CAPLA alumni find their success in the world of design and far beyond. Read all about them.

Everything is Cumulative: Ryan Meeks '05 B.Arch
Ryan Meeks, a 2005 graduate of the Bachelor of Architecture program who grew up in Tucson and now lives in Denver, is the founder of Bosk, an urban design and architecture firm. In this interview, he offers keen insight on his B.Arch experience, lessons learned from his capstone project, what it means to start his own design firm, the best career advice he has received and more.

Celebrating William Brown ’66 B.Arch, 2023 CAPLA Alumnus of the Year
In honor of his remarkable career and his dedicated support, the Arizona Alumni Association is proud to name William Brown the 2023 Alumnus of the Year for the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture. Read more about Brown's legacy in this profile.

The Transformative Career of a Lifelong Explorer: R. Brooks Jeffery ’83 B.Arch, Professor Emeritus of Architecture
Though Emeritus Professor of Architecture R. Brooks Jeffery retired from UArizona in June 2022 as associate vice president for research, at CAPLA he will be long acclaimed for his dedicated work across many roles, including associate dean and Drachman Institute director—as well for his wide-reaching service and award-winning research on heritage conservation in arid environments.

Imagination is the Most Powerful Tool: Kevin Kudo-King '95 B.Arch
Kevin Kudo-King, a 1995 graduate of the B.Arch program, is the principal/owner of internationally renowned design firm Olson Kundig in Seattle. In this profile, he discusses his path through and beyond architecture school, offers insight for current design students, shares the collaborative process used by his design firm as well as a recent favorite project and shares how his inspirations and passions shape his design outlook.

The Power of Relationships: A Conversation with Kay Olsen Brown ’90 M.Arch, ’83 B.Arch
After a full and rewarding architecture career that spans marketing, facilities, project management and corporate relations, CAPLA Director of Alumni Relations and Community Engagement Kay Olsen Brown has retired. Before she rode off into the sunset, Brown shared stories about her career, her experience at CAPLA and more.

From Guarding the Coast to Guarding Community Equity: Forest Replogle ’16 MS Planning
Forest Replogle, a transportation planner with the Mid-Region Council of Governments Metropolitan Planning Organization in Albuquerque, New Mexico, graduated from the UArizona MS Planning degree after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, an experience that helped him think about "how the built environment affects health, wealth and ecology."

Retail Design Innovator Richard Altuna ’74 B.Arch Honored through CAPLA Endowed Scholarship
Richy Altuna, who graduated from the Bachelor of Architecture program in 1974 and went on to become a renowned consumer experience designer for many of the world's most iconic retail stores, passed away in June 2021. His family and friends have established the Richard “Richy” Eugene Altuna Endowed Scholarship to support CAPLA undergraduate students.

The Right Tools for the Job: Georgia Pennington ’19 BS SBE, ’20 MS Urban Planning
Georgia Pennington, who is originally from Kansas City, Missouri, came to UArizona to study sustainability. While in the BS in Sustainable Built Environments program, she found herself most drawn to the urban planning courses, so then enrolled in the MS Urban Planning accelerated master’s program option. Upon graduation, she accepted a planning job with the City of Tucson.

No Building Left Behind: Dan Heinfeld ’75 B.Arch
Though Dan Heinfeld knew from a young age that he wanted to become an architect, he couldn’t have known in eighth grade—when he wrote a class paper on the profession—that his career pursuit would not only change his life but also change the design industry itself. As president of LPA, he’s done just that.

CAPLA Celebrates Heather Henricks Lenkin ’79 B.Arch, 2020-2021 Alumna of the Year
The Arizona Alumni Association has named Heather Henricks Lenkin ’79 B.Arch as its 2020-2021 Alumna of the Year for the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture. Heather was chosen for her outstanding career success, passionate work to protect the world’s cultural resources and unwavering support of the university.

Art, Design and Authentic Place: David D. Ortega '77 B.Arch
David D. Ortega, who is from Globe, Arizona and has lived and worked in Scottsdale since 1978, became the first architect and Latino mayor in the country when he was elected the 12th mayor of Scottsdale. He credits his background in architecture with informing his views as a civic leader.

Advice for Aspiring Architects (from an Aspiring Architect): Gustavo Antonio Noriega ’20 B.Arch
Gustavo Antonio Noriega, who grew up in Sinaloa, Mexico, East Los Angeles and Tucson, graduated from UArizona at the height of the pandemic and following a sudden switch to online courses. In this interview, he offers advice to those just starting out in the architecture program, as well as those looking for their first jobs as they prepare for graduation.