Soltero to lead ASU Office of the University Architect

Ed Soltero is the new assistant vice president for the Office of the University Architect, a unit of Facilities Development and Management at Arizona State University, effective March 5, 2012. He replaces Jann Blesener, interim assistant vice president, Office of the University Architect, who is retiring from ASU in April.

Soltero is a registered architect in several states, is an NCARB-certified architect with reciprocity, and possesses 25 years of combined experience in design and facilities management. He is a LEED-accredited professional with the Green Buildings Council. 

“We are looking forward to Ed Soltero’s aesthetic and technical design leadership as we continue to develop the physical infrastructure that will provide a supportive environment for the New American University,” said Morgan R. Olsen, executive vice president, treasurer, and chief financial officer at ASU. “We are excited to have Ed join our ASU team.”

Soltero comes to ASU from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where he was the director/university architect, Office of Design, Planning and Construction since 2005. Previously, Soltero was a principal at Dimensions Architects from 2001-2005 and a principal at Synthesis Architecture from 1994-2001, both in El Paso, Texas. Soltero played a key leadership role in UTEP’s ongoing transformation into a national research university, including overseeing design and construction of new buildings for chemistry and computer science, nursing, bioscience and transit.

“Ed’s vast professional and community-based experience makes me confident that he will be an excellent leader both for the University Architect’s office and to move our collaborative goals and strategic initiatives forward,” said David Brixen, associate vice president of Facilities and Development Management at ASU.

In addition to his extensive professional experience, Soltero has had abundant community involvement with the El Paso Historical Commission. He is a member of the Texas Society of Architects Design Awards Committee, the El Paso Independent School District Bond Preparation committee, the Union Plaza Cultural and Entertainment District committee, and the El Paso Independent School District Bond Issue Committee. Soltero was president of the American Institute of Architects El Paso chapter and director of the Texas Society of Architects El Paso chapter in 1999 and 2000 respectively.

Soltero holds three Honor Awards for Architecture from the El Paso chapter of the American Institute of Architects and is contributing editor for Texas Architect Magazine and for the "Shape of Texas" program on KEDT Radio. He has authored numerous publications in Texas Architect Magazine and was a guest critic for the Third Year Architecture Design Studio at the University of Houston. Soltero also has been nominated for fellowship within the American Institute of Architects, Texas chapter.

Soltero holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Houston, an M.B.A. from University of Texas at El Paso, and a master’s in architecture from NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego, Calif.

Carrie McNamara-Segal, Carrie.McNamara-Segal@asu.edu
480-965-8857
Facilities Development Management