Ryan Smith, Director, School of Architecture, and Professor of Architecture
Welcome to the School of Architecture.
When I went to school at the University of Arizona over 20 years ago, I learned to design, research, question and seek answers to the most pressing challenges of the contemporary architecture. Today, the School of Architecture continues that tradition through our professional and research degree offerings that address issues of arid lands sustainability and socially just design specific to the diverse landscape and peoples of the Sonoran region.
Architectural education is unlike any other college experience. You will make lifelong friendships, discover your creativity, foster social and environmental values, learn to manage your time and embark on a fulfilling career trajectory. The professional programs of B.Arch and M.Arch degrees are NAAB accredited and emphasize professional design and technical competency. The University of Arizona School of Architecture provides hands-on making through the Materials Labs and the Models Lab. As part of a Research I university, we emphasize research in relation to the design and construction industry. The last stage of our Bachelor of Architecture degree, the Research + Innovation stage, coaches students in developing a research trajectory; our Master of Science in Architecture is an innovative degree in applied research.
Students are the heart of the School of Architecture. Student representatives sit on school governing committees, including the Architecture Student Advisory Committee (ASAC) and we have six student organizations that are formative in our ever-developing school culture. We also have an excellent student advising and recruiting team. Don’t hesitate to call on us if we may be of service.
Ryan E. Smith
Director, School of Architecture
Professor of Architecture
ryanesmith@arizona.edu