Christopher Pumford is a Manager of International Affairs at the American Institute of Architects. Prior to coming to AIA, Christopher was a Presidential Management Fellow at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and a Fulbright lecturer in Rabat, Morocco. Christopher obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy at the Tufts University Fletcher School.
Courses
The Architect’s Role in Advancing Sustainable Urbanization Worldwide
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 12-1pm ET
As cities across the globe face mounting pressures from rapid population growth, climate change, and resource scarcity, architects are uniquely positioned to lead the charge toward sustainable urbanization. This course examines how design professionals can go beyond traditional building design to shape resilient, inclusive, and ecologically sound urban environments. With a panel of experts sharing experience in master planning projects across Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East, the session will highlight how architects can serve as strategic partners in master planning, infrastructure integration, and cross-sector collaboration. Through real-world project insights, participants will gain a practical understanding of how to advocate for sustainable outcomes at both building and urban scales in vastly different cultural, climatic, and regulatory contexts.