Inspired by Generosity: Alumni John and Dana Hagenah establish new CAPLA scholarship
For John Hagenah, B.Arch. ’76, and his wife, Dana, the impact of a single act of generosity was the inspiration to establish a scholarship at the University of Arizona College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA).
CAPLA Associate Professor Ladd Keith is featured in Research Roundtable: How the Desert Is Shaping Our Future
Ladd Keith, associate professor of Planning and director, Heat Resilience Initiative, was featured in a "Sandstorm" research roundtable exploring how research in the Sonoran Desert can help communities prepare for a more resilient future.
Drachman Institute holds Net Zero Urban Water Workshop in Los Angeles
CAPLA’s Drachman Institute brought together experts from across the Southwest for a two-day workshop focused on advancing Net Zero Urban Water—an approach where cities meet water needs through sustainable, local sources without harming long-term supplies or ecosystems.
Leadership in Full Bloom: Esmeralda Rubi Carrasco ‘26 MLA
Esmeralda Rubi Carrasco, Class of 2026, is pursuing a Master of Landscape Architecture at CAPLA after earning her Doctor of Business from Grand Canyon University. Inspired by her family’s garden center, Ponderosa Cactus, she’s passionate about plant-forward, community-rooted design that honors the Sonoran Desert.
CAPLA professor’s research sheds light on manufactured housing and heat vulnerability
CAPLA Associate Professor Philip Stoker is advancing research on heat resilience with a new study highlighting how residents of mobile and manufactured housing in Arizona’s urban areas face heightened vulnerability to extreme heat due to limited access to vegetation and land ownership.
CAPLA students discover design, culture and history in Italy
Led by faculty member Teresa Rosano, the CAPLA Study Abroad program combined classroom learning with visits to cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Students explored historic and modern architecture, sketched and journaled on site, and immersed themselves in Italian culture.
University of Arizona study unites mine, local community for improvements
CAPLA researchers are leading efforts to ensure community sustainability and equitable growth in Santa Cruz County as part of a university-led, cross-disciplinary study funded by South32.
Shining in SBE: Soleil Lemons ‘26 SBE
Soleil Lemons, Class of 2026, is studying Sustainable Built Environments after transferring into CAPLA her sophomore year. Drawn to planning and design, she’s passionate about creating spaces that are functional, thoughtful, and community-oriented. This summer, Soleil is interning at Yellowstone Landscape, gaining hands-on experience in project coordination and design operations, an experience that has inspired her to pursue a Master’s in Urban Planning and a career as a project manager.
CAPLA Faculty Awarded $250K to Start Heat Consortium
A team led by CAPLA’s Sandra Bernal Cordova, Altaf Engineer, and Ladd Keith aim to develop community-centered solutions to the growing threat of extreme heat.
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.
Architecture Student Helps Reconstruct Ancient Greek History
Architecture student Gene King is helping digitally reconstruct ancient Greek buildings at Mt. Lykaion, Greece, using a mix of classical research and modern tools like AutoCAD. Her work blends design, history, and technology, and has reshaped how she views modern architecture.