B.S. and B. Arch., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Steven Ehrlich is internationally recognized for his distinctive designs, and is known for his use of technology with cultural and environmental sensitivity. In 2003, his practice was awarded the California Firm of the Year by the American Institute of Architects California Council, and in 1997 he won three AIA National Honor Awards, the only architect to do so since I.M. Pei in 1974. Ehrlich’s work includes such diverse projects as a 300,000 square foot biotech research laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts; a 65,000 square foot art center for Orange Coast College; the 75,000 square foot Kinross Staging Building for UCLA; and a residence in Dubai.
Steven developed an approach to design that he calls "architectural anthropology" during the six years he lived, taught and studied architecture in Africa. He learned to appreciate the qualities of the African people, their cultural gathering places and the rituals of their everyday lives. He designed buildings that supported the climate, the landscape and the culture of those who would use the structures. In addition to teaching at USC as the first John Adams Jerde, FAIA Visiting Design Professor in Architecture, Steven has also taught at SCI-Arc, UCLA and Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria. He lectures widely and is a guest critic both in the U.S. and abroad.