Paula Loomis, PhD, FAIA, FSAME, AICP, LEED AP, SAP
Director of Research + Senior Architect + Senior Planner
Dr. Paula Loomis is a Senior Architect, Planner, and Program/Project Manager at The Urban Collaborative, bringing over 40 years of unparalleled expertise in master planning, architectural design, construction management, and facility operations for public-sector projects worldwide. Since joining the team, her extensive contributions have set new standards in military planning, programming, and design.
Her career spans work with the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and General Services Administration, completing plans at scales ranging from strategic agency plans to area development plans across more than 50 installations globally. Prior to her role at The Urban Collaborative, Dr. Loomis served as Executive Director for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Shore Infrastructure Logistics Center, overseeing the planning, programming, design, and operation of over 28,000 buildings at 2,000 sites nationwide. Her leadership extended to roles such as Deputy Civil Engineer for the Coast Guard, Sustainability Program Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Command Architect for Air Combat Command.
Dr. Loomis is a licensed architect, certified planner, and LEED Accredited Professional. She holds a PhD in Public Administration and Urban Theory from Old Dominion University, a Master of Architecture, Master of Construction Management, Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Environmental Design. She is a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) and the Society of American Military Engineers (FSAME) and has served on numerous national and international boards and committees, including leadership roles with the AIA and SAME.
Her work has garnered over 54 design awards, including high-profile accolades such as the AIA Virginia Distinguished Achievement Award, SAME Urbahn Medal for Architectural Excellence, and the Air Force Design Excellence Award in both military and civilian categories. She has contributed to foundational planning and design guidance, including updates to the High Performance Sustainable Building Guiding Principles and multiple Unified Facilities Criteria documents.
In academia, Dr. Loomis is an adjunct professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, teaching in the Master of Construction Management and PhD programs. She has previously taught at Hampton University and the Air Force Institute of Technology and served as a dissertation advisor at institutions such as the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Salford in England.
Her research focuses on public architecture, BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure), economic redevelopment, sustainability, and resilience, featured in various publications and the book Building the Local Economy: Case Studies in Economic Development. A retired Air Force Colonel, Dr. Loomis served for six years on active duty and 24 years as a reservist, taking on leadership roles such as the Senior Reservist to the Air Force Civil Engineer Center and Base Architect for Langley Air Force Base.
Dr. Loomis’ remarkable career reflects a dedication to advancing public architecture and planning, fostering sustainability, and promoting excellence in design and construction management worldwide.
