The students, faculty and alumni of the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture comprise a dynamic community.
Meet a few of our students, faculty, staff and alumni who are building a changing world:

Class Notes: MG2 Promotes Scott Owen Jr., '11 B.Arch, to Principal
Scott Owen Jr., '11 B.Arch, has been promoted to managing principal of the MG2 Minneapolis office. In his new role, Scott will be responsible for overseeing the programs division of Customer Experiences including leading the Entertainment sector.

Founding ISAPD: Nathan Becenti ‘25 M.Arch
Nathan Becenti ‘25 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.

Building Inclusive Spaces: Lescilia Panzarella '28 BLA
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.

Guiding a New Era: Kirk Dimond, Landscape Architecture Program Chair and Associate Professor
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.

Anthony Rascon '26, B.Arch | Exploring Themed Entertainment and Architecture
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.

Class of 2024 | Harnessing AI for Architecture
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.

Class of 2024 | Paving Your Own Way
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.

Class of 2024 | Discovering Strength in Adversity
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.

Alumni Spotlight: Ed Marley '82 B.Arch
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 Home: Montse Bover '25 MS. Arch
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.

New Beginnings: Julie Reed, Undergraduate Advising Coordinator
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.

Celebrating the Natural World: Myles Peña, Lecturer in Architecture
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.