Robert Shuman is Associate Professor of Architecture in the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. He is also a principal at MGA Partners, Architects, a 25 person architecture firm located in Philadelphia, the successor firm to Mitchell/Giurgola Architects, Philadelphia, whose body of work includes significant buildings for the federal courts, regional college and universities, and other private institutions. Since joining Mitchell/Giurgola Architects in 1982, he has developed professional expertise in building design and documentation, construction administration, exterior envelope design and detailing, building systems integration, energy efficient design, building code analysis, and general professional practice.  Professor Shuman is a registered architect in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and currently holds an NCARB Certificate.  He is also a LEED Accredited Professional, and a member of the International Code Council.

Professor Shuman’s perspective on architecture has developed over his career from the point of view of a maker of consequential physical objects.  This perspective has its roots in his early training as a carpenter, mechanic, and furniture maker.  After nearly 30 years of professional practice, much of which has required him to master the collateral activities of running a viable design based professional services business, his first principles still remain connected to the idea of ‘making’ with care physical things in time and space.