David Brubaker

Adjunct Lecturer in Architecture

Programs

  • Architecture
  • School of Architecture
David Brubaker

CAPLA East Building

Areas of Expertise

  • Architecture and design
  • Building science incorporating sustainable design
  • Energy modeling integration into design concepts
  • Innovation in healthy environments

Degrees

  • Master of Architecture, University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Bachelor of Architecture, The University of Arizona

Biography

As a practicing architect and the founder of Brubaker Architects, David Brubaker, AIA, CPHC brings to the classroom real-world experience from the design profession. Prior to forming Brubaker Architects in 1998, he was responsible for project design at Harry Weese Associates (now Gensler), Perkins + Will and OWP/P (now CannonDesign.)

His portfolio includes large, complex projects such as hospital systems and operating rooms, mixed-use high-rises and high-profile corporate headquarters. Many of these involved intricate, technically challenging problems that were solved with simple, elegant solutions. Envisioning a project’s essence with a blend of art and science is at the forefront of David’s design thinking.

As a Certified Passive House Consultant, David consistently emphasizes energy efficiency as integral to Brubaker Architects’ design process. His Sonoran Desert residence is the first Phius-Certified project in the 2B Climate Zone, which includes Tucson.

More recently, during the Spring 2023 semester, both UArizona teams he mentored for the 2023 U.S. DOE Solar Decathlon Design Competition graduated to the final competition, while one was awarded third place in the Attached Housing division.

Courses

  • Climate Positive Details
  • Fourth Year Option Studio – Solar Decathlon Design Competition

Awards

  • First Place Health Care Project for the Vince Lombardi Charitable Funds Healing Garden and Conservatory, Milwaukee Business Journal

News, Research and Projects

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Solar Decathlon Students Visiting the Hopi Nation

Three Teams Advance to 2024 Solar Decathlon Finals

The U.S. Department of Energy hosts the Solar Decathlon Design Challenge annually, which gathers students worldwide to present their teams' innovative technologies and designs aimed at fostering the development of the next generation of clean energy buildings. This year, teams from CAPLA will compete alongside students from 37 other universities worldwide, including some from as far as Tehran, Iran.