Keep up with the latest happenings in the School of Architecture.
Scroll down to see our latest rankings and awards, news and headlines and upcoming events:
Awards
CAPLA Alumnus Edward Marley Honored for National and International Leadership
Alumnus Edward Marley, FAIA, B.Arch ’82, received CAPLA’s Distinguished Service Award and FCARM Presidential Medal for advancing architectural licensure, leadership, and education, including renegotiating the North American Tri-National Agreement.
CAPLA's Ryan Smith Elected to National Academy of Construction
Ryan Smith, director of CAPLA’s School of Architecture, was elected to the National Academy of Construction Class of 2026 for leadership in offsite construction.
CAPLA Lecturer and Alumni Win 2025 AIA Arizona Ideas Competition
Senior Lecturer in Architecture Oscar Lopez and three CAPLA alumni won first place in the 2025 AIA Arizona Ideas Competition for their proposal “BLOCK UP.” The project reimagines the urban tower as a vertical civic framework for Phoenix, integrating public space, housing and climate-responsive design into a shared, adaptable structure. Developed through close collaboration between Lopez and alumni Sal Arellano, Trevor Watson and Cameron Noble, the proposal explores how density can expand community and access beyond the street level, highlighting CAPLA’s impact on forward-thinking, civic-minded design in Arizona.
Finding a Sense of Place: Javi Barcelo’s City Immersion Scholarship Journey to Mexico City
For Javi Barcelo, B.Arch ’27, architecture is deeply connected to place, culture and community. His City Immersion Scholarship gave him the opportunity to explore those connections firsthand in Mexico City, an experience that ultimately helped shape the direction of his capstone project.
A Love Letter to the U of A: Laura Vertes Designs the Wildcat Welcome Center
For many, the journey to becoming a Wildcat begins before they ever set foot in a classroom. It might start with a campus tour, a conversation with a student ambassador or a glimpse of Old Main. The Wildcat Welcome Center opened on Wednesday, Sept. 9, and has officially become a cornerstone of that experience.
Powerhouse: The Engaged Regionalism of Judith Chafee’s Architecture
Powerhouse: The Engaged Regionalism of Judith Chafee’s Architecture explores the visionary work of architect Judith Chafee and her approach to integrating art, architecture, culture and environmental stewardship in the Southwest.