Internationally renowned architect and academic joins Monash Art, Design and Architecture

Professor Erik L’Heureux Professor Erik L’Heureux

Monash Art, Design and Architecture (MADA) is excited to announce the appointment of Professor Erik L’Heureux as its new Head of Department, Architecture, following a competitive international search.

Professor L’Heureux joins Monash University from the National University of Singapore (NUS), where he served as Dean’s Chair Associate Professor, having previously held roles as Vice Dean and Master of Architecture Programme Director.

An internationally recognised leader for his innovative integration of climate-responsive design, cultural research, and architectural practice, Professor L’Heureux’s work focuses on developing sustainable strategies tailored to the unique environmental challenges of densely populated, hot, and humid equatorial cities.

Through his pioneering concept of the ‘Architecture of Equatorial Envelopes , ’ Professor L’Heureux aims to address the critical issues posed by a warming world, creating impactful, sustainable designs for the equatorial region.

Specialising in net-zero energy and adaptive reuse tailored for equatorial climates, Professor L’Heureux has led award-winning and transformative projects. These include the NetZero adaptive reuse of the Department of Architecture and the NetZero Yusof Ishak House, central student commons located on the NUS campus.

Professor L’Heureux’s extensive professional practice spans more than 40 significant projects, from intimate interior renovations to large-scale developments, including a recently completed 54-storey housing project in Kuala Lumpur. His research examines the relationship s between architecture, urban environments, climate dynamics, and atmosphere in regions across Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Ghana , and Brazil.

Professor L’Heureux’s innovative integration of academic research and creative practice into mid-20th-century equatorial architecture earned him the Wheelwright Prize from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design (2015–2017).

In 2020, he was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, in recognition of his contributions "to advance the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training, and practice . ".

Equatorial School of Architecture, Singapore, 2015-2023 Equatorial School of Architecture, Singapore (2015-2023), led by Erik L’Heureux.

Professor Mel Dodd, Dean of Monash Art, Design and Architecture, said she is delighted to be welcoming Professor Erik L’Heureux to MADA.

“Erik’s appointment will further enhance our international reputation in impactful climate-adaptive architectural design. His exceptional integration of creative practice with academic teaching and research across the Indo-Pacific is perfectly aligned to our purpose and values, as well as with the Monash global campus footprint,” Professor Dodd . said.

“Amidst the current global challenges of climate change and social injustice the value of creative education and design research is paramount and at the heart of the work we do. I am excited to see the Department of Architecture at MADA further thrive and grow under Erik’s leadership ”

Professor L’Heureux shared his excitement about joining Monash.

“I am delighted to join Monash University as Head of Architecture, leading an exceptional community of colleagues and students at MADA. Monash is a dynamic and globally leading institution, and I look forward to building on the tremendous foundation already in place—strengthening its deep commitment to the Indo-Pacific region while fostering new forms of architectural knowledge, leadership, and innovation,”

“As we navigate the urgent environmental and social challenges of our time, architecture must play a critical role in shaping more resilient, inclusive, and decarbonised futures. I am excited to contribute to MADA’s ongoing efforts in anticipating and addressing these challenges—advancing design, research, and education that not only respond to the present but actively imagine new possibilities for our shared planetary future.

“This is an extraordinary moment for architecture, and I look forward to working alongside the MADA community to amplify its reputation, impact, and influence in the years ahead,” Professor L'Heureux added.

Professor Erik L’Heureux will commence as Head of Department, Architecture at Monash Art, Design and Architecture on 14 July 2025. The role was previously held by Professor Mel Dodd, who now serves as Dean of Monash Art, Design and Architecture.