Thomas Barrie, FAIA, DPACSA
Professor of Architecture, Director: Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Initiative, Coordinator: Master of Advanced Architectural Studies (MAAS)
Bio
Thomas Barrie FAIA, DPACSA, is an internationally recognized scholar of religious architecture, a leader who has founded organizations and programs with lasting impact, and an award-winning professor who has taught a generation of students about the power of the built environment to improve lives.
Professor Barrie’s influential books on the symbolism, cultural significance, and ritual functions of architecture have been widely cited in scholarly publications. He is the author of four books, co-editor of one book, has published eleven book chapters and numerous scholarly papers, and has presented lectures at universities worldwide. His first book, Spiritual Path, Sacred Place: Myth, Ritual and Meaning in Architecture (Shambhala Publications, 1997), sold thousands of copies and filled a void in this unique field. Tom cofounded and chairs the Architecture, Culture and Spirituality Forum (ACSF), and international organization of scholars and practitioners that addresses the spiritual aspects of the built environment.
Professor Barrie has received numerous teaching and professional awards including the NCSU Alexander Quarles Holladay Medal for Excellence (2024), the American Institute of Architects (AIA) North Carolina Chapter Educator of the Year (2022), and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) Distinguished Professor Award (2019). In 2020 he was awarded Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in the Education category, a distinction earned by just 3% of AIA members. His international reputation has also resulted in numerous visiting faculty appointments at universities in the US and UK.
In 2007 Professor Barrie founded the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Initiative, (AH+SC). At its core is the education of qualified practitioners and future leaders in the profession and a commitment to enriching the education of students through research, extension, and community-based design studios. Since it was founded, projects, workshops, and presentations have included thousands of participants, hundreds of students, and numerous faculty from a broad range of disciplines. Tom is a recognized housing expert and advocate in the Triangle
Professor Barrie’s extension work has been recognized by numerous awards including: an NCSU Alumni Association Outstanding Faculty in Extension and Engagement Award (2021), three NC State Outstanding Extension Service Awards (2019, 2015, 2014) and induction into the Academy of Faculty Engaged in Extension (2015). Students who have participated in the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Initiative’s programs have received prestigious awards and graduated with an awareness of the social mission of architecture and the roles and responsibilities of citizen architects.
Tom’s scholarship includes critical architectural practice where theory and practice are applied and currency with the profession maintained. His design work informs his teaching and advances his scholarship, and has been recognized by a number of awards, including two AIA Honor Awards. His professional website presents his design philosophy through built works, projects, competitions, design and travel sketches and artwork.
Major Publications
The Architecture of the World’s Major Religions: An Essay on Themes, Differences and Similarities, Leiden, NL: Brill, 2020
House and Home: Cultural Contexts, Ontological Roles, London: Routledge, 2017
Architecture, Culture, and Spirituality, Barrie, Bermudez and Tabb eds., London: Routledge, 2015
The Sacred In-between: The Mediating Roles of Architecture, London: Routledge, 2010
Spiritual Path, Sacred Place: Myth, Ritual, and Meaning in Architecture, Boston & London: Shambhala Publications, 1996
Honorary Memberships
American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows, 2021-present
College of ACSA Distinguished Professors, 2019 – present
North Carolina State University (NCSU) Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension, 2015-present
Education
Master of Philosophy in Architectural History + Theory University of Manchester, England
Master of Architecture Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
B.A. in English University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Area(s) of Expertise
Architectural Design, history-theory, housing and urban design