
Ladd Keith named 2025 Western Planner of the Year
The Western Planner organization has named CAPLA Associate Professor Ladd Keith its 2025 Planner of the Year, honoring his pioneering leadership in climate-responsive planning and community resilience across the American West.

CAPLA Professor’s SunLink Research to be Published in Harvard Law & Policy Review
A new study co-led by CAPLA’s Arthur C. Nelson and the City of Tucson’s Daniel Lawlor finds that the Sun Link streetcar has reshaped Tucson’s growth, economy, and equity since its 2014 launch, driving major real estate investment, population growth, and city revenue gains. The research, to be published in the Harvard Law & Policy Review, highlights the streetcar as a national model for successful urban transit planning.

CAPLA Study Abroad: Arden Cherry, BLA ‘25
Arden Cherry, BLA '25, traveled abroad with CAPLA to Paris last summer and left with new friends and a new understanding of the world around her.

Lecture Recap | "Building in Place" by Lorcan O'Herlihy
Lorcan O’Herlihy discussed his new book, "Building in Place: Architecture Rooted in Context & Social Equity" and explored LOHA’s methodology driving impactful solutions and strategies for architectural projects developed with social, political, and economic context in mind.

"AIA Architect" | How design adapts to the Sonoran Desert
HK Associates, the architecture firm co-led by Michael Kothke, professor of practice in the School of Architecture, and Kathy Hancox, was recently featured in AIA Architect, the digital publication of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Robin Shambach, B.Arch '85, named CAPLA's Alumna of the Year
Robin Shambach is one of 18 distinguished alumni honored during the University of Arizona’s Alumni of the Year Awards Ceremony on February 27. The award recognizes individuals for their professional achievements, public service, advocacy for education, volunteerism, and contributions to students, their college, and the university.

Exploring Change: CAPLA Students Publish Ninth Installment of [ABouT] Journal
The ninth edition of [ABouT] Journal, [ABouT] CHANGE, was created by CAPLA students to explore change in the Southwest through student projects, interdisciplinary work, and expert insights, while also giving students hands-on experience in publishing and collaboration.

Watch | "The Search" | Lecture by Daniel Toole
Architecture begins with an idea—one strong enough to endure the journey from concept to reality. In his lecture, Daniel Toole reflects on his studio’s first five years, exploring projects across the western landscape, from the Pacific Northwest to Joshua Tree, and recent housing work that navigates growing urban constraints.

Watch | Inaugural CAPLA Lecture Series featuring Lesley Lokko
CAPLA is proud to announce the launch of the CAPLA Lecture Series, which featured renowned architect, academic, and writer, Professor Lesley Lokko, OBE, RIBA as the inaugural speaker.

Laura Carr Receives AIA/ACSA Practice + Leadership Award for Community-Engaged Design
Laura Carr, senior lecturer in the School of Architecture and co-founder of the Native Peoples Design Coalition, has been honored with the AIA/ACSA Practice + Leadership Award by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA).

Class Notes: MG2 Promotes Scott Owen Jr., '11 B.Arch, to Principal
Scott Owen Jr., '11 B.Arch, has been promoted to managing principal of the MG2 Minneapolis office. In his new role, Scott will be responsible for overseeing the programs division of Customer Experiences including leading the Entertainment sector.