Chris Knapp

Background

About Chris Knapp

I am an experienced leader, educator, registered Architect, researcher and maker based in Australia since 2005 after spending my first 3 decades in the USA. Focused upon achieving high quality, innovative, and transformational outcomes in the built environment, I am the Research Director for Building 4.0 Cooperative Research Centre - a consortium bringing together ~25 major industry partners from the construction sector with academic expertise from Monash University, the University of Melbourne, and QUT to undertake a $100M AUD (cash + inkind) research program. My professional trajectory over 25 years has been characterised by simultaneously pursuing practice, education, and research. This professional nexus is the subject of my PhD "Building +/- A Practice at the Boundary of Architecture and Construction" and is based upon my hands-on experience in the design and assembly of numerous digitally-fabricated projects delivered professionally and academically. Key contributions to architectural education in Australia include helping to establish and lead two new architecture schools - at Bond University (2011-2017, 2019-2022) and Western Sydney University (2017-2019)- and through service on the executive committee of the Association of Architecture Schools of Australasia (AASA). From 2020 to present, I have co-led the AASA’s Climate Literacy committee. Throughout my career, I have maintained an active presence in practice to ensure currency and application of academic theory, and conversely to keep pedagogy grounded in real world practice. Professional activity since has included work in architecture practices, running a sole-proprietor design practice, operating as a licensed builder, and collaborating since 2015 as a Director of Studio Workshop Architects + Associates.