Ryan Smith co-authors HUD report advancing offsite construction for U.S. housing
Ryan Smith, director of the University of Arizona’s School of Architecture, co-authored a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) report outlining a national strategy to expand offsite construction as a solution to housing affordability and supply challenges. Drawing on global case studies, the report introduces an Offsite Action Plan focused on regulatory reform, innovation and education to accelerate scalable, high-quality housing production.
Lecture Recap | The Cyborg Watershed of the American West | A Jones Studio Grand Challenges Lecture featuring Lauren Bon
An engineered network of waterways flowing west from the Rockies sustains life in one of the hottest regions on Earth, forming a “cyborg watershed” that blends natural systems with human-made infrastructure and regional mythologies. Bon explored this system through her large-scale artworks, examining buried waterways, the complexities of policy and politics, and the pursuit of a civic identity shaped by water rather than boundaries.
Travel scholars embark on transformative study abroad experiences
Announcing the 2025 Travel Scholarship recipients—students who will expand their architectural knowledge through study abroad, reflecting CAPLA's commitment to transformative, real-world learning.
Santa Cruz River moves closer to national designation with guidance from U of A experts
Mackenzie Waller, assistant professor of landscape architecture, leads effort to have portions of the Santa Cruz River added to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wildlife Refuge System.
Learning from the Best: Isabella Cleopatra de Sousa Proulx '25 BLA
Isabella Cleopatra de Sousa Proulx ‘25 BLA recently completed an internship with Universal Studios in Orlando, where she contributed to the highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, opening in May 2025.
CAPLA Study Abroad: Arden Cherry, BLA ‘25
Arden Cherry, BLA '25, traveled abroad with CAPLA to Paris last summer and left with new friends and a new understanding of the world around her.
Lecture Recap | "Building in Place" by Lorcan O'Herlihy
Lorcan O’Herlihy discussed his new book, "Building in Place: Architecture Rooted in Context & Social Equity" and explored LOHA’s methodology driving impactful solutions and strategies for architectural projects developed with social, political, and economic context in mind.
"AIA Architect" | How design adapts to the Sonoran Desert
HK Associates, the architecture firm co-led by Michael Kothke, professor of practice in the School of Architecture, and Kathy Hancox, was recently featured in AIA Architect, the digital publication of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Robin Shambach, B.Arch '85, named CAPLA's Alumna of the Year
Robin Shambach is one of 18 distinguished alumni honored during the University of Arizona’s Alumni of the Year Awards Ceremony on February 27. The award recognizes individuals for their professional achievements, public service, advocacy for education, volunteerism, and contributions to students, their college, and the university.
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.
Exploring Change: CAPLA Students Publish Ninth Installment of [ABouT] Journal
The ninth edition of [ABouT] Journal, [ABouT] CHANGE, was created by CAPLA students to explore change in the Southwest through student projects, interdisciplinary work, and expert insights, while also giving students hands-on experience in publishing and collaboration.