Architect, Materials Researcher & Educator; Director at UNC Charlotte School of Architecture; Author of "Transmaterial" Series

Charlotte, NC, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Blaine Brownell Biography

Blaine Brownell, FAIA, is an American architect, author, educator, and researcher specializing in emergent materials and their applications in architecture and design. Brownell has contributed to the advancement of materials research and education, influencing the architectural community's ability to evaluate and implement new material technologies that address environmental, technological, and aesthetic considerations. After practicing at architecture firms including NBBJ, Atelier FCJZ, and Takenaka, Brownell received a Fulbright scholarship to conduct research at the Tokyo University of Science Department of Architecture, followed by a visiting professorship in sustainable design at the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning.

Brownell spent twelve years at the University of Minnesota School of Architecture, where he co-directed the Master of Science in Architecture—Sustainable Design program and served as director of graduate studies. He is professor and director of the David R. Ravin School of Architecture at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. As founding principal of Transstudio, Brownell leads a firm dedicated to emergent materials research, focusing on innovative uses of concrete, glass, wood, metal, and plastic in architectural design.

Brownell is the author of nine books on advanced and sustainable materials in architecture and design, including "Matter in the Floating World," "Material Strategies," "The Pandemic Effect," and the four-volume "Transmaterial" series. The "Transmaterial" series has introduced designers to a wide range of emergent materials with the potential to transform the built environment. "The Pandemic Effect: Ninety Experts on Immunizing the Built Environment" examines the role of architecture and urban design in the spread and mitigation of infectious disease, bringing together perspectives from architects, urban designers, materials scientists, and health officials to explore how buildings, spaces, and cities can promote public health.

Brownell writes ARCHITECT's "Mind & Matter" column, which covers the development and application of innovative architectural materials. His work has appeared in more than 70 architecture, design, science, and news journals, including The New York Times, The London Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Nature. Brownell has delivered talks on topics such as "Visible Green: New Material Opportunities in Sustainable Design." He has been recognized with elevation to the American Institute of Architects' College of Fellows for his contributions to the field.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/09/2026.

Blaine Brownell Speaking Topics

  • Sustainability: Transforming the Way We Build Buildings and Design Products

    The landscape is changing at breakneck speed. Innovation threatens to outpace architects’ and designers’ working knowledge of materials thereby limiting their applicability. To create innovative design from concept to completion, a knowledge of the uses, properties, and sources of new materials is integral.

    The study and practice of architecture and construction of buildings, until recently, has largely focused on a few core materials while ignoring the better part of a lot of the innovative materials and products that we’re seeing developed for buildings.

    Architectural education, until recently, in this country especially, has been focused a lot on theory and on everything from French philosophy to various formal explorations. Certainly a lot of structures and nuts-and-bolts stuff as well, but not necessarily on this larger understanding of materiality and energy and resources in our worlds, and how architects can help to shape and respond to various problems or situations with regard to the greater material picture.

Blaine Brownell Videos

Building for a Better World: Interview with Blaine Brownell

Building for a Better World: Interview with Blaine Brownell

In my interview with Blaine Brownell, we discuss the role of materiality in sustainability, well being, equity and planetary health. Cultivate...

The future of wood in the built environment

The future of wood in the built environment

Wood and engineered wood products as a building material are trending globally. Changes in legislation have opened new possibilities for wooden...

Visible Green: New Material Opportunities in Sustainable Design

Visible Green: New Material Opportunities in Sustainable Design

Online International workshop on Circular Economy: a system-based approach towards Sustainability _ DAY 3 | Session 2 Theme: Circular Economy of...

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Blaine Brownell is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Sustainability: Transforming the Way We Build Buildings and Design Products. The estimated speaking fee range to book Blaine Brownell for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Blaine Brownell generally travels from Charlotte, NC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Ellen Dunham-Jones, Ty Pennington, Brooks Atwood, Ed Gavagan and Leidy Klotz. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Blaine Brownell for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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