Susan Shay

Susan Shay, PhD, AIA, is an Affiliated Scholar of the Heritage Research Centre at the University of Cambridge and a US Registered Architect. Her research investigates how participation in legal processes both impacts Indigenous heritage and is a meaningful tool for Indigenous empowerment. She has advised communities and non-profits on the development of preservation and empowerment programs, including technical and cultural exchange and disaster response and recovery initiatives. Prior to...See more

Susan Shay, PhD, AIA, is an Affiliated Scholar of the Heritage Research Centre at the University of Cambridge and a US Registered Architect. Her research investigates how participation in legal processes both impacts Indigenous heritage and is a meaningful tool for Indigenous empowerment. She has advised communities and non-profits on the development of preservation and empowerment programs, including technical and cultural exchange and disaster response and recovery initiatives. Prior to pursuing academic research, Susan had an extensive career in private and public practice as a Registered Architect, specializing in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and disaster recovery, mitigation, and redevelopment. She holds a Doctorate in Heritage Studies from the University of Cambridge, a master's degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University, and attended Cambridge University's Judge Business School for mentorship in the development of new business initiatives. See less