Ted Krueger - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY

Professor: Ted Krueger

Department: Architecture

College: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: ARCH4820
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I first interacted with him in IDS. I wasn't the best in his studio, but I genuinely appreciate the way he teaches. His Tai-Chi desk crits are so effective that all I learned became unforgettable. His own works are infused with the air of avant-garde, and he's way more open-minded than most faculty members in this school. He deserves a lot of love.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: ARCH2230
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Indeed, ‘overly confident in his own knowledge and intelligence’, but then again, he is an architect. Ted tends to use his experience to teach his us. Very helpful…will stay as late as possible to help you during desk crits. Gives freedom and insightful feedback, only if you work hard and seriously towards developing your idea.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: SEMINAR
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

He seemed overly confident in his own knowledge and intelligence to the point of a limiting cynicism that precluded other valuable pov and led to critical errors in assessment. Brilliant people remain open minded and curious, enjoy seeing things from different perspectives. Ted lacked any of that. Also plays unnecessary games that were concerning.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: ARCH2000
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Ted is best for intrinsically motivated students. Pursue what you're interested in, and he'll be intrigued by your interest. He lets lazy and/or unsure students fall by the wayside. He would be great to talk about architecture with over a cup of coffee, but as his student I was often left frustrated and wanting actual guidance.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: ARCH201
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Cool guy, awful professor. Not present for about 1/4 of classes. Very unclear. Like the Cheshire cat. Seems to speak in riddles. Very good trait for, like, the equivocating narrator of some Shakespearean play. NOT for a professor.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: MANY111
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Be clear about one thing: Ted will not issue any clear formula for "good design." He will offer insight/criticism (and some tangential anecdotes) to help you find yourself as a designer. Don't aim to please him - first pursue what interests you. If he senses you're wrestling with issues and engaged, you'll be fine. Great guy - take his seminar!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: AD3
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Ted is a genius, he really is...the bad comments left on this board a probably from incompetent design students who expect professors to hold their hands and baby them through everything. For many of you that do not know, Ted has taught all over the world including some very now famous architects.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: HUMANAD3
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Ted doesn't lie or pretend -- that makes him worthwhile in my book. His perennial question "why is that a good idea" is an honest one. Helps you get over your bad self, if you take it seriously.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: STUDISECT
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

he is an extremely knowledgeable professor. There are few like him at rpi. however he may not be the best for 1st - 2nd year studios. Really great guy if u get to know him.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ARCH4000
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Not helpful in a Studio Environment!!! Never once got a straight answer from him. Great guy to talk to but not a professor. I can deal with criticism and even pushing myself to produce better work but "you need to start over if you can't make this work" after a month of developing as the second desk-crit that i got from him just made me furious.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ARCH4240
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Seems like a great guy when he's your teacher... then it comes time for your grade. He'll sneeak up on you and nail you with your grade out of nowhere. It's not too pleasant. Also not a very clear guy in what he's looking for; kind of indifferent towards whatever you're doing, and then he'll just agree with whatever your critics say in review.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: RESEARCH
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Ted was one my best teachers. He always finds a way of understanding your research and giving you a world of possibilities. It's too bad that arch undergrads are not ready for criticism and give him such bad reviews. They're not ready for the real world.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: AD3
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Good criticisim if it interests him. It your idea isn't his cup of tea you get pretty much nothing. Not much help to those who are unsure. Great juror. Not so good teacher. Good guy though.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: STUDIO
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

completly unhelpful, very arrogant

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: ARCHSTUDIO
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

sarcastic; disinterested (often absent from studio); unapproachable; antagonistic at reviews. bitter that he has to teach at all and can't just follow his research whims.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: ARCHSTUFF
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Ted is wasted on the undergrads. He can come across as being snooty but is approachable. His book "Mosquitoes" is a refreshing satire on architecture and I reccomend everyone to read it if they are to learn more about Ted. As for his behaviour at reviews, I do think some students need their feathers ruffeled as the school is a little too polite.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: JURYREVIEW
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

so inappropriate, he is surely headed for a lawsuit or dismissal.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: AD3
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Clearly, Ted has contributed to this website (see last comment) since I can't think of any student who would actually say that. Definitely a victim of the "failed architect lashing out on students for fun". Doesn't understand the concept of constructive criticism. Really, he should be ashamed of himself.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: ARCHSTUDIO
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

No Comments

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: ARCH
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

laid back easy going prof. casual teaching style. Be careful the "open end" project could be a trap. He won't push you. If you are self-motivated person, take his class to broaden your idea about architecture and design.