Opportunity · UBC SALA · Open
The Generative Environments Lab (GenEnv) welcomes students and collaborators interested in artificial intelligence, computational design, and interdisciplinary research on the built environment.
Fully funded PhD opportunities
GenEnv is recruiting PhD students for September 2027 admission through SALA's PhD in Design, Technology and Society program. Selected PhD students will receive funding for four years, with the specific package confirmed in the official offer of admission.
Research may develop across three interconnected areas:
Human-AI co-design
Developing generative AI methods, interactive systems, and computational workflows that support design exploration and collaboration in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design.
Performance-informed design
Integrating environmental, material, structural, and other performance considerations into early-stage design processes through AI and computational methods.
Agentic AI for urban knowledge
Developing AI systems that connect planning documents, regulations, spatial data, and design information, making complex urban knowledge more accessible and actionable.
Projects may involve computational prototyping, design research, spatial analysis, interface development, or user studies. Applicants are not expected to work across all three areas.
Applicants may come from architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, planning, engineering, computer science, human-computer interaction, or related fields. Strong candidates should demonstrate research potential and relevant experience in one or more of the following:
Interdisciplinary backgrounds and approaches are encouraged.
Master's research students
GenEnv also welcomes inquiries from prospective students in SALA's Master of Advanced Studies in Architecture (MASA) and Master of Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture (MASLA) programs.
Prospective master's students should propose an independent research direction that aligns with GenEnv's research. Supervision depends on research fit, faculty capacity, and the requirements of the relevant SALA program. Funding for master's students is not guaranteed.
Other collaborations and contributions
GenEnv is open to collaborations with UBC students, visiting researchers, designers, developers, community organizations, and academic or industry partners.
Depending on research fit, project needs, capacity, and UBC policies, participation may include research assistantships, thesis or course-based research, visiting collaborations, workshops, short-term projects, or independent project contributions. Not all opportunities are funded, and the scope and arrangement will be discussed before participation begins.
How to express interest
Please email Xun Liu at xliu@sala.ubc.ca and identify the opportunity or research area in the subject line.
Include:
Review of inquiries and interviews for the 2027 PhD intake will begin in late October 2026. Shortlisted candidates must also complete the official UBC and SALA application process.