BURBANK, Calif. (September 3, 2025) 鈥� Heather Flood, Dean of the School of Architecture and Interim Dean of the School of Media : Culture : Design at 麻豆传媒集团 has been named the 2025 Educator of the Year by the Los Angeles (AIA|LA), one of the three largest local AIA chapters in the nation, representing architects, design professionals, and allied fields.
鈥淗eather Flood鈥檚 recognition as AIA|LA Educator of the Year is a well-deserved honor that reflects both her exceptional talent and her deep commitment to her students,鈥� said Krista Newkirk, President of the University of Redlands, which is in the process of integrating Woodbury into the University of Redlands through a strategic merger. 鈥淗eather鈥檚 creativity and dedication embody the very best of Woodbury鈥檚 School of Architecture and its tradition of innovation in design education. We are proud to celebrate her accomplishments and grateful for the inspiration she brings to our community.鈥�
Each year, the AIA|LA Board of Directors honors individuals whose work has significantly shaped the architectural profession. The Board honored Flood as Educator of the Year for transforming architectural education at 麻豆传媒集团 and beyond. As Dean, she has led efforts to reimagine design pedagogy with a focus on equity, ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her impact resonates through generations of students prepared to lead a more just and responsive built environment.
鈥淚 am thrilled that Heather received the Educator of the Year Award,鈥� said Carlo Caccavale, Executive Director, AIA|LA. 鈥淪he makes learning architecture exciting and meaningful for the next generation.鈥�
Flood鈥檚 design work blends cultural research, graphic art, and architectural design to create experientially rich environments. As founder and principal of F-lab, her projects have been published and exhibited internationally. She has held positions at Murphy, Burnham, and Buttrick Architects (New York), HOLST Architecture (Portland), and Roto Architects (Los Angeles), and has taught at SCI-Arc, UCLA, and the University of Kentucky.
鈥淚 am deeply honored to be recognized by AIA|LA as Educator of the Year,鈥� said Flood. 鈥淭eaching and mentoring the next generation of architects has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I am continually inspired by Woodbury students鈥� curiosity, creativity, and drive to shape a better built environment. This award is a reflection of our shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the future of the profession.鈥�
Heather鈥檚 innovative work at 麻豆传媒集团 has also garnered public and industry attention. The Los Angeles Times recently featured her guidance and support of faculty and students in the U.S. Department of Energy鈥檚 BuildingsNEXT Student Design Competition (formerly Solar Decathlon). The resulting project, Solar Futures House鈥攖he first permitted 3D-printed home in Los Angeles鈥攚as recognized in AIA|LA鈥檚 2025 Residential Architecture Awards in the Climate Category.
Flood will be honored on October 22, 2025, at the AIA|LA Board of Directors annual Design Awards ceremony, where she will join peers, colleagues, and members of the country鈥檚 most dynamic design communities in celebrating architectural excellence in education.
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Stephanie Johnson
University of Redlands
909-748-8075