Dawn Finley is a professor of architecture, the director of graduate studies for the Rice School of Architecture, and a cofounding principal of Interloop—Architecture. Her buildings, research, and design work – ranging from custom furniture and fixtures, to private residences, to research complexes and cultural institutions – have been recognized through awards and exhibitions, and featured in leading industry publications including Dwell, Architecture, I.D Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. Finley is the author of System of Novelties, Interloop—Architecture, a book that combines elements of both monograph and field guide, placing her firm’s novel architectural designs within their broader context of influences, procedures, and techniques.

Finley’s current academic teaching includes a graduate core design studio and a textile-based fabrication seminar titled Pliable. In 2016, Finley was named one of DesignIntelligence Top 25 Most Admired Educators, a national academic teaching award that includes the disciplines of architecture, industrial design, interior design, and landscape architecture. She recently received the 2019 Educator Award, conferred by the American Institute of Architects Houston Chapter.