Faculty

Profile

Scott Aker is a registered architect, writer, educator, and co-founder of the NYC-based non-profit Institute for Architectural Research.  

With over 15 years of experience, he works simultaneously between academics and practice, specializing in a wide range of project types, including airports, architectural infrastructure, sport facilities, first-class lounge interiors, hospitality, accessible K-12 school renovations, assisted living facilities, and civic memorials.

His current research focuses on memorial architecture, particularly Design Action for Victims of Trauma, which resulted in the award-winning June 5th Memorial park. This project was recognized with the 2021 AIA Tri-State (NY/NJ/PA) Merit for Regional and Urban Design. Aker's expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration have been featured in Building Stone's Fall 2020 issue – Object of Memorialization (pp.24-39).  

Degrees Held

Master of Science, History and Theory of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania

Master of Architecture, Catholic University, School of Architecture and Planning

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Architecture, Catholic University, School of Architecture and Planning, magna cum laude

Professional Affiliation

AIA Disaster Assistance Program, Safety Assessment Program (SAP); National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB); ACI American Concrete Institute Member (EPDACI); U.S. Green Building Council (LEED AP, BD+C); American Institute of Architect (AIA); Natural Stone Institute (NSI)   

Recent Publications

Selected articles:

• "A Minimalist Approach to Baroque Optics", Aker, Scott (2023) Nexus Network Journal: Architecture and Mathematics, Conference Paper, Publisher: Springer Link/Birkhauser, 21 April 2023. doi.org/10.1007/s00004-023-00663-x
• "Monuments and their Consequence on Culture & Scholarship", Aker, Scott (2021) International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science, Volume 02; Issue no 09; September 2021, ISSN 2693-2547 (Print), ISSN 2693-2555 (Online). 
• "Projecting Perspectives". Mathematical Problems in Engineering. Aker, Scott and Michael Sciarrillo (2010). vol. 2010, Article ID 865191, 13 pages, 2010. 
• "Drawing as Insight Into Wholeness". Aker, Scott and Michael Sciarrillo (2008). Journal for Geometry and Graphics, Volume 12, no. 1, 87-98. 

Research Interests

Architecture theory, geometry, trauma studies, memory, generative design, robotics, space architecture, A.I. assisted design, sustainable interiors for air & sound, building systems integration with focus on inclusive interiors and environmental social justice.

Awards And Honors

• High Honor Award for Interior Architecture Excellence - AIA (WHV)
• Regional and Urban Design, Merit Award - AIA Tri-State (NY/NJ/PA)
• Tucker Design Award for Excellence in Granite Detailing
• High Honor Award for Recognition of Architectural Excellence - AIA (WHV)
• LIT Lighting Design Award, Ambient Lighting