Yvonne Farrell and Shelly McNamara - Grafton Architects  

This course uses a long-form interview with Grafton Architects (Yvonne Farrell and Shelly McNamara) to examine how contemporary architectural practice is shifting from trend-driven form-making toward values-led design grounded in climate realities, material stewardship, and human experience. Through the case study of the Anthony Timberlands Center at the University of Arkansas, participants will explore how mass timber can shape structure, daylight, and spatial character while supporting educational missions and regional economies.

The discussion connects design intent to climate responsiveness, water management, community visibility, and collaboration across owners, architects, engineers, and local industry—highlighting how “the building can become a professor” by making systems and making-process legible to learners and the public.

Photo courtesy of ©Tim Hursley

Aaron Prinz is the host of the Design:ED Podcast and holds a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was born and raised in the rural Northern California town of Red Bluff, just two hours south of the Oregon border. After one year of college, Prinz relocated to San Francisco to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. At age 26, he began studying architecture at Portland State University while interning at Studio Petretti Architecture led by Amanda Petretti. His professional contributions while at Studio Petretti were focused on a portion of the new Multnomah County Courthouse which is a prominent addition to the Portland skyline. He currently resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Roxanne where he continues to work as a designer.