Professor Steve Sharples graduated with a First in Physics from the University of Nottingham and completed a PhD in wind-induced cooling of buildings at the University of Sheffield, where he eventually became Reader in Architectural Science. He took up the Chair of Environmental Design at Sheffield Hallam University and became Head of the School of Architecture, Technology and Environment at Sheffield Hallam that successfully achieved Part 1 RIBA accreditation. He returned to the University of Sheffield in 2005 as Professor of Environmental Design and Sustainability, and was appointed Deputy Head of the School in 2007.

His teaching has consisted of lectures, studio work, dissertation supervision and project supervision relating to all aspects of building environmental design (thermal performance, climate, lighting, acoustics, energy design and sustainability). He has taught students of Architecture, Architectural Technology, Engineering disciplines, Landscape Architecture and Town Planning at both undergraduate and postgraduate Masters levels.

Professor Sharples research focuses on the sustainable and environmental performance of buildings. He has always predominantly based his research around field studies and laboratory based experimental measurements. The data from these investigations are then used to compare with computer simulation predictions. His early research examined the ways in which building components worked – for example, air flow through building cracks or the daylight performance of atrium roofs. His more recent work has involved large scale consortium projects investing issues related to urban sustainability and the impact of climate change on the built environment. Through Professor's Sharples supervision of many international PhD students it has been possible to carry out projects in many countries, including Bahrain, Iran, Libya, Saudi Arabia and Zambia.