Gensler Visiting Critic

The Gensler Visiting Critic program has allowed AAP to expand its faculty ranks with exceptional practitioners and industry thought leaders who immeasurably enrich the teaching and learning of our students on the Ithaca campus. This program has helped bring renowned national and international architects to campus to educate, exchange ideas, and build a robust network of students, faculty, critics, and alumni. Each Gensler Visiting Critic has a full-time appointment during the semester with teaching responsibilities, student engagement activities, and a community lecture. In many cases, a field trip or site visit is included for the students. This experiential learning opportunity has taken students from New York City to Beijing and various places in between. Their presence is felt by our students who have a unique opportunity to connect with a leader in the field, while the critics engage with our outstanding students and see firsthand the caliber of an AAP education.

Below you will find a list of recent Gensler Visiting Critics. Thank you for your generosity, leadership, and the indelible impact you have made at AAP.

Spring 2026 Gensler Visiting Critic

Kim Yao

Kim Yao, FAIA, is Principal of Architecture Research Office (ARO), a New York City firm united by their collaborative process, commitment to accountable action, and social and environmental responsibility. ARO’s diverse body of work has earned the firm over a hundred design awards, including the 2020 National AIA Architecture Firm Award. Kim was elected to the National Academy of Design, and her contributions to the profession have been recognized with the AIA New York (AIANY) Medal of Honor and the Beverly Willis Foundation Mentorship Award. She was President of AIANY in 2020 and serves on the Board and Executive Committee of the Center for Architecture. She holds an undergraduate degree in architecture from Columbia College, Columbia University, and a Master of Architecture from Princeton University.