Meet CAPLA’s Paul D. Coverdell Fellow: Yamilkal Hernandez Sanchez
Yamilkal Hernandez Sanchez is a first-year MSUP student speaking on his Peace Corps 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.
New Perspective: M.Arch Student Hunter Bentley Interns at Bensonwood
For Hunter Bentley, M.Arch ‘28, a four-day field trip to Boston in February 2026 turned into the starting point for a summer internship that would reshape how he thinks about architecture.
Welcome, New CAPLA Faculty!
We’re excited to welcome several new faculty members to CAPLA this academic year, bringing fresh perspectives, expertise and energy to our community. Join us in welcoming these talented educators and scholars as they contribute to our teaching, research and the future of the built environment.
Amplifying Student Voices: Kristina Currans, MSUP Program Chair
Associate Professor of Urban Planning Kristina Currans is taking on a new role as Master of Science in Urban Planning Program Chair. She has a vision for the program centered around the voices of students and consistency.
Meet CAPLA’s Paul D. Coverdell Fellow: Lyndsey Shafiei
Lyndsey Shafiei, a first-year Master of Architecture student, shares why she joined the Peace Corps and what she hopes to accomplish after earning her M.Arch degree from CAPLA.
Rachel Hink’s BWS Architects Internship Brings Design to CanStruction
Fifth-year B.Arch student Rachel Hink gained hands-on experience in architecture and community engagement through her summer internship with BWS Architects. From contributing to site plans and project meetings to participating in CanStruction, a community outreach event benefiting the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, the experience gave Hink valuable insight into how architecture can serve and strengthen communities.
Strength in Community: Michael Kothke, M.Arch Program Chair
Professor of Practice in Architecture Michael Kothke is the new program chair for the Master of Architecture program. He has a clear vision for the future of the degree, centering about community, understanding and being a powerful force for good.
CAPLA Landscape Architecture programs earn LAAB-Accreditation milestone
CAPLA’s Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program has earned initial accreditation, while its Master of Landscape Architecture program received reaccreditation from the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board. The milestone recognizes the strength of CAPLA’s place-based, interdisciplinary education, outstanding faculty, innovative curriculum and commitment to preparing future landscape architects to address complex environmental and community challenges.
Photovoice Elevates Community Voices on Greenspace and Health
CAPLA faculty, students and researchers joined SCORCH’s Greenspaces and Health Photovoice Study, a participatory project that invited community members to document how parks, trees and other green spaces shape their health and daily lives. The collaboration highlights CAPLA’s interdisciplinary approach to research and design, connecting community voices, public health and the built environment.
Alumna Kaya Orona named 2026 Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree
CAPLA alumna Kaya Orona, B.Arch ’23, has been named one of the Phoenix Business Journal’s 2026 40 Under 40 honorees, recognizing her accomplishments in the construction industry. Now a preconstruction manager at The PENTA Building Group, Orona has built on her architectural education to lead projects at the intersection of design, construction and development.