Kennesaw State University’s Robin Puttock, assistant professor of architecture, has been named the 2025 Sustainability Educator at the Metropolis Magazine Planet Positive Awards. The award recognizes educators who advance climate-conscious design and resilience in architecture.
“This award highlights publications, presentations, and research projects, but for me it also acknowledges the personal side,” Puttock said. “To me, architectural excellence is also about service at different scales: to the individual as well as to the community.”
Puttock is known for connecting environmental responsibility with human experience in her teaching at KSU’s College of Architecture and Construction Management (CACM). Her approach integrates community engagement with studio instruction to expose students to both technical and social aspects of sustainable design.
She said the national recognition brings visibility to Kennesaw State University’s efforts. “It is exciting to see Kennesaw State recognized at this level,” she said. “The University deserves this. We are doing the work, and it is wonderful to see it elevated nationally.”
Dean Hazem Rashed-Ali of CACM commented on Puttock’s achievement: “Professor Puttock’s dedication to sustainability and community engagement makes her an invaluable member of our faculty. Her recognition reflects the quality of teaching and innovation happening at KSU.”
Puttock previously practiced sustainable architecture for over two decades at firms including Gensler and The Lukmire Partnership before moving into academic roles at other universities. She now serves as chair of the 2025 National American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment Leadership Group.
“All of that experience goes into creating courses that connect with students,” she said. “These are the areas students care about: resilience, zero carbon, health, and equity.”
Her recent studios include a project in Macon-Bibb County where students worked directly with residents on neighborhood revitalization proposals focused on housing and mobility. In another studio, she led students in collaboration with Serenbe—a biophilic community—on multi-scale sustainability studies.
“I am passionate about teaching students how to listen to communities,” she said. “I want them to learn how to go into communities, understand what is needed, and bring their design thinking and creativity to solving real problems.”
Puttock has presented her work nationally at institutions such as Stanford University’s Building Decarbonization Learning Accelerator (BDLA) and at the University of Georgia, where she spoke about her book Teaching Carbon Neutral Design in North America.
“I think the future is interdisciplinary,” Puttock said. “Partnerships, collaboration, sharing ideas – that aligns perfectly with KSU’s mission and goals. I love my job. I love where I work. It is an exciting time to be at Kennesaw State.”
