Kristopher Palagi, NCARB, assistant professor of the LSU School of Architecture, will present a faculty lecture at 5 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2017, in the LSU Design Building Auditorium (room 103).

Palagi joined the LSU faculty to instruct undergraduate design studios and building construction seminars. He is a licensed architect in the state of Hawaii, where he has practiced since earning his Master of Architecture from Montana State University in 2000. Palagi held a full-time position at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s School of Architecture for six years prior to attending Cornell University for a post-professional Master of Architecture.

Palagi’s interest in challenging construction standards began while working on William Massie’s design-build project, the Big Sky House in rural Montana, and matured while working at DeJesus Architecture and Design on Kauai. As project manager, his work contributed to a 2010 Honolulu AIA Award of Merit, as well as a Distinguished Entrant award for the Ohana Hale Kauai and Anahola Cottage, respectively. As a principal at Cogent Designs, his investigation of experimental construction continues with projects under construction in Hawaii and California.

In service to the profession and the community, Palagi held a director position on the AIA board, Honolulu chapter, and he mentored students and young professionals as the state IDP coordinator. He also engaged students in projects of community outreach through design for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, the Hawaii Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, and the United Chinese Society.

Palagi’s scholarship focuses on beginning design pedagogy, specifically exploring the poetics and environmental impact of materials by challenging the logic of assembly. His philosophy of teaching shadows his perception of great architecture—that constructed moments evolve through a maelstrom of creativity, technical knowledge, and the drive to understand and challenge preconceived relationships.