CV

I am currently a lecturer at MIT in the Department of Architecture, teaching 4.463 Building Technology Systems: Structures and Envelopes. Starting in January 2026, I will be a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

I hold a PhD in Architecture: Building Technology from MIT, advised by Professor Caitlin Mueller, with Professor John Ochsendorf (MIT) and Professor Guy Nordenson (Princeton) acting in my committee.

My research casts a broad net around:

  • High-performance computation for structural design and optimization
  • Circular structural design
  • Data-driven analysis and design

My dissertation: Geometric interpretations of structural demand for the analysis and reduction of design complexity focused on visualizing, interpreting, and managing the structural demand (the required strength and geometry of individual components) that emerges from the design process.

Previously, I studied at McGill University in Montreal, where I received a B.Eng in Civil Engineering, and an M.Eng in Structural Engineering, advised by Professor Colin Rogers. My work there was on high-fidelity modelling and physical validation of bolted steel moment connections. I have extensive experience designing and executing full-scale testing systems and most importantly, I am forklift and bridge crane certified. My interest in the built environment came from working as a subsurface grader/general labourer in the construction industry after high school.

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a picture of me
Hard at work.

I am an immigrant to Canada, and I grew up close to Vancouver. The J in Keith J. Lee stands for 장현 (Janghyun), my Korean name. It also helps differentiate me in web searches from a food critic, a wrestler, and an NBA player (good company).