Nicholas de Monchaux Appointed Dean of UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design

University of California Berkeley has announced the appointment of Nicholas de Monchaux as the William W. Wurster Dean of the College of Environmental Design (CED). De Monchaux, an architect, urbanist, and scholar, is set to assume this role in July 2027.

Background at UC Berkeley and MIT

De Monchaux has a long-standing connection with UC Berkeley, having served as a professor of architecture and urban design at the university from 2006 to 2019. During his previous tenure, he also directed the Berkeley Center for New Media (BCNM) and held the Craigslist Distinguished Chair in New Media. Following his time at Berkeley, he became the head of MIT’s Department of Architecture in 2020. His appointment at Berkeley coincides with MIT’s announcement of Ana Miljački as the next head of its Department of Architecture.

De Monchaux’s return to Berkeley’s CED follows the decision of the current dean, Renee Y. Chow, to step down after five years. Chow, who has been a faculty member at the college for over three decades, also plans to retire from the college’s faculty. She is also a co-principal of the practice Studio Urbis, which focuses on architecture and urban design. Chow’s deanship concludes on June 30, 2026.

Interim Leadership

In the interim period between Chow’s departure and de Monchaux’s arrival, Professor Daniel G. Chatman, chair of the Department of City & Regional Planning, will serve as the interim dean, commencing July 1, 2026.

De Monchaux’s Vision for CED

Expressing his enthusiasm for returning to the college, de Monchaux stated, “CED powerfully shaped every way in which I think about design and its responsibility in the world. I am thrilled to return to the college and support its mission at a time when it has never been more relevant.” He highlighted the critical role of CED in addressing contemporary challenges, including the climate crisis, the stewardship of resilient landscapes and institutions, and the imperative for equitable access to cities, housing, and education. He looks forward to contributing to the college’s reinvention and enhanced impact.

Academic and Professional Journey

De Monchaux received his architectural education at Yale and Princeton Universities. His academic and professional interests are broad, encompassing the relationship between the built environment and technology, urbanism, digital simulation, world-building, and even science fiction. His research has delved into subjects such as the development of the Apollo spacesuit and the special effects techniques used in “Star Wars.” Beyond his academic roles, he is a partner in the interdisciplinary practice modem. Previously, he worked as a designer for Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Michael Hopkins & Partners in London.

Significance for the Field

De Monchaux’s appointment at a leading institution like UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design signifies a continued emphasis on forward-thinking approaches to architecture, urbanism, and the broader built environment. His interdisciplinary background, combining practice, research, and extensive academic leadership at prominent institutions, positions him to guide CED through complex contemporary issues. His focus on the intersection of design with climate, technology, and social equity is particularly relevant for students, faculty, and practitioners navigating the evolving landscape of environmental design. His return to Berkeley is likely to foster innovation and reinforce the college’s influence in shaping the future of cities and the planet.

Datos clave
| Aspecto | Detalle |
|—|—|
| Nuevo Decano | Nicholas de Monchaux |
| Institución | University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design (CED) |
| Inicio del Mandato | 1 de Julio de 2027 |
| Educación | Yale and Princeton Universities |

Fuente: The Architect’s Newspaper (https://www.archpaper.com/2026/05/university-of-california-berkeley-nicholas-de-monchaux-dean/)

Datos clave