Seth Holmes

Associate Professor

Department of Architecture

Golisano Institute for Sustainability

shharch@rit.edu

585-475-7535

Office Location

SUS-3176

Seth Holmes

Associate Professor

Department of Architecture

Golisano Institute for Sustainability

Bio

Seth Holmes is an Associate Professor of Architecture in the Golisano Institute for Sustainability. Seth's research addresses climate change adaptation and resilient design practices in the built environment. His publications include a chapter in the book "Planning for Community-based Disaster Resilience Worldwide" (Ed. by A. Awotona), two articles for Building Research and Information Journal, three articles in ASHRAE and IBPSA Conference Proceedings, and recent advising to the forthcoming update to the LEED Resilient Design pilot credit. Seth received a Master of Design Studies in Sustainable Design from Harvard in 2011 and a BArch from Roger Williams University in 2000. Prior to joining RIT in 2021, Seth was as Associate Professor and the Architecture Graduate Program Director at the University of Hartford, where he taught architecture from 2012-2021. Seth is a registered architect and also continues to practice through his firm Benefit Street Design.

shharch@rit.edu

585-475-7535

Currently Teaching

ARCH-632

Architectural Design II

6 Credits

Students will analyze and solve building based architectural design problems with a focus on residential design and other wood based structures. (Pre-requisite, ARCH-631 Architectural Design I, Corequisite, ARCH-621 Architectural Representation II). Classroom 3, Studio 9, Credit 6 (S) ARCH-

ARCH-733

Architectural Studio III: Adaptive

6 Credits

This course examines the adaptive reuse of existing spaces, with implicit exposure to the basics of historic preservation. Students will examine and document an existing “real” space within the region, and propose coherent and rational architectural interventions for that space.

ARCH-734

Architecture Studio II: Urban

6 Credits

Investigation of architectural design as a response to the modern urban context. This includes an understanding of urban design and planning, as well as community involvement.

ARCH-753

Research Seminar/Thesis Prep

3 Credits

Students frame individual thesis proposals through various research approaches, critical readings, presentations and examinations of architecture; physicality, socially, culturally, historically and technologically. (Prerequisite, 60 credit hours in the program) Class 3, Credit 3 (F)

ARCH-762

Industrial Ecology Fundamental

3 Credits

Students will learn how to assess the impact and interrelations of built environments on the natural environment by utilizing life cycle assessment tools and principles of sustainability.

ARCH-763

Sustainable Building Metrics

3 Credits

The measurement science, performance metrics, assessment tools, and fundamental data critical for the development and implementation of building systems associated with life-cycle operation of buildings while maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

ARCH-781

Graduate Scholarship

1 - 6 Credits

Masters-level scholarship by the candidate under the direction of the instructor. Students may enroll multiple times for a maximum of 9 credits towards their degree requirement. The subject of each offering varies depending on the nature and stage of the faculty member’s work.

ARCH-789

Architecture Special Topics

1 - 6 Credits

A Critical examination of issues in some area of sustainability not covered in other Golisano Institute for Sustainability courses. Topic depends on specific offering.

ARCH-790

Thesis

6 Credits

Students will propose, design, and defend an architectural design or research problem, while working closely with a selected faculty committee. (Prerequisite, ARCH-753 Research Methods/Thesis Preparation) Class 3, Studio 9, Credit 6 (F, W, Su)

ARCH-799

Independent Study

1 - 4 Credits