Student, Faculty & Alumni Profiles

Nathan Becenti ‘24 M.Arch is the founding president of the Indigenous Society of Architecture, Planning and Design (ISAPD) at CAPLA, where he champions Indigenous representation in architecture. Originally from Tohatchi on the Navajo Nation in Northern New Mexico, he earned his undergraduate degree from UNLV before gaining hands-on experience in high-profile Las Vegas projects.

Lescilia Panzarella '28 BLA is a first-generation college student and active leader at CAPLA, serving as vice president and secretary of the Indigenous Society of Architecture, Planning and Design, where she fosters Indigenous voices in modern design and pursues her passion for sustainable public housing and city planning.

Kirk Dimond, associate professor of Landscape Architecture, was recently named program chair for the landscape architecture program at CAPLA. Hear about his background in the field and vision for the future.

Bachelor of Architecture undergraduate student Anthony Rascon shares how CAPLA has helped him explore themed entertainment design, leading to an internship with Universal Creative in Orlando. With a unique blend of architecture and immersive arts, he emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary learning and advises future students to embrace diverse experiences within their studies.

Masters of Science in Architecture graduate Asif Zeshan feels that the architecture community is due for a transformation to keep up with emerging technology. The MS.Arch program provided him the opportunity to dive into research on the topic, bringing his passions to life.

Emma Hughes came to CAPLA from Phoenix and found the BLA program amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear about her CAPLA experience as part of the first BLA graduating class this May.

Hunter Pinke '24 graduated with his master's degree in real estate development and was named to the 2024 Academic All-America Second Team by the Intercollegiate Division of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association.

Alumnus Edward Marley, FAIA, '82 B.Arch was elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows -- the institute's highest membership honor -- for his significant contributions to the profession and society and for exemplifying architectural excellence.

Inspired by stories shared by family in Spain, Montse Bover dreams of diving into the intricacies of the relationship between farmhouses and society. CAPLA’s Masters of Science in Architecture program gave her the flexibility and resources she needed to take her education to the next level.

Julie Reed, CAPLA's new undergraduate advising coordinator, emphasizes utilizing available resources and seeking guidance when needed for student success. With a background in academic advising, she brings strong support and a passion for creativity and sustainability to the college community.

Myles Peña, Lecturer in Architecture at CAPLA, finds inspiration in celebrating nature's beauty within design. With a background in various architectural realms, he now focuses on teaching young minds, sharing his expertise in design principles and technical components.

Adedoyin Oduwole, a Bachelor of Architecture student at the University of Arizona, envisions using architecture for social change by creating dignified housing for low-income individuals in Nigeria. She emphasizes CAPLA's diverse and supportive community, overcoming challenges through time management, and her passion for residential designs addressing homelessness.