Woodbury University Dean Heather Flood named AIA|LA 2025 Educator of the Year

Heather Flood, Dean of the School of Architecture and Interim Dean of the School of Media: Culture: Design at Woodbury University has been named the 2025 Educator of the Year by the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIA|LA), one of the three largest local AIA chapters in the nation, representing architects, design professionals, and allied fields.

“Heather Flood’s recognition as AIA|LA Educator of the Year is a well-deserved honor that reflects both her exceptional talent and her deep commitment to her students,” said Krista Newkirk, President of the University of Redlands, which is in the process of integrating Woodbury into the University of Redlands through a strategic merger. “Heather’s creativity and dedication embody the very best of Woodbury’s School of Architecture and its tradition of innovation in design education. We are proud to celebrate her accomplishments and grateful for the inspiration she brings to our community.”

Each year, the AIA|LA Board of Directors honors individuals whose work has significantly shaped the architectural profession. The Board honored Flood as Educator of the Year for transforming architectural education at Woodbury University and beyond. As Dean, she has led efforts to reimagine design pedagogy with a focus on equity, ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her impact resonates through generations of students prepared to lead a more just and responsive built environment.

“I am thrilled that Heather received the Educator of the Year Award,” said Carlo Caccavale, Executive Director, AIA|LA. “She makes learning architecture exciting and meaningful for the next generation.”

Flood’s design work blends cultural research, graphic art, and architectural design to create experientially rich environments. As founder and principal of F-lab, her projects have been published and exhibited internationally. She has held positions at Murphy, Burnham, and Buttrick Architects (New York), HOLST Architecture (Portland), and Roto Architects (Los Angeles), and has taught at SCI-Arc, UCLA, and the University of Kentucky.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by AIA|LA as Educator of the Year,” said Flood. “Teaching and mentoring the next generation of architects has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I am continually inspired by Woodbury students’ curiosity, creativity, and drive to shape a better built environment. This award is a reflection of our shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the future of the profession.”

Heather’s innovative work at Woodbury University has also garnered public and industry attention. The Los Angeles Times recently featured her guidance and support of faculty and students in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Buildings NEXT Student Design Competition (formerly Solar Decathlon). The resulting project, Solar Futures House—the first permitted 3D-printed home in Los Angeles—was recognized in AIA|LA’s 2025 Residential Architecture Awards in the Climate Category.

Flood will be honored on October 22, 2025, at the AIA|LA Board of Directors annual Design Awards ceremony, where she will join peers, colleagues, and members of the country’s most dynamic design communities in celebrating architectural excellence in education.