Thomas Phifer

Thomas Phifer approaches modernism from a humanistic standpoint, connecting the built environment to the natural world with a heightened sense of openness and community spirit that is based on a collaborative, interdisciplinary process. Since founding Thomas Phifer and Partners in 1997, he has completed the North Carolina Museum of Art | Baan in Raleigh, North Carolina; the Raymond and Susan Brochstein Pavilion at Rice University in Houston, Texas; and the Salt Point House, the Millbrook House, and the Taghkanic House, all in the Hudson River Valley of New York state.

Phifer's buildings have been repeatedly honored by the American Institute of Architects, including seven AIA National Honor Awards and 14 AIA New York Honor Awards. In 2004 Phifer was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest award given to an individual or firm, from the New York Chapter of the AIA. His projects have been published and exhibited extensively in the U.S. and overseas.

Phifer lectures widely on his work and has served as a design instructor, lecturer, and critic at numerous architecture schools. Most recently he held the Stevenson Chair at the University of Texas and he has also taught at the University of Pennsylvania.

Classes (Selected)

• ARCH 4101/4102/5101 Design StudioAdvanced programs in architectural design, with options in, but not limited to, urban design, architectural technology, computational design, ecology, culture, and representation.

Awards, Grants, and Fellowships (Selected)

• Arts and Letters Award in Architecture, American Academy of Arts and Letters (2012)
• Medal of Honor, American Institute of Architects New York (2004)
• American Institute of Architects National Honor Award (seven awards from 2005–12)
• American Institute of Architects New York Honor Awards (14 awards from 2002–11)
• Rome Prize, American Academy in Rome (1995)