Kaarin Knudson

Kaarin Knudson, AIA, is an architect, educator, and civic leader with more than 20 years’ experience working to advance sustainable design and community-led solutions. In May 2024, she was elected to be the next Mayor of Eugene, Oregon’s second largest city. "The Sustainable Urban Design Handbook" is her first book.

Trained as a journalist before becoming an architect, Kaarin leads the Better Practice Design Workshop, and she founded the public-interest advocacy organization, Better Housing Together, in 2017. In the decade prior, she led award-winning urban design, planning, and architectural projects, and her work has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) at the urban, building, and interior design scales.

Most recently, Kaarin has advised on Oregon's landmark housing reforms to end exclusionary zoning and expand the diversity and affordability of housing in all Oregon cities. She teaches the graduate workshop in urban design at the University of Oregon, and speaks at regional and national conferences about sustainable cities, policy innovation, and the complex work of guiding community change.