Susan Schaefer Kliman, PhD, AIA is an associate professor and Chair of Department of Architecture and Urban Sustainability at the University of the District of Columbia. Dr. Kliman has over 25 years of comprehensive industry and academic experience. In her current position, she provides oversight and leadership for the undergraduate and graduate programs in Urban Architecture and Community Planning, as well as the professional science master’s degrees in water resources management and urban sustainability. She also collaborates closely with the UDC Architectural Research Institute to ensure the successful implementation of the University’s strategic objectives in experiential and active learning.

Dr. Kliman currently teaches graduate design studios, and research methodologies. She has also taught courses in ethics and practice, construction systems and undergraduate design studios. Her research interests include the mitigation of the urban heat island effect through appropriate building design, and energy-efficiency through the integration of landscape and the structure. In addition to teaching and research, she has run a small practice for over 20 years. Her firm, Klimatic Architecture, specializes in high performance buildings and alternative building materials. She is involved in several professional organizations, including the AIA, NCARB and ACSA. Her volunteer efforts focus on the training of emerging professionals and the regulation of practice.  

Dr. Kliman received her Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University, and her Master of Architecture and PhD in Arid Lands Resource Sciences from the University of Arizona. She is a LEED Accredited Professional, holds professional licenses in Virginia, Maryland, Arizona, New Mexico, and Sonora, Mexico, and an NCARB certificate.