Amy Gardner, a longtime clinical professor of architecture who helped create a national benchmark for the Architecture Program’s studio curricula at the University of Maryland, has been named professor emerita of architecture by University President Darryll J. Pines.
A highly successful residential architect in Washington, D.C., with over 35 years of teaching at the University of Maryland, Gardner was instrumental in creating the interdisciplinary, sustainably minded and holistic curriculum that is predominant at Maryland today. The curriculum addresses contemporary design and environmental challenges in practice. She co-created ARCH 600/611, Integrated Design Studio and Advanced Technology, which served as a national model for how architecture is taught by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. The studio course served as a primer for two award-winning U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon entries. Gardner, who earned tenure in 1997, was recently honored with the 2024 Architect Educator Award from the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA|DC) and the Washington Architectural Foundation.
Outside of the classroom, Gardner has built a reputation as a strong mentor to female colleagues and for her success in building a nationally recognized design firm, Gardner Architects. Gardner’s thriving practice in Washington, D.C., was named one of the top 200 residential architects in the country in 2024 by Forbes Magazine.
“Amy’s significant contributions to our program have prepared generations of students for success in the profession, but more importantly, have created thoughtful stewards of our environment,” said Dawn Jourdan, dean of the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. “We are thrilled that she will continue to share her expertise as an emerita professor.”