It is with deep sadness that the Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture at The Ohio State University announces the death of Lisa Tilder, Associate Professor of Architecture. On November 30, Lisa succumbed to a long battle with cancer while surrounded by her family. Lisa taught at the Knowlton School for more than 20 years and was an alumna (’92) of its Master of Architecture program. She is survived by her husband, Stephen Turk, Associate Professor of Architecture at the Knowlton School.
Lisa served the ACSA in a number of capacities: East Central Regional Director, ACSA Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Regional Directors Committee, Publications Committee, Awards Committee, and Nominations Committee.
Lisa was co-editor of Design Ecologies: Essays on the Nature of Design, published by Princeton Architectural Press, and the recipient of numerous awards including the Young Architect’s Award of the Architectural League of New York and the Far Eastern International Digital Architectural Design Merit Award. She was the recipient of grants from the Graham Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the US Department of Energy, and others. Her work has been featured in publications ranging from AD: Architectural Design to Metropolis and has been exhibited widely at venues including Storefront for Architecture, The Urban Center, and OK Center for Contemporary Art. She was a licensed Architect and co-founder of Ohio State’s first Solar Decathlon entry and the Pod Home, an award-winning micro-home that serves as a permanent exhibition at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus.
To respect Lisa’s wishes, Stephen and Lisa’s family have limited her internment to a small, family-only observance. Soon after the Spring 2016 term begins, the school will stage a Celebration of Lisa’s Life to honor her love of her students and the school, and the incomparable, selfless joy she imparted to all who knew her. Details for the event will be announced as they become specific.