Building Stone Magazine – Object of Memorialization (pp.24-39).  

Degrees Held

Master of Science, History and Theory of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania

Master of Architecture, Catholic University, School of Architecture and Planning

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Architecture, Catholic University, School of Architecture and Planning, magna cum laude

Professional Affiliation

AIA Disaster Assistance Program, Safety Assessment Program (SAP); National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB); ACI American Concrete Institute Member (EPDACI); U.S. Green Building Council (LEED AP, BD+C); American Institute of Architect (AIA); Natural Stone Institute (NSI)   

Recent Publications

Selected articles:

• Monuments and their Consequence on Culture & Scholarship, Aker, Scott (2021) International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science, Volume 02; Issue no 09; September 2021, ISSN 2693-2547 (Print), ISSN 2693-2555 (Online). 
• Projecting Perspectives. Mathematical Problems in Engineering. Aker, Scott and Michael Sciarrillo (2010). vol. 2010, Article ID 865191, 13 pages, 2010. 
• Drawing as Insight Into Wholeness. Aker, Scott and Michael Sciarrillo (2008). Journal for Geometry and Graphics, Volume 12, no. 1, 87-98. 

Research Interests

Architecture theory, geometry, trauma studies, memory, generative design, robotics, space architecture, A.I. assisted design, sustainable interiors for air & sound, building systems integration with focus on inclusive interiors and environmental social justice.

Awards And Honors

• High Honor Award for Interior Architecture Excellence - AIA (WHV)
• Regional and Urban Design, Merit Award - AIA Tri-State (NY/NJ/PA)
• Tucker Design Award for Excellence in Granite Detailing
• High Honor Award for Recognition of Architectural Excellence - AIA (WHV)
• LIT Lighting Design Award, Ambient Lighting