Biography

Wilbur Yoder graduated from RISD in 1962 with a BS in Archiecture, and in 1963 received his MS in Architectural Engineering from the University of Illinois. From 1972 to 1979 he pursued post-graduate studies in Ocean Engineering at the University of Rhode Island.  He was President of The Yoder Corporation, Architecture/Engineering/Graphics in Providence and has taught at RISD since 1964.  He has consulted on projects such as the Trinity Church Renovations in Newport, the Arcade Renovations, the Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Roger Williams College Architectural Building, the Davol Square Marketplace, Nightingale Brown House and hundreds of other projects.  He is registered both as an Architect and Engineer in a number of states.  In his hometown, he was Chr., Historic District Commission (on commission for 27 years), member The Schools Building Committee; at the state level, a member of RI Arch. Registration Board and NCARB Exam Committee, member of the RI & Regional -HPS Working Group; a member of AIA, CSI, NSPE and Marine Technology Society.  He served with Jonathan Knowles as faculty advisor for RISD’s house entry to the Solar Decathlon 2005. He is a past recipient of RISD's John R. Frazier Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Academic Research/Areas of Interest

What we imagine in the development of Architecture must be constructive, and vice-versa, what is to be constructed must not only have imagination but must respond to many conditions and influences.  With experience of construction and cabinet-making, education/practice in architecture and structural engineering, and more recently Sustainability and High Performance Standards - I see these as design influences along with imagination.  Responding to any one or all of these influences should enhance the Architectural development and your solution. 

Example:  Solar orientation within a particular site – urban or rural - is not just an exterior influence for potential energy concerns (Passive or Active) but should influence many other spaces/relationships of interior planning.  Other technical considerations should have similar influences.

Wilbur E. Yoder

Professor
wyoder@risd.edu
401-454-6297

• BARC, Rhode Island School of Design
• MS, University of Illinois, Urbana
• BS, Rhode Island School of Design

Courses