‘When you have very little of something, you pay attention to the details’

Following a rigorous international recruitment process, Russell was selected as successor to Karin Laglas, who left the university in July 2014. Currently, the Canadian national is the only dean at TU Delft without a Dutch background. He takes over from Professor Hans Wamelink who served as acting dean during a ten month interim period.

“I feel honoured to be chosen as the next dean of this Faculty,” Russell said. “TU Delft has earned its great reputation through years of excellent pedagogy and excellent research. It is actually quite a privilege to be given the helm of such a storied institution. I am humbled by the choice. Nonetheless, I accept the responsibility and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead – both those known and those unknown.”

According to TU Delft Rector Magnificus Karel Luyben, Russell was selected by the Executive Board for of his international experience. In their view, he fits exceptionally well with the BK Faculty’s global outlook. Moreover, Russell’s expertise in building intelligence and building information interfaces is considered to be in-line with the university’s research on intelligent cities.

As the new dean, Russell intends to listen to members of the BK Faculty and to discuss the areas they think need improving. “I do have some of my own ideas,” he said, “but for now I am going to listen and learn.” Russell’s other main priority is to learn Dutch.

When asked about the significance of architecture in the Netherlands, Russell praised the Dutch for making the most of what they have. “[…] when you have very little of something, you care for it, nurture it and pay attention to details,” Russell explained. “The Netherlands has always had a lack of space and so using it well has always been a priority. Designing the built environment means allocating resources to maximise the value – this appears to be a theme across all of Dutch society so it is natural that design plays an important role. The TU Delft is just the place where we ask the question, ‘How can we do this even better?’”

Prior to his appointment, Russell served as Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen, where he chaired the Dean’s council. He is also Professor of Computer Supported Planning in Architecture (CAAD) and the Rector’s Emissary for Alumni Affairs. Besides his academic responsibilities, Russell is a partner at architectural firm IP Arch GmbH, Vice-chairman of the German Architecture Dean’s Council (DARL) and founding member of the European architectural research network ARENA.

Earning his master’s degree in Architecture from the Technical University of Nova Scotia, Russell’s research centers on building information modelling, intelligent buildings and ambient assisted living. In 2010, he chaired the Research Evaluation Committee for Architecture and Urban Planning in the Netherlands, which conducted a joint assessment of the TU Delft and TU Eindhoven architecture research programmes and institutes. That being said, Russell is no stranger to TU Delft and the BK Faculty.