Kahler Slater is proud to announce Trina Sandschafer, AIA will join the School of Architecture faculty at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign as a Distinguished Visiting Professor where she will lead the School’s Chicago Studio. Trina’s appointment continues a long legacy of Kahler Slater alums who have been affiliated with UIUC as students and professors, including namesakes Mac Slater and David Kahler.
Passionate about architectural education, Trina has been an active UIUC alum supporting the Illinois School of Architecture as a guest lecturer, mentor, and reviewer for over a decade. Since 2014, she has been actively contributing to cultivation of the UIUC School of Architecture Chicago Studio. She also serves as Chair of the School of Architecture Alumni Board.
“We are thrilled to have Trina join the School of Architecture faculty” says Director, Francisco Rodriguez Suarez, FAIA, “Her passion, creativity and dedication will enrich our program. Her breadth of experience and visionary thinking is critical as we explore a paradigm shift.”
Trina will collaborate with esteemed colleagues AnnaMarie Bliss Ph.D. and Lynne Dearborn Ph.D. in this year’s Chicago Studio, which will focus on the future of housing, with an emphasis on optimal health and wellness. This appointment comes at a pivotal time and carries tremendous responsibility for shaping the architectural philosophy of tomorrow. Sandschafer is known for her design skill and big picture thinking – she will move the future of housing boldly forward.
As Design Principal and Vice President at Kahler Slater, Trina is responsible for establishing, inspiring, and directing the comprehensive development of the design process. She leads the firm’s Residential, Hospitality, and Corporate teams, as well as the firm’s Chicago Studio.