
Leading Women in Architecture Society: Pele Kruse ‘26 B.Arch
Pele Kruse, Class of 2026, is earning her Bachelor of Architecture as the first Samoan student in the program. Passionate about sustainable, community-focused design, she’s dedicated to uplifting underrepresented communities through architecture. As president of the Women in Architecture Society and a standout in studio projects, Pele is preparing to return home and help shape the future of architecture in American Samoa.

Clare Robinson and Kelly Eitzen Smith honored with 2025 Darryl B. Dobras Awards
Clare Robinson and Kelly Eitzen Smith are the 2025 recipients of the Darryl B. Dobras Awards for Excellence. Robinson was recognized for her leadership in the School of Architecture, while Eitzen Smith was honored for her work supporting accreditation and assessment in the School of Landscape Architecture and Planning.

Unveiling Innovations: ISIE Scholars Symposium Explores New Frontiers in Expo Research
The College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, in collaboration with the Institute for the Study of International Expositions (ISIE), is hosting the 3rd annual ISIE Scholars Symposium: “New Voices in Expo Research” focusing on new research of younger scholars.

Stephen Buchmann on 'Sonoran Desert Bees: Nesting Requirements & Husbandry Methods'
In this CAPLA Lecture Series lecture, Dr. Buchmann discusses some of the common native bees of the Sonoran desert, detailing their lifestyles and behaviors. He finishes the talk by highlighting some Tucson area bee nesting habitats and by discussing what landscape architects and homeowners can do to provide nesting sites and nesting materials for them.

Drachman Institute Director Courtney Crosson Earns ACSA Honorable Mention
The Association for Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) has awarded Drachman Institute Director and Associate Professor Courtney Crosson with a Practice + Leadership Honorable Mention for the Relocalize Our Food project.

CAPLA Bids Farewell to Angie Smith
The CAPLA community bids farewell to Angie Smith, the director of development, whose time with CAPLA was marked by immense growth, collaboration, and numerous achievements in fundraising efforts for the College.

CAPLA Seed Grant Funds Inclusive Public Spaces Research
CAPLA Research Seed Grant funding is supporting research focused on community engagement processes that are more inclusive for designing public spaces, such as parks and plazas.

In the News: Dr. Seth Okyere
Dr. Seth Okyere, a visiting assistant professor of Urban Planning and CAPLA Emerging Faculty Fellow, was interviewed by WalletHub for the "Best State Capitals to Live In' article.

Activism Through Architecture: Adedoyin Oduwole ‘26 B.Arch
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.

Lecture Recap and Video: Teo Wickland on 'Automobile Supremacism'
In this CAPLA Lecture Series lecture, Teo Wickland presents on the complex power dynamics that exist in a society built around the automobile. He touches on resource consumption; supremacist hierarchies; and collective subsidies, and closes with reflections on possibilities for transforming transportation.

Gina '99 and August Benzien '96 named CAPLA 'Alumni of the Year'
The College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture is proud to acknowledge August and Gina Benzien as the 2023-2024 Alumni of the Year. The Benziens are among 15 alumni chosen from across the University of Arizona who will be honored during the Alumni of the Year Awards Ceremony on February 22.