Seth Holmes Headshot

Seth Holmes

Interim Department Chair

Department of Architecture
Golisano Institute for Sustainability

585-475-7535
Office Location

Seth Holmes

Interim Department Chair

Department of Architecture
Golisano Institute for Sustainability

Bio

Seth Holmes is an Associate Professor of Architecture in the Golisano Institute for Sustainability where he teaches courses in architectural design, sustainable building metrics, and architectural research. His research addresses climate change adaptation and resilient design practices in the built environment. His publications include co-editing the book "Climate Adaptation and Resilience Across Scales: From Buildings to Cities"; a chapter in the book "Planning for Community-based Disaster Resilience Worldwide" (Ed. by A. Awotona), articles for the Building Research and Information Journal, and articles in numerous ASHRAE and IBPSA Conference Proceedings. Seth received a Master of Design Studies in Sustainable Design from Harvard in 2011 and a Bachelor of Architecture from Roger Williams University in 2000. Prior to joining RIT in 2021, Seth was the Architecture Graduate Program Director and an Associate Professor at the University of Hartford, where he taught from 2012-2021. Seth is a registered architect having worked in firms across the northeast including, Payette, Kao Design Group, Benefit Street Design, FFAE Architects, and his own private practice. He has played a key role in the design and construction of numerous sustainably focused buildings such as the Gary C. Comer Geochemistry Laboratory at Columbia University.

585-475-7535

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Currently Teaching

ARCH-632
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
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-753
3 Credits
Students frame individual thesis proposals by using various research tools, accessing the literature, and creating a proposal. They then develop a thesis plan and begin to execute it.
ARCH-763
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
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
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
3 Credits
Students continue work on the thesis begun previously. They execute a methods and procedures plan, analyze the data, arrive at a conclusion and successfully defend it.
ARCH-791
0 Credits
This course is for Master of Architecture students who require additional time to complete their thesis. Students should enroll for one credit unless otherwise instructed.
ARCH-799
1 - 4 Credits