Born in Canada, Peter studied engineering & architecture, completing his Master's degree of Architecture at the Technical University of Nova Scotia (now Dalhousie University). He subsequently worked in Switzerland and Germany & is a registered architect in Europe. His expertise in computers in the planning & construction process led to posts in Berlin & Karlsruhe and professorships at the RWTH Aachen University and TU Delft, where he also served as Dean at both institutions. In his research, Peter focuses on building information modelling (BIM), ambient assisted living, interactive architecture & the extension of architectural pedagogy through blended-learning practices.

Russell is currently Dean of the Institute for Future Human Habitat Studies (iFHHs) at the Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (Tsinghua SIGS) where he is Professor for Computation in Architecture. His passion for precision, answerability & courage are common threads in his professional & academic undertakings. By incorporating his pedigree in research & practice into education, Peter seeks to inspire & empower those accepting the responsibility for the built environment and to transpose these tenets to steer education and policy affecting our buildings, cities and society as a whole.