Frank Jacobus
- Department Head and Professor of Architecture
- Stuckeman Chair of Integrative Design
121 Stuckeman
- Email frj5058@psu.edu
Biography
Frank Jacobus became the head of the Department of Architecture in Penn State’s Stuckeman School on July 1, 2023. An architect, designer, artist, and educator, he has spent 16 years in higher education, most recently serving as associate department head in the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design (FJSOAD) at the University of Arkansas. He is recognized by the American Institute of Architects and is currently the principal of SILO Architecture, Research and Design.
Jacobus’ professional design work and creative practice has received national and international attention for its experimental and resourceful approach. His work with SILO has been recognized with numerous publications, exhibitions, and design awards, including as an Emerging Voice by The Architectural League of New York in 2016, a Next Progressive by Architect Magazine in 2018, and AN Interior’s list of Top 50 American Architects of 2021. In 2022, SILO was chosen by the Walton Family Foundation for inclusion in its Design Excellence Program that uses design to drive vibrant, inclusive communities by promoting the highest level of design in the development of public buildings and spaces. SILO’s work has been featured by The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Architect, the Architect’s Newspaper, Azure, Slate, Dwell, Salon, Fast Company, and others.
Jacobus has taught and coordinated all levels of design studio and has led numerous design-build projects in positions at the University of Idaho and the University of Arkansas. In addition to his administrative position at the University of Arkansas FJSOAD, he served as 21st-Century Chair of Construction and Technology, where he led design-build, fabrication, and advanced technology initiatives.
Jacobus’ published works include “Architectonics and Parametric Thinking,” by Routledge coming soon; “Artificial Intelligence Architecture: New Paradigms in Architectural Practice and Production," by Oro Editions in 2023; “The Making of Things: Modeling Processes and Effects in Architecture,” by Routledge in 2021; “The Visual Biography of Color,” by Oro Editions in 2017; and “Archi-Graphic: An Infographic Look at Architecture,” by Laurence King in 2015.