Expanding Professional Opportunities: Daniel Kuhlmann, MRED Program Chair

“I have a lot of goals! I’d like to continue overseeing the role out of our new BSRE program and formalize our ties with the real estate industry. I’d also like to explore how we can expand professional opportunities for students through mentoring and student internship opportunities.”

Associate Professor of Real Estate Planning and Development Daniel Kuhlmann was recently appointed the Master of Real Estate Development Program Chair. He shared how he wants to guide the program in the years to come.

1. What got you into your practice area? 

I’ve been interested in how planners interact with real estate professionals. I received my PhD in Urban and Regional Planning from Cornell University, where I studied urban planning, urban economics, sociology and real estate. 

2. What brought you to CAPLA and the U of A?

I was attracted to the real estate program here as it sits in a college that touches on all aspects of the built environment. I see myself as an interdisciplinary researcher, and the program here closely aligns with how I approach real estate development and planning. 

3. Are you currently practicing in the field?

As a researcher.

4. What are you teaching this upcoming semester, and what do you most enjoy about teaching?

I’m teaching one course in our BSRE program and one in our MRED. I love teaching at both levels as it forces me to think about how students with levels of experience engage with the material. 

5. As the new program chair, what are your goals and what can students expect?

I have a lot of goals! I’d like to continue overseeing the role out of our new BSRE program and formalize our ties with the real estate industry. I’d also like to explore how we can expand professional opportunities for students through mentoring and student internship opportunities.

6. What makes your program unique/special? How would you describe the community within your program?

I think our approach to real estate is very unique, and matches the interdisciplinary nature of CAPLA. To be successful in real estate, one needs to understand aspects of finance, regulations, environmental sustainability, design, economics and law. Our programs touch on all of these subjects in a really unique way. 

7. What advice do you have for students?

Show up, be curious, ask questions and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. 

8. Beyond teaching, what are your passions?

I love getting outside and exploring southern Arizona on my bike.