Scott Aker is a Lecturer of Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design, where he teaches foundational architecture and design in the Undergraduate Architecture program. An award-winning architect and educator, Scott’s research and practice focus on social justice, inclusive design pedagogy, and trauma-informed approaches to architecture. His work emphasizes using architecture as a teaching tool within beginning design studios, centering on social issues and professional ethics. Scott is a registered architect and co-founder of the non-profit Institute for Architectural Research, with research interests that include geometry and the intersections between architecture, trauma, and memory.
Scott’s design work on memorial architecture grew out of his MS.Arch thesis, Design Action for Victims of Trauma, culminating in the June 5th Memorial Park in Philadelphia, a memorial for victims of demolition. Recognized with the 2021 AIA Tri-State Merit Award, the project represents his commitment to creating spaces that honor victims of trauma through design.
Scott holds a Master of Science in History and Theory of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Architecture from Catholic University’s School of Architecture and Planning. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Catholic University. In addition to his work at Penn, he has taught integrated product design and introductory architecture programs for high school students, making architecture accessible and meaningful to a broad range of learners.
