Justin W. Cook

Justin W. Cook is a prominent architect and educator, known for his focus on sustainable design and complex systems. He is the Co-Founder of Integrated Design Cubed (IDCubed), a firm dedicated to addressing climate and housing crises through innovative, modular mass timber buildings. Cook's work emphasizes the integration of sustainability within architectural practices to create humane living environments.

Education and Career

Cook holds a Master of Architecture from Harvard University, where he was recognized for outstanding academic achievement, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington. He currently serves as a Design Critic in Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, particularly in the Master of Design Engineering program, where he teaches strategic design and systems thinking.1

Leadership Roles

In addition to his role at IDCubed, Cook is the Founding Executive Director of the Center for Complexity (CfC) at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). This center focuses on tackling multifaceted challenges through transdisciplinary research and collaboration, engaging in projects that span topics such as healthcare and urban systems.1 His leadership at CfC reflects his commitment to addressing systemic issues through innovative design methodologies.

Professional Contributions

Cook has extensive experience in strategic design consulting, having worked with notable organizations including Google, IBM, and the United Nations. He was previously a Senior Lead for Strategy at the Finnish Innovation Fund, Sitra, where he contributed to urban systems and decarbonization initiatives. His academic contributions include publications on sustainability and education, notably "Sustainability, Human Wellbeing and the Future of Education" (2018) and recent works published by RISD.1

Personal Background

Growing up in a small town near Puget Sound, Cook initially trained as a carpenter before pursuing architecture. He is also a father of three boys, balancing his professional commitments with family life.1

Through his diverse roles in academia, practice, and research, Justin W. Cook continues to influence the fields of architecture and design with a focus on sustainability and systemic change.