Faculty Hire Announcement: Dr. Douglas Robb

With his impressive educational background and passion for sustainability, Dr. Robb brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field, coupled with a strong commitment to academic excellence and innovation. He holds a master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Toronto, alongside a PhD in geography from the University of British Columbia.  

During his master's research, Dr. Robb received the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects Award of Merit. Additionally, during his PhD, he was a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholar and a UBC Four-Year Fellow. More recently, Dr. Robb was the inaugural Ian McHarg Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design and a 2023 Research Fellow at the Canadian Centre for Architecture in Montreal.  

Before returning to academia for his PhD, Dr. Robb worked as a landscape architect at Spackman Mossop Michaels in Sydney, Australia. His work primarily focused on public realm and large-scale infrastructure projects. He has also held various positions at landscape and architecture firms across Canada and the U.S.  

“I’m excited to be taking on the role at SAPL,” says Dr. Robb. “My work centres on building just and inclusive climate futures, and Calgary is very much at the forefront of national – and international – debates surrounding energy and decarbonization.” 

As an assistant professor, Dr. Robb will play a pivotal role in shaping the minds of students and nurturing their passion for landscape architecture. He will be responsible for graduate research and teaching in the areas of landscape planning, ecology, energy justice, and territorial-scale socioecological systems.  

While in this position, Dr. Robb’s main goals include projects that delve into the landscapes of decarbonization and renewable energy production across Canada. He is also interested in advancing interdisciplinary research between design and social sciences, deepening his relationship with community partners, and facilitating opportunities for students to engage in applied, on-the-ground landscape analysis and co-design.  

Beyond the classroom, he likes to stay active and is looking forward to hiking and camping this summer, skiing in the winter, and potentially trying out curling! Additionally, he enjoys road trips, and is looking forward to meeting people and exploring places across Alberta.  

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Robb! His enthusiasm, expertise and commitment to academic excellence make him an invaluable addition to the faculty and the broader University of Calgary community. He will inspire and empower our students, foster a culture of innovation, and contribute to the continued growth and success of SAPL.