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Three men pose for a photo during the Big Idea Challenge.

Faculty-led, student-powered research advances heat and health innovation

Third-year B.Arch student Brett Lewis earned first place in the poster competition at the 2026 Big Idea Challenge Research Showcase for his work on a climate-responsive cooling unit developed in CAPLA’s Human Factors and Wellness class. M.Arch student Nick Yang also received fully funded National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (I-Corps+) training, reflecting the growing impact of faculty-led, student-powered research at CAPLA.

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Daniel Toole_Joshua Tree House 4

Watch | "The Search" | Lecture by Daniel Toole

Architecture begins with an idea—one strong enough to endure the journey from concept to reality. In his lecture, Daniel Toole reflects on his studio’s first five years, exploring projects across the western landscape, from the Pacific Northwest to Joshua Tree, and recent housing work that navigates growing urban constraints.

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Nathan Becenti

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.

  

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