Dr. Arta Yazdanseta is an architectural technologist, building physicist, and assistant professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s School of Architecture. She holds a Doctor of Design (DDes) and Master in Design Studies (MDes) in Energy and Environments from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and a professional architecture degree from Pratt Institute. Prior to RPI, she directed the Master of Architecture program at Parsons School of Design and conducted performance-driven research at the Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities. Her professional experience includes roles at SHoP Architects and hanrahanMeyers architects, where she worked on projects that integrate environmental performance with innovative design strategies.

Yazdanseta’s research program investigates how bio-based materials can be transformed into high-performance assemblies that mediate energy flows, sequester carbon, and facilitate design for disassembly. Integrating empirical material testing, computational modeling, and full-scale prototyping, she collaborates with industry partners to bring experimental plant-based materials into scalable, field-tested applications. Supported by the Brown Fellowship, her recent fieldwork across Europe informs her systemic approach to circular design, positioning architecture as a framework for environmental responsiveness and regenerative infrastructure.