Anna Franz, Ph.D.

Dr. Anna Young Franz, an accomplished architect, engineer, and academic leader, serves as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Success at UDC’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES), bringing expertise in value-inclusive design, urban sustainability, and interdisciplinary research to advance equitable and resilient built environments. 

Experience

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering and Applied Science: Engineering Management, George Washington University 
Master of Architecture: Historic Preservation, The University of Texas at Austin 
Master of Science: Nursing and Communications, Texas Woman's University 
Bachelor of Nursing: Biology, Florida State University 
Registered Architect, District of Columbia and Commonwealth of Virginia  
Registered Nurse, Commonwealth of Virginia  
U.S. Green Building Council Certified Facilities Manager, International Facilities Management Association 
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional, International Facilities Management Association 

Roles

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Success, College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, 2024-Present 
UDC Architecture Program Director, Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science/Architecture degree programs, 2024-Present 

Courses Taught

Graduate Thesis Seminar 
Thesis Studio II 
Thesis Studio I 
Sustainability I 
CADD Documentation, Specifications and Estimating 
Independent Studies, Undergraduate and Graduate Students 
Dissertation Chair for ULAE Ph.D. Students 
Dissertation Committee Member for ULAE Ph.D. Students 

Expertise

Administrative oversight for UDC CAUSES Departments: Health, Nursing and Nutrition and Architecture and Urban Sustainability 

UDC Architecture Program Director overseeing professional architectural education, research and practice/accreditation 

Former federal real property planning; asset and facilities management; capital project delivery/contracting and project; energy and construction management professional  

Research Focus / Works in Progress

Value-inclusive design examining contemporary problems facing society and the build environment; social equity, urban sustainability, resilience and community capacity building; qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods, systematic reviews, and community-based participatory research 

Whole systems design of 21st Century American Buildings and Infrastructure examining to examine green architecture and healthy cities/healthy people 

Leadership

Fellow, American Institute of Architects, 2018-Present 
Elected Member and Vice Chair, Executive Insights Committee, National Academy of Construction, 2018-24 
Academic Team Chair, Executive Insights Committee, National Academy of Construction, 2025-Present 

Impact

Selected Publications

Franz, A., Stuiver, M., Harris, E., & Sarabi, S. (2022). Urban architecture for wellbeing: a design canvas for inclusive green cities. In M. Stuiver (Ed.), The symbiotic city: Voices of nature in urban transformations. https://doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686-935-0_12 

Bakhtyari, V., Fattahi, K., Movahed, K., & Franz, A. (2024).Investigating the effect of living walls on cooling energy consumption in various urban microclimates, building heights, and greenery coverage areas. Sustainability, 16(2), 920. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020920 

Harris, E., Franz, A., & O’Hara, S. (2023). Promoting social equity and building resilience through value-inclusive design. Buildings, 13(8), 2081. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13082081 

Franz, A. (2022). Environments by design: Health, wellbeing and place. Media and Politics Series (AMPSS). Italian Society for the Sociology of Health, Syracuse University, Chalmers University of Technology, Northumbria University. https://ampsresearch.com/wpcontent/uploads/2022/08/Amps-Proceedings-Series-26.2.pdf   

Selected Presentations

Franz, A., Stuiver, M., & Harris, E. (2020). Value-inclusive design. (Webinar). Wageningen University and Research's Urban Greenhouse Challenge #3, the Social Edition. 

Franz, A. Ask me anything: Leadership blindspots, quality, creativity and artificial intelligence. Creativity and Culture of No Fear Podcasts. National Academy of Construction.

Selected Grants

National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (2024). Investigating the factors, motivating farmers to participate in improving and renovating programs. 

Recognitions

AIA Honor Award for Architecture, U.S. Courthouse, Los Angeles, 2018  
National Project Award, Construction Management Association of America for U.S. Courthouse, Los Angeles, 2017  
National Planning Award for Asset Management, American Planning Association, 2017 
Biennial Design Excellence: Los Angeles and Salt Lake City United States Courthouses, Geological Society of Americam 216 
ESRI Award for Innovation, 2015 
Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Honor Award for Preservation and Conservation, 2004 
Architect of the Capitol: The Architect’s Citation, 2012 
Smithsonian Institution Secretary’s Commendation, 2003  
DOJ Attorney General Special Recognition Award, 2000 
National Academy of Construction, Coordinator of 175 Executive Insights, 

Invited Participations

Franz, A. (2019-22; 2024). Juror for Best of the Best Project Awards. Engineering News Record. 
Franz, A. (2018). Delivering the future. AIA National Office. 
Franz, A., Ayers, S. T., Stohler, C., & Stagner, L. (2015). Design-build roundtable. Architect of the Capitol.  
Franz, A. (2015). Vision to action. Construction Industry Institute. 
Franz, A. (2014). Achieving a learning organization in the engineering procurement and construction industry (Research project team 201). Construction Industry Institute. 
Franz, A. (2014). Vision to action. 
Franz, A. (2014). Radical innovation playbook. CMAA. 
Franz, A. (2014). Engineering News Record. (Interview). 
Franz, A. (2013). Engineering News Record. (Interview).