Find out what it’s like to be a CAPLA student first-hand.
Reach out to any of our student ambassadors, who are glad to answer your questions about the CAPLA experience: working in a studio environment, faculty interaction, living in Tucson and the Sonoran Desert and more.
![Doyin Oduwole](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/2023-11/Doyin-Oduwole.jpg?itok=gItl1MII)
Adedoyin Oduwole
![Doyin Oduwole](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/2023-11/Doyin-Oduwole.jpg?itok=iAXPMbVz)
Adedoyin Oduwole
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.
![Alondra Rodriguez](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/images/people/alondra-rodriguez.jpg?itok=7l5PwYev)
Alondra Rodriguez
![Alondra Rodriguez](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/images/people/alondra-rodriguez.jpg?itok=QvxmtlHE)
Alondra Rodriguez
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."
![Caro Durazo](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/images/people/caro-durazo.jpg?h=8af25990&itok=Fwhanlao)
Caro Durazo
![Caro Durazo](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/images/people/caro-durazo.jpg?itok=yKyIpRF6)
Caro Durazo
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.
![Christine Ufondu](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/images/people/christine-ufondu.jpg?itok=zVuRvQmp)
Christine Ufondu
![Christine Ufondu](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/images/people/christine-ufondu.jpg?itok=WiF6wGcT)
Christine Ufondu
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.
![David Hermosillo](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/2023-08/David-Hermosillo.jpg?itok=MEm9-DUc)
David Hermosillo
![David Hermosillo](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/2023-08/David-Hermosillo.jpg?itok=OP3VuTQ3)
David Hermosillo
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.
![Dillon Tisdale](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/2024-04/Dillon%20Tisdale.jpeg?itok=lQfd1f0i)
Dillon Tisdale
![Dillon Tisdale](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/2024-04/Dillon%20Tisdale.jpeg?itok=zwWqjm6W)
Dillon Tisdale
The CAPLA experience to me, means having a close knit community and family that I can rely on and passionately experience new beginnings.
Originally, I’m from Raleigh, North Carolina and am passionate about everything outdoors. From hiking, working out, running, and swimming I find small hobbies like these helping me everyday. The best thing from my degree at CAPLA is the hands on approach that allows students to participate and learn building techniques that can help us in the future. From model making to working with concrete and wood, these approaches make me the most happy. The most challenging part of my time at CAPLA has been the transition from first year to second. This big leap in my academic career helped push me to better myself and learn new skills. In the coming years, I hope to gain knowledge from my peers and professors and ideally work along them through the close knit internship fair that is provided to us by CAPLA . Beyond school, I enjoy attending the football and basketballs games on campus, volunteering for charities that support families in need, and teaching people of all ages how to swim. A piece of advice I’d give to prospective students is - know how passionate you are about you’re major, UofA allows students to learn and grow within their environment but passion is where growth lives.
![Joshua Russell](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/2023-08/joshua-russell.jpg?itok=sAWt1jG7)
Joshua Russell
![Joshua Russell](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/2023-08/joshua-russell.jpg?itok=iwWgzmeY)
Joshua Russell
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.
![Kyle Fernety](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/2023-08/Kyle-Fernety.jpg?itok=RFOCYDtC)
Kyle Fernety
![Kyle Fernety](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/2023-08/Kyle-Fernety.jpg?itok=eDmd-aI7)
Kyle Fernety
The CAPLA experience to me means engaging with classmates and constantly trying to push yourself to do the best work you can, while still having fun in the process!
I am Kyle Fernety, currently pursuing a Masters of Architecture III (M. Arch III) degree with an expected graduation in 2025. Originally from Salem, Oregon, my passions extend beyond academics to spending quality time with loved ones, skateboarding and playing basketball. I like how open and welcoming the CAPLA community is and our awesome materials lab. My biggest challenge has been finding new ways to improve each semester, trying to keep up with this evolving field. My advice for prospective students is to prioritize your personal well-being as much as you prioritize school! Having a balance is really helpful for success.
![Louis Narcisi](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/images/people/louis-narcisi.jpg?itok=YgDPgQZM)
Louis Narcisi
![Louis Narcisi](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/images/people/louis-narcisi.jpg?itok=VxunWRfV)
Louis Narcisi
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.
![Moe Sibai Franco](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/images/people/moe-sibai-franco.jpg?itok=Nckbe1c2)
Moe Sibai Franco
![Moe Sibai Franco](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/images/people/moe-sibai-franco.jpg?itok=vFLITv6H)
Moe Sibai Franco
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.
![Montse Estrany](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/2024-04/Montse.jpg?itok=S1x8x5Ig)
Montse Estrany
![Montse Estrany](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/2024-04/Montse.jpg?itok=Fdiglai5)
Montse Estrany
My advice to prospective students would be to remember not to take bad comments personally and to learn as much as possible from your classmates. Also, remember to get involved in extracurricular activities that help you disconnect from your studies.
My name is Montse Estrany, and I am an international student from Spain. Being in CAPLA has allowed me to get involved in fields I expected to be related to something other than an architecture degree. What I like the most about my program is the freedom to learn about any architecture-related topic, depending on each student’s interests. My biggest challenge at CAPLA has been adapting to a new way of understanding architecture and merging that with my knowledge from my previous student experiences back in Barcelona. Beyond being a student ambassador, I am also a member of the executive team of the CAPLA International Student Club. However, when I am not in school, I enjoy going on a hike, cooking, playing music, or traveling. My primary career aspiration would be to work in the restoration industry or anything related to building preservation and rehabilitation.
![Ryan Blake](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/2023-11/Ryan-Blake.jpg?itok=WL6ggNZ5)
Ryan Blake
![Ryan Blake](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/2023-11/Ryan-Blake.jpg?itok=DCEDqkxP)
Ryan Blake
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.
![Satti Brown](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/2023-11/Satti-Brown.jpg?itok=XmoxwCfa)
Satti Brown
![Satti Brown](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/2023-11/Satti-Brown.jpg?itok=Lhcbh74k)
Satti Brown
The CAPLA experience, to me, means having the opportunity to surround yourself with distinguished leaders that leave you inspired and sharpened.
Originally from Southern California, I enjoy golfing, spending time in nature, quality moments with family, and volunteering for great causes. What I love about the MRED program being housed within CAPLA is the broader and more practical approach to real estate, offering significant value that translates well into professional practice. At UA and CAPLA, there is a wealth of talent, often showcased through thought-provoking events and supplemental lectures. Despite my 20 years of experience in home building and residential real estate, going back to school has allowed me to learn a ton of new things, polishing my craft and opening up broader possibilities. In addition to being a CAPLA Ambassador, I'm involved in the Eller Golf Club and working on starting an MRED/CAPLA Club. Whether on campus or online, I emphasize the importance of building meaningful connections. Our time here is limited, so being intentional with that time is crucial. The more you enjoy the program, the better you will do.
![Souhayla Farag](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/images/people/souhayla-farag.jpg?itok=RjD_RM4G)
Souhayla Farag
![Souhayla Farag](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/images/people/souhayla-farag.jpg?itok=UKATU1m-)
Souhayla Farag
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.
![Zavier Bizon](/sites/default/files/styles/az_card_image/public/2023-11/ZavierBizon.jpg?itok=GvX1CvOA)
Zavier Bizon
![Zavier Bizon](/sites/default/files/styles/az_modal_image/public/2023-11/ZavierBizon.jpg?itok=70Ch6JaP)
Zavier Bizon
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.