Background: Michael Bednar has been a faculty member in the Department of Architecture since 1972 with a primary teaching role in design studio at all undergraduate levels. He also teaches courses in urban design, lighting design and design of pedestrian places. Mr. Bednar served as Co-chairman of the Department of Architecture for six years and as Associate Dean of the School of Architecture for four years. Prior to joining the faculty at UVA, Mr. Bednar conducted research and taught at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His research has resulted in the publication of numerous articles and four books: Barrier-Free Environments, Facilities for Special Education Services, Interior Pedestrian Places and The New Atrium. The latter was named Architectural Book of the Year by the American Association of Publishers in 1986. He served the City of Charlottesville for eight years as a member of the Planning Commission (three years as chair) during which time the city created and adopted an urban design plan.

Michael Bednar has practiced architecture with I. M. Pei and Partners and Geddes Brecher Qualls and Cunningham. Since 1972, Mr. Bednar has had his own practice in Charlottesville (currently Bednar Lawson Architects) with the design and construction of over fifty residential, commercial and institutional projects. A recent project is the preservation of the John A. G. Davis House (1826), built by Jefferson's workmen. This project received awards from the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, the City of Charlottesville, and the Preservation Alliance of Virginia. In 1990, he was elected to the AIA College of Fellows. In 1997, he received the Community Service Award from the Charlottesville/Albemarle AIA and the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Virginia Society AIA.