Inge Roecker teaches design studios and graduate courses in the Master of Architecture program at UBC and is part of the interdisciplinary UBC Housing and Wellbeing Research Group. Her research and teaching centers on inclusion in architecture of the everyday. Inge’s teaching philosophy fosters new paths of architectural inquiry that bring lived-experience closer to the design processes.
Together with Jessica Chen of Wabi Sabi Planning Lab, Inge co-founded the research-to-action collective Design for Inclusion (D4i), a transdisciplinary initiative based in Vancouver and Montreal. As a collaboration, D4i works to innovate housing design processes toward new inclusive housing models, develop projects advocating for community equity, and seeks opportunities to prototype innovative inclusive housing models.
Inge is the founding Principal at AIR studio, an internationally recognized research-in-practice architecture design firm. As a Passive House trained professional, Inge’s practice is centered on inclusion, collaboration, and sustainability with expertise ranging from multi-generational to student and senior housing. All projects designed at AIR studio support the mindset that all justice must include climate justice.
Inge’s research and design projects investigate social issues arising through the mismatch between people and the spaces they inhabit. Her projects respond to how we can meaningfully house people regardless of age, ability, or demographics. She is a frequent consultant to cities and community-based organizations on these topics. Inge has a long history in supporting the Vancouver Chinatown Revitalization process. At present she serves as a board member of Dr Sun-Yat Sen Classical Garden, Chinatown Society Heritage Building Association and Chinatown Legacy Stewardship Group, preparing the historic area to be designated a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Prior to joining SALA, Inge taught at the TU Karlsruhe and practiced with Behnisch Architekten in Stuttgart for four years before establishing her own architecture and design studio in Vancouver.
Education
M.Arch, University of Manitoba