Throughout his 40-year career integrating teaching, research, and scholarship, Robert Dunay, FAIA, has expanded and refined the national discourse of architectural education. In multiple roles, he established innovative cross-disciplinary projects linking academia and practice through combined education al and applied research venues. He has taught and significantly influenced thousands of architects; many who still reside in Virginia. As a consequence, he has had a significant impact on the quality of Architecture in the Commonwealth. Design Intelligence has ranked him as the Most Admired Design Educator four times — the most of any faculty in its 15 years of existence.
His contributions to education are matched by his advancements in professional knowledge building. His leadership of students and other faculty has positioned Virginia Architecture in the national and international arenas. LumenHAUS, a project sponsored by the Department of Energy for which Dunay served as co-leader, won the international Solar Decathlon Competition in Madrid, Spain. It was also recognized by the AIA with a national Institute Award for Excellence in Architecture, cited as one of the nation’s best works of architecture in 2012. Regionally, Dunay is a regular contributor to Architecture Exchange East and has served on the Design Committee, chaired the Honors Committee, and collaborated with others, winning the Virginia Prize for Design Research and Scholarship and six Awards of Excellence in Architecture.
For his unparalleled leadership, enduring support of the profession, and dedicated service to the community, AIA Virginia awards Robert J. Dunay, FAIA, the William C. Noland Medal.