Professor Phipps’ career has focused on healthy buildings for both people and the planet. She is an internationally respected researcher in the performance of homes and schools including heating, ventilation, energy efficiency, and weather tightness.  She is known for her expertise in sustainable, low carbon, and low-cost solutions for indoor environments that promote wellbeing.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead the Faculty at an important and exciting time,” says Phipps. “Aotearoa has a huge need for graduates with world-class skills in architecture, building science, and design innovation. We’re responding to huge challenges across these industries and research disciplines, from housing unaffordability to climate change.”

Professor Phipps joined Te Herenga Waka as Professor of Building Science in the Wellington School of Architecture in January last year and has been Head of School since February 2022. Prior to that, she was at Massey University for more than two decades.

“One of the things that drew me back to Wellington was my respect for the work and research that goes on at Te Herenga Waka. It’s full of world-class researchers doing really exciting things connected to climate change, housing health, robotics, innovation, digital technologies, and renewable energy. Our Faculty is closely connected to other areas of the University, such as the creative disciplines, Science, Engineering, and Health. We have the opportunity to embrace creativity and work with a wide variety of people who think outside the box. Lots of people — from architects to psychologists, to computer scientists, to material scientists, to engineers — are pulling together to find solutions.”

Professor Ehsan Mesbahi, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Science, Health, Architecture and Design Innovation at Te Herenga Waka, congratulates Professor Phipps on her appointment. “Robyn’s expertise, energy, and commitment will be invaluable in further cementing the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation’s reputation as a cornerstone of creative and technical innovation in Aotearoa New Zealand. I’m delighted that she has been appointed to this important role.”

Professor Phipps has held a number of leadership roles throughout her career and is Co-Director of the He Kainga Oranga Healthy Housing Research Group (presented with the 2014 Prime Minister’s Science Research Team Prize and the Rutherford Medal 2021). She is also the Chair of the Ministry of Education’s Ventilation Technical Advisory Group for COVID response, a Director (Research and Policy) of the New Zealand Green Building Council, a Trustee of the Property Foundation, and a founding member of the New Zealand Indoor Air Quality Research Centre.

Professor Phipps will take up the role of Dean from 31 October.