Alan DeFrees '74
James A. and Louise F. Nolen Professor of the Practice
574.631.8084
Alan DeFrees is a 1974 graduate of the University of Notre Dame and became a registered architect in 1979 and NCARB certified in 1980. In the 1990’s he taught part-time at the Notre Dame School of Architecture and full-time since 2000 in a variety of topics from computer graphics to historic construction and preservation. He has been honored with several Educator of the Year awards from student organizations, and has been twice honored with the Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, CSC Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. In November, 2015, he was recognized by DesignIntelligence as one of the “25 Most Admired Educators for 2016”, saying: “Constantly pursuing knowledge in the field of building technology, Alan DeFrees is known as a passionate professor who is truly dedicated to teaching the technical aspects of architecture.”
His professional practice spans nearly three decades and includes office and retail buildings, sports facilities, restaurants, and school, church and hospital additions. Since 1990 he has focused on a range of residential work from low-cost urban in-fill projects to high-end residences and condominiums, including many homes along Lake Michigan.
Prof. DeFrees has used computers in architectural applications since 1979 including computer programming for structural engineering, energy design and perspective drawing. His computer-aided drawing and graphic-design experience date back to 1988. Prof. DeFrees is an accomplished woodworker whose work in sculpture and furniture has appeared in many exhibitions and publications.
Educational Background
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Architecture, 1974
Rome Studies Program, 1971-1972
Indiana University, South Bend Graduate Studies, 1984-1989
Registration Data
Indiana 3670 Since 1979
Michigan 27820 Since 1980
NCARB Certification 24198 1980
Recent Honors and Awards
"America's Most Admired Educators," DesignIntelligence, 2015
Educator of the Year, University of Notre Dame School of Architecture, 2015
Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, C.S.C. Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Education, 2013
Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, C.S.C. Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Education, 2008
Featured Educator, article in Licensed Architect magazine, Summer, 2001
Teacher of the Year Award, AIAS, Notre Dame Chapter, 2001
Nomination for the national AIAS Educator Award (one of three in the nation), 2000
Research and Creative Activity
Design Charrette: Downtown South Bend, Indiana, 2001
Design Charrette: Greenville, Alabama, 2003
Publications
Conference: Traditional Architecture and Urbanism - The Original Green
"Saving a Treasure" by Angie Long, Greenville Advocate, January, 29, 2003
"An Incredible Weekend" by Angie Long, Greenville Advocate, January, 29, 2003
"Improvement Ideas Studied" by Alvin Benn, Montgomery Advertiser, January 26, 2003
"Cemeteries Require Sense of Permanence" by Andrew Hughes, South Bend Tribune, May 27, 2002
"Students Visit, Hear Plans", Staff, Times Argus, January 31, 2002
Co-author, Kinetic Skyscraper, presented at conference in Hong Kong, 2000
Current Academic, Public Service and Professional Memberships
American Institute of Architecture Students
Notre Dame Sustainability Committee 2008-2009
Notre Dame Center for Building Communities Advisory Board 2007-2009
Dean's Review 2008
School of Architecture Task Force on the Environment 2007-2008
Center for Social Concerns Ganey Grant Review 2008
Academic Metrics 2007-2008
University Council on Academic Technology 2003-2007
Computer Committee 2000-2009
Publication Committee 2002-2009
Web Design Committee 2000-2009
Marketing Committee 2006-2009
Facilities Committee 2007-2009
Ad Hoc Committee for the NAAB interim visit 2007
Faculty Advisor, Notre Dame Chapter, American Institute of Architecture Students
Instructor, Notre Dame High School Career Discovery Program, 2002-2012
Respondent, Cathedrals for a New Century, Notre Dame, Indiana, October 2001
Research Field Trip Leader:
Greenville, Alabama, 2003
Marshall, Michigan, 2002
Montpelier, Vermont, 2002
Chico, California, 2002
Historic Preservation
Feasibility study for rehabilitation of the South Bend Natatorium Building, 2002
Structural inspection and investigation at Copshaholm, Northern Indiana Historical Society, 2001
Professional Practice
Hannah and Friends Farm Main Building, St. Joseph Co., IN, 2007
The Price Residence, New Buffalo, Michigan, 2002
The George Residence, New Buffalo, Michigan, 2002
Building Envelope Analysis, The Pointe at North Shore Woods, 2001-2002
Urban In-fill Residences, various cities in Indiana and Michigan, 1996-2000
The Thomas Residence, South Bend, Indiana, 1998
Logan Center Housing for mentally handicapped study, 1998
Recently Taught Courses
ARCH 20511 Structural Mechanics
ARCH 40411 Environmental Systems I
ARCH 40421 Building Technology II
ARCH 40511 Structural Design for Architects
ARCH 47411 Independent Research: Urban Issues
ARCH 50419 Environmental Systems II
ARCH 54321 Historic Construction and Preservation
ARCH 57611 Environmental Issues in Historic Architecture
ARCH 60421 Building Technology II
ARCH 60431 Environmental Systems I
ARCH 60511 Structures I
ARCH 70441 Environmental Systems II
ARCH 70531 Structures III: Wood and Steel
ARCH 81161 Terminal Design Project