Partner, Kieran Timberlake, Philadelphia, Pa.
Spirit of UDM: Alumni Achievement Award
2016
Bio:
James H. Timberlake ’74 is an award-winning architect whose firm, KieranTimberlake, has been a leader in architectural research and innovation for more than 30 years.
Founded in 1984 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, KieranTimberlake explores some of the most important issues in architecture, including efficient construction methods, resource conservation and novel use of building materials. Under James Timberlake’s leadership, the firm has received more than 160 design citations, including the American Institute of Architects’ Firm Award in 2008 and 2015 and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award in 2010.
His firm’s most recent high-profile project, the Embassy of the United States in England, is scheduled to open later in 2016. The embassy reflects Timberlake’s philosophy that, in addition to being beautiful and well-made, buildings should be thoughtful and integrated to the surroundings and those who will use it.
Timberlake earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental science from UDM and his MA in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. Timberlake, with his business partner Stephen Kieran, has written five influential books on architecture, and he lectures around the world on issues of architecture and design.
Most recently, he led a group of international students in a well-received design workshop in Italy this past summer as part of UDM’s School of Architecture’s semester abroad in Volterra. He also teaches a graduate-level design and research studio at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design.
Citation:
A 1974 graduate of University of Detroit, James Timberlake is an award-winning architect whose firm, KieranTimberlake, has been a leader in architectural research and innovation for more than 30 years.
Founded in 1984 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, KieranTimberlake explores some of the most important issues in architecture, including efficient construction methods, resource conservation and novel use of building materials. Under James Timberlake’s leadership, the firm has received more than 160 design citations, including the American Institute of Architects’ Firm Award in 2008 and 2015 and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award in 2010. His firm’s most recent high-profile project, the Embassy of the United States in England, is scheduled to open later in 2016.
A leader in training tomorrow’s architects, he has written six books on architecture, lectures internationally, and teaches a design-research studio at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design. He also presented a UDM-sponsored seminar in Italy in 2015 for UDM and international students. He was appointed by the Obama Administration to serve on the Board of the National Institute of Building Sciences.
Distinguished graduate of the School of Architecture, James Timberlake, was honored with the Spirit of UDM: Alumni Achievement Award on April 24, 2016.