Faculty

Lyria D. Bartlett

Department Chair, Associate Teaching Professor

Lyria Bartlett is an Associate Teaching Professor and chair of the Department of Architectural Studies at Mizzou. She holds two Master’s degrees – M.Arch from Washington University in St. Louis, M.A. in Art History from Mizzou – and is a licensed or certified professional in the fields of architecture, interior design, sustainability, positive coaching, and structural assessments after disasters. Her research interests include Design Pedagogy, Wellness, Building Information Modeling, and the role of Academia in Community Outreach. Lyria led the University of Missouri’s effort to achieve a Zero Energy Design Designation [ZEDD] from the U.S. Department of Energy in 2022 and is thrilled about the balance between Interior Design, Architecture, Building Science, and Sustainability that Mizzou’s program offers.

Lyria is the youngest of 4 siblings and the only girl. She is the 4th generation female in her family with this name, her great-grandmother – Lyria Dickason – was one of the first female lawyers in the United States. Her husband, Brook Harlan, is a professional chef and educator for Columbia Public Schools. She has two children: Lily (the 5th Lyria), and Drake. Lyria, Brook, Lily, and Drake live in a house she designed and built right here in CoMO. Most summers you can find them on adventures in their vintage airstream trailer, a treasure inherited from Lyria’s grandfather, Jesse H. Bartlett.

Teaching Philosophy

Lyria’s work embodies life lessons about collaboration, sustainability, and good citizenship viewed through a designer’s lens. She is a strong believer in creating positive environments and infrastructures that enable people to achieve their optimal performance levels. Embracing the iterative design thinking process, Lyria’s coursework utilizes best practices in Project-Based Learning [PBL] and Universal Design for Learning [UDL] to support future leaders in the building, design, and construction industry. To make a tangible impact outside of the classroom, Lyria has led teams to successful design-build installations, community service projects, public presentations, national titles, and award-winning entries in the US Department of Energy’s International Solar Decathlon Design Competition. Teamwork and integrity are the two principles that help her define her life.

As a faculty member who has been working with Mizzou students for nearly two decades, I am continually amazed at what we have accomplished. Nothing makes me prouder than a social media post or news article about student or alumni success. Our Mizzou-made Mafia is strong and resilient. This is a very special culture to be a part of. M-I-Z!!!

Lyria Barlett
Credentials & Certifications

LEED AP BD+C, PA, NCARB, NCIDQ, MO SAVE

Research Areas
  • High Impact Practices [HIPs]
  • Sustainability
  • Wellness
  • Community Outreach
  • Building Information Modeling [BIM]
  • Design Pedagogy
Education
  • M.A., 2014, Art History &Archaeology, University of Missouri-Columbia
  • M.Arch, 2005, Washington University in St. Louis [terminal degree]
  • B.A., 2002, Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Missouri-Columbia
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