People
Faculty
Joshua Bard
http://joshbard.comJoshua Bard is an Associate Professor and Associate Head of Design Research in the SoA. He also holds a courtesy appointment at The Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute. His work focuses on the considered application of emerging automation technologies to inform architecture industry, discovering new potential for contemporary digital tools in the jettisoned logics of hand and material craft. With this motivation, he invents augmented design and manufacturing systems that combine robotic affordances, algorithmic transformation, and human skill.
Daragh Byrne
http://daraghbyrne.meDaragh Byrne is an Associate Teaching Professor in the School of Architecture, where he explores the design of experiential media systems through process-oriented methods and human-centered exploration of emerging technologies. His current teaching and research focus on the Internet of Things and tangible interaction design. Daragh holds a Ph.D. from Dublin City University, a M.Res. degree in Design and Evaluation of Advanced Interactive Systems from Lancaster University, and a B.Sc. in Computer Applications from DCU.
Daniel Cardoso Llach
http://www.dcardo.comDaniel Cardoso Llach is Associate Professor in the School of Architecture and chair of the Master of Science in Computational Design. He works across disciplines and is the author of multiple publications, exhibitions, and artifacts interrogating computational technologies in design. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, and a PhD and an MS (with honors) in Design and Computation from MIT. He has also been a research fellow at MECS, and a visiting scholar at the University of Cambridge.
Jimmy Wei-Chun Cheng
Jimmy Wei-Chun Cheng is a Visiting Assistant Professor in SoA. His research investigates how technique and medium transform architectural design process, with a particular emphasis on digital representation in the context of AI. His work delves into how AI affects the meaning of language, imagery, and form, analyzing these impacts through the frameworks of semiotics, media theory, and simulation. He holds a MArch from the Rhode Island School of Design, a MS in Architectural Technologies and a MS in Design Theory and Pedagogy from the SCI-Arc, where he received the Hsinming Fung + Craig Hodgetts Postgraduate Thesis Prize.
Juney Lee
Juney Lee, the T. David Fitz-Gibbon Assistant Professor at CMU's School of Architecture, directs the Regenerative Structures Laboratory, where his research explores computational structural design, regenerative materials, and sustainable construction methods. His professional and academic work spans digital fabrication, large-scale prototypes, and collaborative open-source tools like COMPAS and RhinoVAULT 2, promoting accessible computational design for diverse environmental and socioeconomic contexts.
Golan Levin
http://www.flong.com/Golan Levin is Associate Professor of Computation Arts, with courtesy appointments in Design, Computer Science, and Entertainment Technology. Golan also serves as Director of the Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry, a laboratory dedicated to the support of atypical, anti-disciplinary and inter-institutional research. As an educator, Golan is concerned with reclaiming computation as a medium of personal expression, through forms including interactive art, information visualization, computational design, and audiovisual performance.
Vernelle Noel
https://vaanoel.comVernelle A. A. Noel, Ph.D. is an assistant professor in the School of Architecture. She directs the Situated Computation + Design Lab and investigates traditional and digital practices, and their intersections with society. She holds a Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Science in Architecture Studies from MIT, a Bachelor of Architecture from Howard University, and a Diploma in Civil Engineering from the John S. Donaldson Technical Institute (Trinidad & Tobago).
Paul Pangaro
http://pangaro.com/Paul is Visiting Scholar in School of Architecture and School of Design, following 3 years as Professor of Practice in the HCII; and current President of the American Society for Cybernetics. His current focus is applying Systems and Cybernetics to wicked challenges. His research interests encompass “design for conversation” and “design as conversation.” He holds a B.S. in Computer Science/Humanities (Theatre/Film) from MIT and a Ph.D. in Cybernetics from Brunel University (UK) with Gordon Pask as advisor.
Dina El Zanfaly
Dina El-Zanfaly is a computational design and interaction researcher and an Assistant Professor in the School of Design at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). She currently directs a research lab that she recently founded, hyperSENSE: Embodied Computations Lab.PhD Students
Zhenfang Chen
His general interests lie in sensing and fabrication. He sees sensing technologies as a potential method to think and reflect on the relationship between people and the environment. He likes and wants to learn different fabrication techniques since he is amazed by the computational ideas behind these techniques. Indeed, there are still a lot of things that he needs to learn.
Sohyun Jin
https://sohyunjin.com/Sohyun, a registered architect and product designer, is passionate about improving communication in building systems and reducing waste in the real world of architecture. Her main concern is devising interaction systems that foster effective communication in comprehensive building designs and more.
Jihyun Kim
I am fascinated by how geometry and physics drive technology, art, and design. My current interests lie in geometry-based approaches to structural design, where I seek to explore the balance between efficiency and creativity.
Myles Sampson
https://mylesbsampson.com/Myles Sampson is first-year Ph.D. student in Computational Design at Carnegie Mellon University. His research focuses on robotic architectural construction, where he investigates methods for automated prefabricated construction processes.
Stella Shen
https://www.chenyi-shen.com/Stella Shen is in her second year of MSCD program. She is a computational designer with an architectural background. She is interested in combining art and technology.
Jiaying Wei
My research direction focuses on sensor-based motion planning in autonomous robot design fabrication and navigation. I have backgrounds in architecture and computational design, looking forward to future studies :)Masters Students
Karthick Raja Bangaru Giridharan
https://sites.google.com/view/karthick-raja/home?authuser=0Karthick has been practicing as an Architect and computational designer involved in developing intelligent systems for architects, animators, and urban designers. His works, exhibits, and lectures deal with applying computation to create a better user experience. He believes design is a synthesis and computation is a common ground for the collaborative process.
Sheen Cao
With a background in architecture and fine art, Sheen seeks to use computational tools to blur the boundaries between the technical and the artistic, the functional and the expressive. His current research interests lie in tangible interaction, robotics, and physical computing, exploring how technology can enrich physical environments and human experiences.
Xiang Chen
MSCD Program Class of 2026, Architectural Design, Computational Design, Human-Computer Interaction
Tianle Chen
http://tianle-chen.comCurrently first year student of MS Computational Design program, had his undergrad degree at Rice University BArch program. Topic of interests include mixed reality, computational design, and integration of generative AI into design processes.
Mathilda Chen
Yiqi Cheng
An enthusiastic explorer of new things, interested in the fusion of design and technology, eager to explore more possibilities!
Hui Yen Chia
Chia Hui Yen is a first-year M.S.Computational Design student at Carnegie Mellon University. Her research focuses on using computational methods to develop tools that enhance the design and construction processes.
Yizhuo Di
Yizhuo is a master student in MSCD program at CMU, holding a BArch degree from Tongji University. His academic interests include robotic fabrication and human-robot interaction. Apart from research, he enjoys watching football game⚽ (as a fan of Chelsea) and playing tennis!
Graham Felton
Graham is a first year MSCD from Utah with an interest in machine learning and its applications in design and architecture.
Carla Flores Trávez
Carla is a designer and researcher working in the intersection of design and technology. Currently exploring robotics, digital fabrication, human-computer interaction, and applied generative AI. Carla holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, PUCE. She is a graduate student in the Master of Science in Computational Design at Carnegie Mellon University.
Cheng-Wen Fu
Hi! I’m James from Taiwan. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in NCKU and am currently in my first year of the MSCD program. I have practical experience in design automation and robotics, environmental simulation for architectural design, and digital twin platforms with data visualization.
Kaitong Guan
First year graduate student in MSCD with a cross- disciplinary background in architecture, computational design, human - robot interaction and human - computer interaction. Currently interested in human - AI interaction, actively seeking internship in related fields. Feel free to connect with me!
Daehong Kim
Daehong is a first year M.S. Computational Design student and a practicing computational designer. His interests lies in alternatives methods of representation of architecture and application of Machine Learning methods in architectural design process.
Bilge Kosem
Hi! I’m Bilge :) I studied architecture in Turkey and am now in my first year with the MSCD cohort. I’m passionate about exploring human-computer interaction, shape grammars, and algorithmic/generative design. Also, I’m a dedicated pasta lover and someone who enjoys diving into new knowledge in all areas of life!
Cassie Li
Hi! I’m Cassie! My interests are two-fold: fabrication and design strategy. My background is in design and environmental analysis, and I’m fascinated by how the design of space and technology can shape behavior and guide interaction.
Xinyi Li
I am exploring the intersections of architecture, design, and digital worlds. My interests lie in how space can become a medium for narrative and interaction, and in how technology reshapes creative practice. I am learning to ask new questions, and to understand how design and dialogue allow us to continually imagine and remake possible worlds.
Leslie Liu
https://liuleslie.github.io/Leslie is an aspiring morning person dedicated to communal/citizen technologies for introspection, connection, and solidarity; learning how to ask questions and understanding how we hold each other in conversation.
Yunxiang Ma
Yunxiang, an MSCD member graduating in 2027, explores multimodal GenAI, HCI, and their curious intersections with academic rigor—and occasional caffeine overdoses. Off-screen, he’s a music enthusiast dabbling in homemade production and band performances.
Zimeng Ma
Zimeng has a background in architecture and computational design, with experience at the Architectural Association in London and Tongji University’s Digital Design Lab. She now focuses on robotic fabrication, AI-driven product design, and physical computing, exploring how emerging technologies can bridge digital workflows with real-world prototyping and intelligent products.
Serena Sun
Serena Sun is a Carnegie Mellon University student in the accelerated Master of Science in Computational Design program. She is on track to graduate with her Bachelor of Architecture in May 2026 and her master's degree in May 2027. With a focus on technical, rational, and rigorous design methods, Serena is passionate about exploring how AI, machine learning, and robotics can be used to improve designer's workflow.
Jillian Vordick
Jillian is a first-year MSCD student with interests in interactive and investigative spatial storytelling, narrative justice, and data visualization. She loves rock climbing and studying Appalachian history. She studied Philosophy at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University.
Ziru Wei
Zurini is a first-year MSCD learner, designer and explorer. She is into augmenting human and spatial capability to create hybrid experience. Many things yet to learn.
Yantong Xie
Risa Xie is a first year Computational Design student in CMU SoA where she explores topics related with GenAI and computational design methods. She holds a B.Arch degree from Tsinghua University.
Chloe Xu
I come from Shanghai China and went to Rice University for a B.Arch. I am a resource for C# and RhinoCommon. Come talk to me if you're interested in carbon, badminton, video games, or coffee.
Mary Zhang
Hi! I am a first year MSCD student and I am interested in the intersection between human computer interaction, AI, and computational design.