Ask Student Ambassadors

The CAPLA experience is about community engagement. It is a space that fosters cultural and academic diversity that creates a vibrant setting for learning and personal growth.

I am from Lagos, Nigeria, and I am passionate about painting, pottery, and photography, with interests in basketball, soccer, and exploring new cultures. In my CAPLA degree program, I value the freedom to unleash creativity and develop innovative designs, fostering a supportive environment that feels like a second family. Balancing personal life, academics, and extracurriculars has been a challenge, but improved organizational skills have made it more manageable. Career-wise, I aspire to become a licensed architect with a real estate and marketing background, aiming for global work while contributing to Nigeria. Beyond being a student ambassador, I'm involved with WEB, AIAS as the Mentorship Coordinator, and Zonazoo. My advice to prospective students: stay open-minded, expand knowledge and skills, build strong relationships, and actively participate in extracurriculars for a well-rounded experience.

Connect with Adedoyin

For me, the CAPLA experience consists of becoming a part of a community where you learn from each other and bond through each other's struggles and successes.

I am from Casa Grande, Arizona, and I enjoy different forms of art and reading in my spare time. I appreciate the opportunities that come with studying architecture at CAPLA, from the lectures and activities to the classes and the study abroad programs. One of the challenges I have experienced during my time at CAPLA is perfectionism—going back to improve something that need not be improved, rather than moving forward. My goals after graduation are to become licensed in architecture, work in architectural and interior design and use this to help improve the world around me. My advice to prospective students comes from Roy Bennett: "Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end."

CONNECT WITH ALONDRA

The CAPLA experience to me means being a part of a family and support system.

I am from Nogales, Arizona, and beyond architecture, I like to craft anything, plus I have other hobbies like photography, drawing and playing tennis. What I like best about CAPLA is all the opportunities it offers, as well as the studio spaces. My degree offers a creative outlet for me to use every day. My biggest challenge has been to keep my nerves down throughout the semester when it comes to projects and other assignments. My goal goal for after graduation is to work in an architecture/construction firm. My advice for prospective students is to persevere through the hard times, and manage your time and make sure to take some of that time for yourself.

Connect with Caro

The CAPLA experience has not only taught me the skills and knowledge for an aspiring architect, but has also given me the opportunity to create lasting friendships and connections with my colleagues and instructors around me.

I am all the way from Cedar Falls, Iowa! Outside of architecture (and besides spending countless hours on TikTok), I like photography and taking pictures of cool moments in nature, and I enjoy hiking as well and getting into nature. I appreciate the Bachelor of Architecture program here at CAPLA because of the freedom I am given to create projects that explore my own interests in architecture. CAPLA provides me all the tools and resources necessary, which I am grateful for. My biggest challenge being an architecture student has been time management and making sure that all of my work is completed on time, to which I utilize a planner to organize assignments. I am hopeful to receive an internship this upcoming summer, but the last six summers I have spent lifeguarding between my hometown’s pool and waterpark. My ultimate career goal is to hopefully run my own firm as a registered architect. My advice to prospective students is to reach out and get involved. For me personally, I am involved in the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) organization and CAPLA Ambassadors, of course. CAPLA has so many opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities and clubs and is such an easy way to make friends who will help push you to succeed!

Connect with Carter

The CAPLA experience is filled with collaboration within a close-knit community working to create and design.

Alongside architecture, I am passionate about other forms of design: taking photos, painting and curating beauty in life through horticulture. The diversity of courses and the CAPLA community are my favorite aspects of studying architecture. Trying to prioritize between classes and my personal life, but with patience and concentrating on time management, I was able to curate a schedule that works for me. I have worked with photographers who collaborate with artists which enabled me to appreciate various aspects of design. This background is something I would like to incorporate with architecture. My career aspiration is to work as an architect whilst exhibiting built work through photography. My advice to prospective students is to come in open-minded, be willing to try various things and draw inspiration from preceding work.

Learn more about Christine Ufondu.

Connect with Christine

The CAPLA experience to me is being a part of an environment that welcomes creativity and collaboration amongst one another.

I'm David Hermosillo, on track to graduate with a Bachelor of Architecture in 2025. I am currently working as an intern for DESA (Dave E. Shambach Architects) located here in Tucson, Arizona. My goals upon graduation are to continue to work within the architecture field and complete the requirements to become a licensed Architect. Originally I am from Surprise, Arizona, and beyond my academic life I enjoy spending time with loved ones and engaging in outdoor activities, like running and hiking. What I enjoy most about CAPLA is the environment that is created by the students and faculty. CAPLA is very collaborative and friendly, which allows ideas to flow freely amongst one another. The biggest challenge I have faced at CAPLA is learning to manage my time correctly. It was difficult in the first couple of years of architecture school, but it is something that I have progressed at throughout my time at CAPLA. My advice for prospective CAPLA students is to try and collaborate with your peers and much as possible, don't be afraid to ask classmates for their opinions or input on projects. Oftentimes you will find yourself stuck and a simple question to a classmate can be the solution.

Connect with David

The CAPLA experience for me means a collaborative classroom environment that allows students to grow and be inspired by each other's ideas in their pursuit of becoming an architect.

I was born in Landstuhl, Germany, and mostly grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. Aside from architecture, my hobbies include cinematic videography, listening to music and socializing with friends. The studio environment is my favorite thing when it comes to CAPLA, as I've been able to connect with so many more individuals who are striving for the same goal, despite the differences in where we are from or how we got here. The biggest challenge I have faced during my time here at CAPLA was in my first and second years, as I had to readjust my previous procrastination tendencies from high school and learn how to properly manage my time in order to complete a project. The lessons I've learned throughout my years in CAPLA so far are things that I've been able to translate into the real world, such as how to manage my time, how to work with a team and how to present myself in a professional manner. My goal after I graduate is to earn my NCARB Certification and become a licensed architect. One piece of advice for prospective students is to never stop learning. There is always room for improvement in every aspect of life, so observe and learn from those who may have a different perspective than you. 

Connect with Joshua

CAPLA is a place of learning like no other—the teachers and students within CAPLA along with the culture have made this place a second home to me. The architecture work that I do inside of CAPLA is preparing me for real-world experiences and I am building relationships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

I was born and raised in Elmhurst, Illinois, which is one of the many western suburbs of Chicago. I love to golf, draw, fish and do pretty much anything that involves being outdoors or socializing with new people. One of my favorite parts of CAPLA and my architecture degree is the collaborative work environment that has been created through various studio spaces. These spaces provide a great working environment where students can work either individually or within a group. My biggest challenge within CAPLA so far has been adapting to the drafting programs and rendering programs that were unfamiliar to me previously. I was able to overcome this by working with my teachers and peers to learn these programs as efficiently as possible. CAPLA has taught me skills like this along with other skills, such as time management and professionalism. My goal is to become a licensed architect in Illinois after I graduate and I plan to specialize in residential housing. My advice for new students is to always stick with it: architecture school is a process and it is important to work diligently, keeping your eyes on your personal goals, even when it might be hard to.

Connect with Louis

CAPLA is like my other home, and the people here are like my other family, which makes the architecture and our work more enjoyable and fun.

I am from Beirut, Lebanon, though I was born in Los Angeles, California. Aside from architecture, I enjoy activities like hiking and cheerleading. I was a part of the University of Arizona Cheerleader team. What I like about CAPLA is that the students help and support each other, whether with our questions or if we are struggling. I like that CAPLA is open 24/7, so you can do work in the studio anytime you want with full access to the Materials Lab. Architecture is my favorite thing to do, but time management has been a challenge, especially with my full-time job. The way I resolved it is by going to school during the day and then working at night in emergency roadside assistance. That has worked well for me. My ultimate career goal is to be a successful architect and also to work on commercial and residential buildings in different places. The advice I have for other students is to read a lot about architecture and understand it; architecture is not only building, it's also about the concept and understanding the reason behind each building.

Connect with Moe

The CAPLA experience combines collaboration, education, and experiences which are propelling me toward a successful future in architecture. Lasting friendships and connections are easily made because of the close, supportive community created within its walls. 

I am from Phoenix, Arizona. Beyond earning my degree in architecture, I enjoy photography, outdoor activities such as hiking and sports, spending time with friends and family, and watching my favorite sports teams. What I enjoy most about CAPLA are the opportunities to think out of the box and be creative. CAPLA offers the space, tools, and resources that allow students the opportunity to be innovative and creative on a daily basis. I appreciate the many opportunities to collaborate with fellow students as we learn from each other. My biggest challenge at CAPLA is remembering to care for myself and not work so hard on projects that I forget to eat or sleep. I am currently interning with an architectural design firm in Phoenix. This experience has both complemented and enhanced my education. My goal upon graduation is to become a registered architect and run my own architectural design firm. Besides being a student ambassador, I am also currently involved with the NOMAS club, ASAC, and attend most Wildcat sporting events as an active ZonaZoo member. My advice for prospective students is to keep pursuing your passions. Come with an open mind and willingness to work hard, and you will find success. The faculty and fellow students of CAPLA are here for you.

Connect with Ryan

For me, the CAPLA experience is about the closeness of our community. You’ll always be able to find someone to help you or to have a laugh with.

I am from Cairo, Egypt, and beyond architecture, I enjoy watching shows and movies, playing the piano and swimming. What I love about CAPLA and the B.Arch program is how collaborative everyone is. It was really easy to form a community within our studio. My biggest challenge has been managing my time both to not procrastinate about my academic work and finding time to take care of myself. There are many internship opportunities presented to us at CAPLA and I’m looking forward to applying for internships soon. Ultimately, I hope get my architecture license and specialize in residential architecture. I hope to use my architecture degree for good and work on low-income housing. My advice to prospective students is to manage your time wisely. It is easy to fall behind when you do not expect it. It’s also important to have some time to yourself outside of architecture school.

Connect with Souhayla

CAPLA has allowed me to develop my architectural skill set within an innovative environment. Over the past four years, I have acquired a growing baseline of knowledge that has kept my keen interest in architecture satisfied.

Born and raised in Arizona, it was natural to choose the University of Arizona not only because it's in my home state but also for its nationally renowned facilities. I greatly appreciate the access to the robust material lab, which has allowed me to explore hands-on solutions I wouldn't have encountered otherwise.Putting myself through university as a financially independent person has been a significant challenge on top of the rigorous expectations within the program. However, I believe this experience has helped to ground my idealisms in reality and approach things with a practical mindset. Attending the school has also opened up opportunities beyond the university, such as an internship at Durazo Construction, providing practical knowledge about the construction industry. Beyond school and work, I spend my limited free time playing guitar, reading, playing video games, and watching a variety of shows. As for advice to prospective students, time management and self-discipline are essential for success not only within the undergraduate program but also later in life.

Connect with Zavier