Stuart Coppedge

Stuart Coppedge is Adjunct Faculty with the Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture. As a long-time practitioner and former firm principal, he brings first-hand knowledge of the business of architecture to the SoA’s Issues of Practice course. He understands how the way a firm is run influences the quality of work, the happiness and productivity of employees, and their collective community influence. He understands the complexities of practice and the interdependence of the various players and has worked within design-bid-build, design build and construction manager at risk delivery methods as well as gaining exposure to multi-party contract integrated project delivery (IPD). He has edited numerous design contracts, has extensive professional liability training, and has sealed contract documents on projects of many sizes and types, giving him a clear understanding of the relationship between contracts, drawings, specifications, and correspondence.

His demonstrated love of architecture and the profession and continued enthusiasm for learning leads him to a deep (and still growing) understanding of how architecture touches every facet of life. His broad client base and the geographic diversity of his work, from the Midwest to the Intermountain West, to (with a recent move) Pittsburgh has given him solid exposure to the varied economic, cultural, geographic and political contexts in which architecture is created and used. He has significant expertise in sustainable design, including LEED and Living Building Challenge.

He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, serving at all levels of that institution, culminating in two terms on the national board. He also has extensive community service experience, including chairing the boards of the Colorado Springs Downtown Partnership and Atlas Preparatory School and leading the Colorado Springs Downtown Review Board. He holds degrees in Environmental Design and Architecture from the University of Oklahoma and serves on the OU College of Architecture’s Board of Visitors.