Professor Carolyn Hayles

Biography

Professor (Dr) Carolyn Hayles joined UBE in 2026. She previously held academic positions at RMIT University Melbourne, Queen’s University Belfast, the University of Bath, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and Cardiff Metropolitan University, where she was Professor of Environmental and Sustainable Design for the Built Environment. Earlier in her career, she worked as a researcher and consultant at the Building Research Establishment.
An internationally recognised researcher and practitioner, Professor Hayles has more than 30 years of experience in sustainability, climate change, and the built environment. Her work spans academia, government collaboration, and applied research, supporting the integration of sustainability and climate resilience into decisions relating to housing, buildings, heritage, and place.

An expert in interdisciplinary collaboration, she works with policymakers, practitioners, and communities to address climate impacts on the built environment. Her expertise includes education for sustainable development, organisational change, mentoring, and capacity-building, with a strong commitment to translating evidence into practical solutions for resilient and sustainable futures.

Appointments

Professor Emerita, Cardiff Metropolitan University

Qualifications and memberships

Research interests

Qualifications and memberships

Qualifications

PhD Environmental and Applied Geology, University of Glasgow
MA (Distinction) Interior Design, University of Staffordshire
BA (Hons) Geography and Geology, Keele University
PgCHET Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching, Queen’s University of Belfast
PgCERT Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling and Supervision, Glasgow Caledonian University
AIM Awards Level 3 Diploma, Professional Garden Design, National Design Academy

Memberships

FHEA Fellow of Advance HE
FRSA Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Affiliate Membership No. 20026186
British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) Affiliate Member (educator)

Research interests

Carolyn explores climate-resilient and adaptive decision making for buildings, places, and communities, with a particular emphasis on translating evidence into practical policy and practice. Her interests include biophilic design, regenerative and restorative design, green building design, and design for health and wellbeing.

She is also recognised for her expertise in the conservation, repair, refurbishment, and climate adaptation of heritage buildings. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, she works with governments, practitioners, and communities to develop innovative approaches that support resilient, equitable, and sustainable futures.

Her research seeks to address the challenges posed by climate change while enhancing the environmental, social, and cultural value of the built environment.

Publications

See ‪Professor Carolyn Hayles‬ – ‪Google Scholar‬‬‬‬‬