About CAPLA
Building a better world through exceptional teaching, research and service.
At the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, we are solving the grand challenges of the built environment.
With the Sonoran Desert as our laboratory—in courses offered on campus and online—students learn to plan, develop, design and build innovative places that endure.
CAPLA is comprised of the School of Architecture and School of Landscape Architecture and Planning, which together offer undergraduate degrees in architecture, landscape architecture and sustainable built environments; master's degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, real estate development and urban planning; and graduate certificates in heritage conservation and real estate development. Additionally, the Drachman Institute fosters interdisciplinary research on the built environment while enhancing the student experience and supporting communities.
For more than 65 years, the School of Architecture offered immersive and engaging academic programs such as the Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, and Master of Science in Architecture.
The School of Landscape Architecture and Planning prepares students for a career in developing healthful, livable and meaningful places through undergraduate degrees in landscape architecture, sustainable built environments and master's degrees in real estate development and urban planning.
The Drachman Institute bridges community needs and CAPLA’s knowledge and expertise to advance equity, resilience, connection and belonging across the built environment.
CAPLA by the Numbers
CAPLA is a dynamic community of diverse students, faculty, staff and alumni with a passion for building a changing world. Learn more about CAPLA by viewing some of our latest numbers—from our rankings to our programs to our community.
Nancy Pollock-Ellwand, who joined CAPLA as dean and professor of landscape architecture in 2017, has a broad background in design with degrees in landscape architecture, architecture and planning.
In addition to Dean Nancy Pollock-Ellwand, CAPLA leadership includes the members of her operations team—school directors, associate and assistant deans and other directors—and the leadership of the CAPLA Council of Faculty Members and Staff Advisory Council.
The CAPLA Futures Council is a multi-perspective advisory body to the CAPLA dean. It is through the lens of this group of luminaries from the academy, practice, industry and government that we seek a regular and productive exchange to identify the grand challenges of the built environment.
Launched in January 2024, the CAPLA Strategic Plan is comprised of values, aspirations, objectives and initiatives designed to guide the college's direction under Dean Nancy Pollock-Ellwand. Our Vision: Building a Better World.
CAPLA's facilities are state-of-the-art, featuring bright, spacious studio space, powerful computer facilities, a world-class Materials Lab and the incredible Underwood Family Sonoran Landscape Laboratory.
CAPLA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion at all levels of the college. In realization of the CAPLA Strategic Plan and in response to advocacy by students, alumni, faculty and staff, we commit to measures to advance EDI and are tracking our progress here.
2024 CAPLA Annual Report
Resilience
The last year has been transformational for the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, bringing new perspectives, challenges and opportunities. Learn more in our annual report: