David Rodd named first official university architect

David Rodd named first official university architect

BY ARIE WILSON
Rice News staff

After six years in Facilities, Engineering and Planning (FE&P), David Rodd has been appointed the first official university architect.

David Rodd

In this capacity, Rodd will oversee new project programming, planning, design and master planning.
Associate Vice President of FE&P Barbara White Bryson said Rodd’s history — both professionally and as a student at Rice — provides him with a unique approach to handling projects at the university.

“David brings significant insight and sensitivity to the role of university architect, not only as it applies to the unique qualities of the campus but also regarding the Rice community as an alumnus, a college [associate] and a member of the Rice’s administration for more than five years,” Bryson White said.

A member of the Class of 1978 and Lovett College, Rodd moved to academia in 1999 after spending more than 20 years with private architecture firms. Since then Rodd has been instrumental in updating and building new on-campus housing for students at Rice. “I have always wanted to come back and work for Rice,” Rodd said.

While serving as project manager, Rodd was responsible for new construction at Wiess, Hanszen, Martel, Jones and Brown Colleges and the addition to Reckling Park.

“Currently, I am senior project manager for the Collaborative Research Center, Campus Wayfinding and Cohen House Renovation projects,” Rodd said.

Bryson White said Rodd has been unofficially leading the architectural efforts at Rice for several years. “David has distinguished himself as a valuable resource for FE&P, providing support and guidance on architectural issues for a wide variety of projects,” she said.

This past summer, Rodd supervised renovations at the Cohen House. The 10-week overhaul will open with restored features and finishes, as well as its first up-to-date audiovisual system. “In general, it will look the same but refreshed,” Rodd said. Additionally, life safety and air-quality improvements were made to the facility.

Rodd said he strives to preserve the historical integrity of campus buildings while integrating modern technology.
Rodd, a registered architect and accredited Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design professional, grew up in Pittsburgh.

Upon high school graduation, Rodd wanted to explore other parts of the U.S. He said Rice’s outstanding reputation and Southern location brought him to Houston as a college freshman.

Though he spent several years outside of the U.S. — in Belgium and Hong Kong — Rodd eventually returned to Texas to raise his two sons.

In his spare time, Rodd enjoys photography and uses black-and-white film to photograph nature scenes.
“I consider myself an advanced, very serious amateur in photography; it’s been a strong avocation for 20 years,” Rodd said.

While at Rice, he double majored in architecture and fine arts. “I have always been interested in art,” Rodd said. “I did a lot of painting [as a student.]”