Michael Gibson

Michael Gibson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Kansas State University, teaching design studio, environmental systems, and research seminars since joining the faculty in 2011. Michael earned his B.A. from Miami University and his M.Arch from Harvard University, and has professional experience in architectural offices in Boston and Baltimore.

Currently, Michael is the faculty lead of the Net Positive Studio, an ongoing service-learning course in the K-State architecture department, where students collaboratively research, design, and construct affordable, net zero homes with a variety of community partners across the region. The studio’s name represents its mission to demonstrate homes that are not only energy efficient, but give back to homeowners and communities through the many economic and wellness benefits of sustainable homes. Following its inception in 2018, the studio has designed, prefabricated, and built several prototype homes with its partners, who have raised millions in additional financing and grants to duplicate high performance housing designed by K-State student teams. More information on the studio can be found at its website www.netpositivestudio.org or you can follow the studio on Instagram @netpositivestudio.

Other research and coursework by Michael addresses energy use and technologies in buildings and has involved experimentation with full-scale prototypes, computer simulation, and numerous collaborations with industry and practice. His past projects were awarded a 2008 American Institute of Architects RFP Research Grant and a 2013 NCARB Award for the Integration of Practice and Education.

Michael is a LEED accredited professional, a licensed architect in Kansas and Missouri, an AIA member as well as a past president of AIA Topeka, a section of the American Institute of Architects. At Kansas State, he has been awarded the Treanor Award (2015) for recognizing the tie between practice and academy and the McElwee Faculty Teaching Award (2020). In 2022, Michael launched the small practice Helia with Robyn Gibson, a faculty member in IAID; Helia focuses on sustainable design, prefab, and furniture with a shop in Topeka’s NOTO Arts District.