Princeton Appoints Sylvia Lavin Architecture Dean

The university has named faculty member Sylvia Lavin as the new dean of the School of Architecture.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a collegiate stone archway, representing institutional leadership in architectural education. — Princeton University officially appointed faculty member Sylvia Lavin as the new dean of its School of Architecture, effective immediately. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Princeton University officially appointed Sylvia Lavin as the dean of its School of Architecture. Lavin had previously been serving as the interim dean of the school since January 2026.

Why it matters

The appointment formalizes leadership at the School of Architecture following the conclusion of the previous dean's term at the end of 2025.

Sylvia Lavin led the Department of Architecture and Urban Design at UCLA for 10 years and managed critical studies programs there for another decade. She joined the Princeton faculty in 2018.

The players

Sylvia Lavin

She is the newly appointed dean of the Princeton School of Architecture who previously held academic leadership roles at UCLA.

Monica Ponce de Leon

She is the former head of the Princeton School of Architecture whose tenure concluded at the end of 2025.

The details

Lavin takes over the position after Monica Ponce de Leon ended her tenure as head of the school at the conclusion of 2025. Lavin holds degrees from Columbia University and Barnard College.

Lavin chaired the architecture department at UCLA from 1996 to 2006.
Lavin directed critical studies programs at UCLA from 2007 to 2017.
Lavin joined the Princeton School of Architecture faculty in 2018.
Monica Ponce de Leon ended her tenure at the end of 2025.
Lavin began serving as the interim dean in January 2026.

Market Landscape

This leadership transition ensures continuity at the Princeton School of Architecture following a period of interim management. It positions the school to maintain its competitive standing among top-tier architectural programs.

The transition to a permanent dean provides stability for students and faculty within the School of Architecture. Prospective students and applicants may observe new academic priorities as Lavin establishes her leadership agenda.

The takeaway

The appointment of an experienced internal candidate suggests a commitment to consistent leadership at the university. Faculty members and students can expect the administration to build upon the established academic framework set during the interim period.