About
Juan Ayala is an Associate Professor of Practice at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University. He is a co-founder and managing principal of GRID Design Studios LLC. He is a highly skilled architect and urban designer with national and international experience in managing and designing complex design projects. He has 27 years of experience in leading a wide range of design projects from small towns and resorts to large mixed-use urban development/redevelopment projects for firms like Robert A.M. Stern Architects, Cooper, Robertson & Partners, and A. Nelessen Associates. Juan is a registered candidate of the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB). His research interests focuses on the use of evidence-based design and computational design in the urban planning and design process. His research seeks to improve evidence-based analysis and understand what metrics can be used to make sound decision about design, its performance,
Current Work
This academic year I am refining the UPD major's curriculum outline, ensuring alignment with learning goals and outcomes. I am preparing to work with instructors to adjust their objectives and meet Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) standards. I am focusing on student recruitment by participating in the NJ Urban Land Institute (ULI) scholars program, which introduces high school students to urban planning and design. I aim to prepare our major for academic accreditation by strengthening the program’s structure and marketing our program to future students.
