Eric J. Cesal is a designer, writer, and post-disaster expert whose career sits at the intersection of architecture, climate adaptation, and humanitarian response. As co-founder of Design for Adaptation, Cesal champions strategies that help cities and communities prepare for the accelerating realities of climate change. His work blends rigorous design thinking with on-the-ground experience in some of the world’s most challenging environments, from Haiti’s earthquake recovery to rebuilding efforts after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Superstorm Sandy.
Trained as both an architect and a construction manager, with an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, Cesal brings an unusually broad perspective to the design profession. He first came to international prominence leading post-disaster programs for Architecture for Humanity, where he earned the nickname “architecture’s first responder” for his ability to combine swift action with long-term community planning. He is also the author of Down Detour Road: An Architect in Search of Practice, a sharp and candid exploration of how the profession must evolve to meet social and environmental crises.
Alongside his fieldwork, Cesal has taught at leading design schools around the world, including UC Berkeley and Harvard, helping shape the next generation of architects who will confront climate-driven challenges. This year, he brings his global insight to the Bay Area as one of the judges for the AIA East Bay Design Awards. His presence on the jury signals a growing recognition that resilience, adaptability, and community engagement are not just ideals but urgent imperatives for contemporary design.