The CAPLA Student Experience
As rewarding as it is rigorous.
At College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, you'll find the tight-knit, supportive community you need to thrive.
Though you may join us at CAPLA because you want to become an architect, designer, landscape architect, real estate developer, urban planner or sustainability manager, you'll find much more to the student experience than just classes and career prep.
As a small college in a large Research 1 university, we offer a unique, collaborative and hands-on environment for learning how to plan, develop, design and create a more sustainable future. Are you ready to build a changing world?
At CAPLA, you feel like you are part of something bigger than yourself, which encourages you to be the best version of yourself.
Emma Nakpairat '24 BLA
Design Your Experience
No matter your major or your areas of interest, you'll be sure to find a club that suits your needs. CAPLA's student organizations facilitate cross-disciplinary activities, provide leadership for greater student involvement in service projects, organize an array of events and work with professional affiliates on local projects and networking.
Our world-class Materials Lab allows students to explore, model, fabricate and test design ideas in a state-of-the-art environment with equipment accommodating a wide range of materials, including metal, wood, concrete, ceramics, glass and plastics. With CNC tools, the labs support digital as well as analog fabrication.
We think you’ll agree that Tucson—a quirky, authentic community that is the multicultural heart of the Sonoran Desert—is the coolest desert city in the world. Named one of the 12 best places to live by Outside magazine because of our striking natural setting, Tucson is not easily defined but is easily loved.
Design Reviews: Inside the Critique Process for CAPLA Students
Reviews and critiques are an essential component of the design thinking and learning process for many CAPLA students. We've put together a series of videos from students and faculty that will help you learn about the importance of critiques, what they look like, how to prepare, tips for after a critique and how reviews have been adapted for a post-pandemic world.
CAPLA Student Profiles
Meet a few of CAPLA's students by viewing their student profiles. You'll find a rich mix of backgrounds and experiences create a diverse and dynamic student community:
Charting Architectural Horizons: Jack Schulman '24 B.Arch
Bachelor of Architecture student Jack Schulman began an enriching journey at CAPLA, drawing inspiration from fostering sustainable urban environments. Recently, he proudly became a part of the 2023 UArizona Homecoming Court, highlighting his commitment to both campus and community life.
The Sky is the Limit: Tiara Stephen '24 MSUP
Master of Science in Urban Planning student Tiara Stephen came to Tucson from Brooklyn to explore the Desert Southwest and work at the University of Arizona. Not long after, she joined the MSUP program, furthering her passions for affordable housing and community access.
Solving Pressing Problems: Oscar Rodriguez Ponce '24 MLA, '22 BS SBE
Master of Landscape Architecture student and Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Built Environments alumnus Oscar Rodriguez Ponce was born in Navajoa, Sonora, Mexico, but brew up in Nogales, Sonora. In 2017 he moved to Rio Rico, Arizona, and has lived in Arizona ever since.
CAPLA Student Work
View a sampling of the design work and class projects created by CAPLA students:
Museum of the All Souls Procession: Merle Weisshaupt '26 B.Arch
The architecture of Tucson's Museum of the All Souls Procession serves as a daily reminder of multicultural strength, bridging past and future. The museum's design embodies the procession, uniting history and modernity with weathered steel and wood, mirroring the cyclical renewal of tradition.
UArizona Master of Landscape Architecture Student Wins ASLA Arizona Student Award of Excellence
The Ephemeral Essence of Plant + Place, a habitat garden designed for a community park by Krista Planinac '23 MLA, has been selected for the AzASLA Student Award of Excellence, which recognizes outstanding academic achievement.
Sonoran Birds and Climate Change: UArizona Landscape Architecture Students Work with Community to Design Urban Bird Habitats
In a collaborative effort between students in CAPLA’s Master of Landscape Architecture program and key community organizations, the recent Sonoran Birds + Climate Change studio led by Mackenzie Waller took on the task of reimagining a small neighborhood park in Tucson.
Additional Resources for CAPLA Students
ADVISING
The four academic advisors of the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture meet with students to discuss questions regarding admissions, degree requirements, career planning and more.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Students from nearly 30 countries across the globe find a welcoming home at the CAPLA. Learn more about international student advising and other international student services offered through UArizona, meet a few of our international students and alumni, and check out the CAPLA International Students Club.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Need funding for college? Want an important new line item for your resume? Want to study abroad, travel or visit a firm? CAPLA has money and we're giving it away.
INTERNSHIPS & EXTERNSHIPS
Preparing students for fulfilling careers after graduation is a priority at CAPLA, and internships and externships are two excellent ways to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting.
Ask a Student About Their CAPLA Experience
Find out what it’s like to be a CAPLA student first-hand. Reach out to any of our student ambassadors, who are glad to answer your questions about the studio experience, faculty interaction, student life and more: