Karen Fairbanks (B.S.’81) is the founding partner of Marble Fairbanks, where her work includes educational, institutional, and residential projects. She is the Ann Whitney Olin Professor of Professional Practice in Architecture at Barnard College and chair of the Architecture Department, teaching architecture design studios and courses on architecture and technology at Barnard and Columbia Colleges.

Fairbanks serves as a role model for many, particularly female students, who are eager to both teach and practice. Fairbanks will discuss her creative work and the challenges involved in successfully balancing the academic and professional demands tied to her career as part of the Taubman College Distinguished Alumnus Lecture.

The recent work of her firm has focused on cultural and institutional projects for public and private clients including Queens Library, Princeton University, Haverford College, Columbia University, The New School, The Museum of Modern Art and New York University. The firm's work reflects not only her considerable design talent but also her ability to work collaboratively with the clients to meet their needs. Marble Fairbanks was selected for the NYC Department of Design and Construction’s Design Excellence Program and has been recognized with numerous international design awards including American Architecture Awards, the Emerging Architect Award, and a Progressive Architecture Award.

This lecture is part of the 2013 Taubman College Reunion Weekend and coincides with an exhibition, Workflow, which is currently on display at the Taubman College Liberty Gallery through October 20, 2013.

Event Details:

Event: 2013 Distinguished Alumna Lecture
Date: October 4, 2013 at 6:00pm
Location: A+A Auditorium, Art + Architecture Building, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
Join us for a reception with Karen Fairbanks, fellow alumni, faculty, and students following the lecture. This event is free and open to the public.