At CAPLA my experience has been transformative. I received the tools, guidance and skills needed to tackle the challenges of the future.

I am from Nogales, Arizona, by the Mexican border, and I enjoy being outdoors whether it be ranching, building or exploring new places and learning more about the world around us. I enjoy documenting these journeys, by sharing my passions for construction, real estate and sustainability through my company: @builtwithsustainability. The greatest thing for me about CAPLA is the individuals, as many love design and truly want to make the world a better place. Ultimately I think CAPLA does an amazing job of bringing real global world issues to the table and asking how we can help. My biggest challenge has always been stepping out of my comfort zone and truly embracing my cultural identity. Because of the people at CAPLA, I have gained the understanding, confidence and desire to become the greatest version of myself, as we all have our own story. I have over 13 years of professional construction experience, mostly in project management due to my family's firm here in Southern Arizona established in 1999. However, I have always been involved in volunteering with nonprofit organizations where I see the most change in my community. I plan to continue my studies in sustainable buildings in order to bring awareness about healthier communities globally, so that one day I hope to make a difference in solving world hunger through my designs and ideas. My advice for prospective students is: If you find that the built environment attracts your attention, ask yourself why and explore those reasons. Those answers can help you determine in what way you can contribute to society. Ultimately follow your heart and know that life is a marathon, not a race. 

Connect with Tiburcio

For me the CAPLA experience is about thinking as an individual, which is especially important when studying abroad.

I am from Shijiazhuang City in Hebei, China, and enjoy creating conceptual sketches by hand. I also love to watch comedies and talk shows. Currently I am the president of the CAPLA International Students Club. I graduated from the BS in Sustainable Built Environments in May 2020 and now am in the MS Urban Planning program. What I like best about CAPLA is the accessibility to faculty and staff who are ready to provide help when you need it. My biggest challenges as an international student have been the language and cultural barriers. From a career perspective, I've held two summer internships in China, the first in urban planning and the second in architectural design. My advice to students is that it's okay to be straightforward if you have questions or concerns. As an international student, try not to be too quiet during class discussion, as getting involved is significant for the learning process.

Connect with Longhao

To me, the CAPLA experience means that I get to work closely with likeminded peers who are passionate about preserving our environment and serving our community.

I am from Cave Creek, Arizona. I serve as the program assistant for the University of Arizona’s chapter of the University Climate Change Coalition and am also the Associated Students of the University of Arizona’s senator representing CAPLA. When I am not doing schoolwork, you can find me on top of Mount Lemmon reading or writing poetry, listening to music that’s a little too loud or visiting my favorite local coffee shops with friends. My favorite part about CAPLA is that it is a great community that supports the success and mental health of all students. I also love how much CAPLA emphasizes the importance of sustainability and community within our designs and practices; it shows that through our dedication, positive change is possible. After graduation, I aspire to become a transportation planner to develop more sustainable and equitable solutions to public transportation and urban street design. The best advice I have for prospective students is to put yourself out there! The University of Arizona is such a supportive community and there are so many people within and outside of CAPLA who want to help you succeed.

Connect with Lauren

For me, the CAPLA experience is finding a balance between challenging myself in core areas, while still taking time to explore new topics and skillsets that I find interesting.

I was born and raised in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and chose UArizona specifically for CAPLA and it was such a great decision. My favorite part of CAPLA is the small class sizes, I really feel like I have gotten to know the majority of my fellow students and it also has helped me garner amazing relationships with my educators, as well. It’s nice because, obviously, the university is massive, which was a little overwhelming at first, but being a part of CAPLA has allowed me to find such a strong community within UArizona. The courses can be rigorous, so having peers and mentors to go through it with you is really helpful. I was able to curate my experience at CAPLA to my specific interests and I really enjoy that about the SBE program. I was able to apply my knowledge in an internship after completing my junior year, when I worked as a sustainability intern for the commercial spaceflight company Virgin Galactic. Upon graduation, I will complete another internship for Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas. My end goal is to obtain my Master of Architecture. I would love to join a company where I can combine my love of sustainability with my love of design. Outside of school, I really love traveling. I have done a lot of road trips over the years with my friends and have made a lot of amazing memories. Arizona is so beautiful, so it doesn’t take long to travel somewhere cool. My advice to prospective students is to try to take as many opportunities as you can and explore all of your interests—you might surprise yourself by finding a new passion. Regardless, it will really help you make the best of your undergrad experience!

Connect with Suzanne

The CAPLA experience means being able to have a close connection with faculty, staff and colleagues to learn from and motivate each other to strive for greatness.

I am from Sierra Vista, Arizona, and besides architecture I love to play tennis, go on hikes and enjoy the company of others. I also love the closeness between students at CAPLA, not only in my individual year but also different years and majors across the entire college. Though I have not had any job experience yet, I have attended the CAPLA Job Interview Fair and through that am looking forward to an architecture internship this summer. My career goals are to attain enough knowledge and skills to become a licensed architect and help improve the lives of people's everyday interactions through architectural practice. My advice to future students is to become engaged in clubs and activities around the university and not be afraid to speak up and ask for help, because I assure you, you are not the only one struggling.

Connect with Lydia

The CAPLA experience for me is being able to build my creative and professional self in working with sustainability in order to help build a better future for all.

I am originally from Nogales, Arizona, but moved to Tucson when I was five. I really love spending time in nature with my favorite people. Though I don't hike as much as I did in high school, I still hike with friends when I can, and also do yoga to relax from the stress college can bring. I like visiting museums around town, too. The best thing about CAPLA is the amount of support I have received from faculty and staff. Also, the ability to study design in all its practical senses with a main focus on sustainability, which is one of my greatest passions! I have done two internships while at the University of Arizona, both with the School of Geography and Development—the first with the experimental agrivoltaic garden at Manzo Elementary and the second working with the local manufactured housing community, including Habitat for Humanity. My career goals include being able to work in Tucson to aid the city's revitalization, to create a sustainable Tucson. I would also like to travel and work in other cities to share my ideas and what I've learned in my time here. My advice to new students is to remember to enjoy yourself during your college years. College does not have to be all work and no play! Be sure to get involved—it will make your experience so much more rewarding.

Connect with Myriam