Edward Allen is an architect and teacher who enjoys explaining things through words and drawings: what makes buildings work, what makes buildings habitable and lovable, how architects' design ideas become reality. He has published nine books on these subjects. He has taught at the University of Oregon, Yale University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and lectures worldwide. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and the 2005 recipient of the Topaz Medal for Excellence in Architectural Education.