Edward Steinfeld, ArchD, AIA, is a passionate thought leader who believes architecture should, first and foremost, benefit the people who use buildings and make a positive contribution to the community.

He’s been a trailblazer in the field of inclusive design since the 1970’s when he led a transformational research project that established the first evidence base for accessibility standards.

In his 50-year career, Steinfeld has done award-winning research, taught thousands of students, designed many buildings, served as an expert consultant, and mentored numerous colleagues who are very successful in their own right. When he founded the IDeA Center in 1984, he believed that inclusive design was a critical component of a socially sustainable community and thus committed his career to building a leading center for research and practice in this field. 

Far from being complacent, he continues to generate new ideas for extending the frontier of knowledge in this field. Although he is sometimes consumed by his work, he finds the time to be a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is the epitome of high energy. When he is not working, you will find Ed swimming, biking, kayaking, and strumming his guitar. Sometimes even his grandchildren and colleagues struggle to keep up with him.

• University of Michigan (ArchD)
• Carnegie Mellon University (Bachelor of Architecture)

In 2003, Steinfeld received a Distinguished Professor Award from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. He has also received awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA), and Progressive Architecture. He received a Ron Mace Designing for the 21st Century Award. In 2010 he was awarded the University at Buffalo's second annual Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence. In 2012 he was awarded the rank of Distinguished SUNY Professor, the highest rank for faculty in the SUNY system.