Contact: Tim Castillo 303-989-5605 Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 505-277-5920

July 31, 2002 SILVER CITY NATIVE RETURNS TO UNM Castillo takes faculty post in architecture Tim Castillo, assistant professor at the University of New Mexico's School of Architecture and Planning, is happy to be back in New Mexico. A 1991 UNM architecture graduate, Castillo says, "It is an honor to return to my alma mater and contribute to a rich architectural community. Experiences that I have encountered in my short time away from New Mexico have brought a greater appreciation for my cultural heritage." Born and raised in Silver City, Castillo still has family there. His parents, Mike and Bertha Castillo, and brother Tyson still live in the shadow of the Gila. And Castillo won't be the only family member in Albuquerque; his brother Miguel is a junior at UNM majoring in pre-med. Accompanying Castillo back to the Land of Enchantment is wife Shanti and their children Adlina, seven, and Tiana, three. After receiving his master of architecture degree at Columbia University in New York City, he taught at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, University of Arizona, and most recently, University of Colorado. There, he taught design studio and researched digital technologies. "I'm interested in research that investigates how digital design manifests a seamless integration into fabrication. I would like to establish a laboratory that engages this process and becomes a resource for practicing architects within the region." Castillo's work demonstrates a broad range of knowledge and experience. As a consultant to companies in New York City and Tucson, his projects have included animation, science exhibits, building and airport designs, construction documents and computer models. He is founder and design director of Hybrid Environments in Denver, a practice that explores new forms of spatial habitation. Castillo will join the faculty this fall to teach advanced design studio and digitally oriented classes such as Form Z, 3D Studio and Flash. He says he is a "sports fanatic," and when not working, he plays golf, basketball, racquetball and other sports. He's especially enthusiastic about attending Lobo basketball games and playing the UNM championship golf course again. "I went to UNM because of the wonderful reputation of the School of Architecture and Planning. I am very excited to have this opportunity to return to UNM as a faculty member," he says. # # #

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