Paul S. Chinowsky is the Director of the Program in Environmental Design at the University of Colorado Boulder. However, that title is only one part of Paul. As an introduction, here is a little more about Paul S. Chinowsky, PhD.
I was trained as an architect at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I received a Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture from Cal Poly. While at Cal Poly, I became interested in the application of computers to design. Continuing this line of study as a graduate student, I focused on the field of computer-aided design as a masters student with the intent of integrating PCs into the architecture field. This interest led to the pursuit of a PhD in civil engineering at Stanford University where the computing interest soon focused on the role of artificial intelligence in the design domain. I worked with leading AI researchers to develop a software system that was able to develop prelimiary floorplan designs based on embedded design knowledge.
My background in engineering and computing led to a unique job at Stone and Webster Engineering in Boston where I focused on developing intelligent CAD applications with STONERule, the proprietary AI system that the company integrated into 3D CAD systems. Three years at Stone and Webster allowed me to learn about a diverse set of industries. In that time I worked on projects as diverse as nuclear power plants, the Space Shuttle, the Grand Cherokee, Atomic Powered submarines, and the Boeing 777.
After three years in Boston, I started at Georgia Tech in the civil engineering department teaching construction management. Through a series of graduate students, I developed a research focus on what makes engineering and design companies successful. A series of research efforts moved through strategic management, leadership, and ultimately, social network analysis. My first book was on the topic of strategic management in engineering.
After eight years, I moved to my current home at the University of Colorado Boulder in the civil engineering department teaching construction management. I had the opportunity to develop with colleagues including Ken Strzepek, Ross Corotis, and Bernard Amadei, the Civil Systems area in civil engineering. This group helped me explore my interests in interdisciplinary work that was always my passion and true belief of what a university education is about.
I truly believe that opportunities happen when you are doing things that you enjoy. So it was a fortuitous day when Ken Strzepek asked me to get involved with some climate change adaptation work in 2006. A simple two-week project has turned into a decade-long collaboration into climate change adaptation. This area of research has developed into Phase 3 of my career. From computers, to management, and now climate change adaptation. In a decade of work, Ken and I have been fortunate to develop computer software that analyzes the impact of climate change on infrastructure. The unique system is now used by the World Bank, United Nations, and many others. Today, this work has led to a new company, Resilient Analytics, which is focused on our software tool, IPSS.
Which brings me to my current position as Director of the Program in Environmental Design. This is a return to my design roots and to working on design education. Stay tuned for updates in this new chapter. I am excited to be taking on this new challenge! I know this was a long introduction to me, but hopefully it gives you a glimpse into why there are very diverse tabs on this site and why I continue to seek out new challenges and new chapters in my life.