Jesús Edmundo Robles Jr

Assistant Professor of Practice in Architecture

Programs

  • Architecture
  • School of Architecture
Jesus Robles headshot
jesusrobles@arizona.edu

Areas of Expertise

  • Craftsmanship of matter and space
  • Phenomenology, place and existential space
  • Professional design-build delivery
  • Sustainable material development (focus on earthen and concrete)

Biography

Jesus is a founding principal at DUST Architects based out of Tucson, AZ. He is a licensed residential and commercial general contractor in Arizona , and an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona School of Architecture. Broadly, the work of DUST and his teaching explores our perceptions of place and landscapes through cultural histories and material culture in search of a more equitable and just set of environments through the creation of space and an ecological awareness.  Born in Ft. Huachuca Arizona, raised in California, and growing up in Texas, he calls the larger region home. Jesus is an active board member of Native Seeds:SEARCH in Tucson. 

News, Research and Projects

Jesus Robles Showcase Venice Biennale

Jesus Robles Showcases Tucson-Inspired Work at the Venice Biennale

Jesus Robles, an Assistant Professor of Practice and co-founder of the architecture studio DUST, was selected to showcase Tucson-inspired work at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, one of the world’s leading platforms for design innovation. His installation, created for the U.S. Pavilion’s exhibition “Porch: An Architecture of Generosity,” highlights the ecological richness of southern Arizona and reimagines a small wildlife pavilion as a metaphor for broader regional challenges related to conservation, culture, and water resilience. Robles’ contribution not only elevates the work of the Tucson Audubon Society on an international stage but also reflects the design values he brings to CAPLA: a commitment to place-based thinking and the belief that even small-scale architecture can illuminate larger environmental issues.