Susan Atkinson

Susan Atkinson is an architectural designer, public artist, and founding principal of an architecture and planning practice focused on the intertwining aspects of sustainability and culture. Her award-winning firm designs affordable housing and civic buildings that are highly responsive to the local climate and that directly engage community members in the designs.

As a Lecturer with the Environmental Design Program at University of Colorado Boulder, she shares her 25 years of professional experience to teach architecture and human-centered product design studios to the next generation of environmentally responsive designers. Past work includes projects with Phoenix Art Museum, Seattle Arts Commission, Seattle Public Schools, Navajo Housing Authority, the University of Colorado Boulder’s Artist-in-Residence Program, and Montana Arts Council’s Percent for Arts Program. Each summer, Susan guides and teaches painting in the borderless biosphere of Glacier International Peace Park.

She holds her Master’s degree in Architecture from Harvard University and received degrees in Architecture from University of Washington and Business/Finance from Montana State University. Her firm’s work was recently presented at the Venice Architecture Biennale as part of an immersive exhibit showcasing indigenous architecture from across Turtle Island, highlighting themes of sovereignty, colonization, and landscapes of resilience.

Companies

• Lecturer University of Colorado Boulder (2017)
• Founding Partner/Consultant 7 Directions Architects/Planners (2014)
• Founding Partner/Principal Glenn + Glenn Architects Engineers PLLC (1998)
• Founding Partner/Director Studio Earth Shelter (1986)
• Adjunct Professor of Architecture Montana State University-Bozeman (1998 — 2005)
• Design Faculty Boston Architectural College (1993 — 1998)
• Intern and Writer Leers Weinzapfel Associates (1995 — 1997)
• Teaching Assistant Harvard University Graduate School of Design (1993 — 1997)
• Research Assistant Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Laboratory of Architecture + Planning (1988 — 1989)

Education

• Master of Architecture - MArch Harvard University Graduate School of Design (1993 — 1997)
• Bachelor of Arts - BA University of Washington College of Built Environments (1991 — 1993)

Awards

• Crow Nation Award for Excellence, 100th Annual Crow Fair, Crow Agency, MT, 2018
• U.S. Green Building Council, Montana Sustainable Building Honor Award, Missoula, MT, 2015
• SEED Social Economic Environmental Design Award for Excellence in Public Interest Design, 2013
• U.S. Green Building Council, LEED for Homes Outstanding Innovation, Project of the Year, 2012
• Global Green USA's Award, Blueprint for Greening Affordable Housing, 2007
• Valley Forward's Crescordia (Grow in Harmony) Environmental Excellence Award, 2007
• ACSA Collaborative Practice Award, Montana State University with CTA/ Glenn + Glenn Architects Engineers, 2003
• Louis I. Kahn's Phillips Exeter Academy Library, award-winning nomination, American Institute of Architects' Twenty-five Year Award, 1997
• Travel Fellowship, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture, 1995
• Public Art Grants, Seattle METRO Artists' Regional Transit Project, 1992—1993
• Cranbrook Academy of Art, Art Competition Award Winner, 1986