CAPLA Lecturer and Alumni Win 2025 AIA Arizona Ideas Competition
Senior Lecturer in Architecture Oscar Lopez and three CAPLA alumni won first place in the 2025 AIA Arizona Ideas Competition for their proposal “BLOCK UP.” The project reimagines the urban tower as a vertical civic framework for Phoenix, integrating public space, housing and climate-responsive design into a shared, adaptable structure. Developed through close collaboration between Lopez and alumni Sal Arellano, Trevor Watson and Cameron Noble, the proposal explores how density can expand community and access beyond the street level, highlighting CAPLA’s impact on forward-thinking, civic-minded design in Arizona.
Applied Active Transportation Class Aims to Improve Bike and Pedestrian Safety on Campus
A CAPLA studio led by Senior Lecturer Joey Iuliano is turning student interest into action by focusing on improving walking and cycling conditions on campus. In collaboration with Parking & Transportation Services and the Office of Sustainability, students analyze crash data and develop design proposals for key campus corridors to improve safety and connectivity. Inspired in part by last fall’s fatal traffic accident near campus, the course aims to produce practical ideas that could inform future campus planning.
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.
Watch | Inaugural CAPLA Lecture Series featuring Lesley Lokko
CAPLA is proud to announce the launch of the CAPLA Lecture Series, which featured renowned architect, academic, and writer, Professor Lesley Lokko, OBE, RIBA as the inaugural speaker.
Laura Carr Receives AIA/ACSA Practice + Leadership Award for Community-Engaged Design
Laura Carr, senior lecturer in the School of Architecture and co-founder of the Native Peoples Design Coalition, has been honored with the AIA/ACSA Practice + Leadership Award by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA).
Interdisciplinary team named finalists in 2024 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition
An interdisciplinary team of faculty and students from the College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA) and the College of Humanities has been named a finalist in the international 2024 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition.
Class Notes: MG2 Promotes Scott Owen Jr., '11 B.Arch, to Principal
Scott Owen Jr., '11 B.Arch, has been promoted to managing principal of the MG2 Minneapolis office. In his new role, Scott will be responsible for overseeing the programs division of Customer Experiences including leading the Entertainment sector.
Teresa Rosano named winner of the ACSA Distinguished Professor Award
The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) has named Teresa Rosano, assistant professor of practice, the winner of the Distinguished Professor Award.
CAPLA Study Abroad: Magnolia Hilvert ‘25
Magnolia Hilvert ‘25, a College of Humanities student, stepped out of her comfort zone and participated in the CAPLA Study Abroad program last summer.