Posted on August 5, 2025 by Sean M. Wood
Michelangelo Sabatino, director of UTSA School of Architecture + Planning
Following an extensive national search, UTSA selected Michelangelo Sabatino, PhD, as the Director of the School of Architecture + Planning. He takes over after 11 years at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he was professor of architecture, director of the PhD program, and the inaugural John Vinci Distinguished Research Fellow. Sabatino has a distinguished career including being named an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in June.
Sabatino trained in architecture and preservation at the Università Iuav di Venezia, Italy before earning his PhD in art and architectural history at the University of Toronto. Following his postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, Sabatino taught at Yale University and the University of Houston before moving to Chicago. Sabatino is the author of several award-winning books about the built environment of the Americas and Europe. His research has been supported by numerous national and international foundations and centers.
His first name seems like the fulfillment of his parents’ aspirations, but far from it, Sabatino said. “The first-born male child gets the name of the grandfather, and in this case, it’s Michael the Archangel,” he said. “It’s likely better to be associated with an archangel than a mere painter or sculptor. But I’m happy to be associated with both.”
Sabatino said that from afar, San Antonio appears to be a city “on the rise.” He is eager to make the school more than just an academic enclave, but an active participant in that revitalization.
“Given the power of architecture and planning to shape lives positively, our faculty and students should be ambassadors of San Antonio, really push excellence in research and design” Sabatino said. “A specific style or type of architecture does not necessarily drive it. It’s more about how buildings can enhance the everyday life of San Antonians. Not pushing one agenda over another. We aim to bring together people who share core values that the built environment can have for society.”
This fall, the school will move to its new location at One Riverwalk Place downtown. He said the new location is one of the reasons he wanted the UTSA job.
“I think this is a beautiful moment in the history of the School of Architecture + Planning and UTSA in terms of consolidating a presence downtown,” Sabatino said. “I’m already thinking of ways to establish relationships with the San Antonio Public Library and the Tobin Performing Arts Center, as that’s part of the urban experience. The social and networking opportunities for students will be stimulating.”
“This is an incredible time for the School and Klesse College. With Michelangelo’s distinguished record of scholarship, leadership experience, and national recognition he is clearly the right person to embrace this moment,” said Eric Brey, Dean of Klesse College. “Michelangelo brings a positive energy and creativity along with a bold vision. I am excited to witness what he brings to both our college and the city.”
Also joining the faculty of the SA+P will be Serge Ambrose, M.Arch. The engineer and architect founded Modern Again Architecture & Preservation Studio with Sabatino.
— Sean M. Wood
