CAPLA alumna Kaya Orona, B.Arch ’23, has been named one of the Phoenix Business Journal’s 2026 40 Under 40 honorees, recognizing her accomplishments in the construction industry. Now a preconstruction manager at The PENTA Building Group, Orona has built on her architectural education to lead projects at the intersection of design, construction and development.
Nathan Becenti ‘25 M.Arch founded CAPLA’s ISAPD chapter, mentored Indigenous students, and now works at Line and Space, empowering future architects.
Alumnus Edward Marley, FAIA, B.Arch ’82, received CAPLA’s Distinguished Service Award and FCARM Presidential Medal for advancing architectural licensure, leadership, and education, including renegotiating the North American Tri-National Agreement.
Bradley Wheeler, B.Arch ’87, built a career that extends far beyond traditional architectural practice, embracing opportunities in architectural photography, writing and marketing while remaining grounded in his design education.
Jackie Hogan (’25 M.Arch + MS.Arch) is a dual-degree graduate of CAPLA whose work bridges architectural practice and research-driven design. Drawn to architectural history, theory and ethics, she pursued the M.Arch + MS.Arch dual degree to explore how research can shape meaningful design decisions. During her time at CAPLA, she engaged in community-centered design through Laura Carr’s studio working with the Tuba City community and completed a thesis examining architecture’s role in disaster relief and climate-related emergencies. Now working at Line + Space, Hogan brings an evidence-based approach to projects, applying research to create thoughtful spaces that connect people, culture and the environment.
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.
Alumnus Edward Marley, FAIA, '82 B.Arch was elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows -- the institute's highest membership honor -- for his significant contributions to the profession and society and for exemplifying architectural excellence.
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.
Ryan Meeks, a 2005 graduate of the Bachelor of Architecture program who grew up in Tucson and now lives in Denver, is the founder of Bosk, an urban design and architecture firm. In this interview, he offers keen insight on his B.Arch experience, lessons learned from his capstone project, what it means to start his own design firm, the best career advice he has received and more.
In honor of his remarkable career and his dedicated support, the Arizona Alumni Association is proud to name William Brown the 2023 Alumnus of the Year for the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture. Read more about Brown's legacy in this profile.
Though Emeritus Professor of Architecture R. Brooks Jeffery retired from UArizona in June 2022 as associate vice president for research, at CAPLA he will be long acclaimed for his dedicated work across many roles, including associate dean and Drachman Institute director—as well for his wide-reaching service and award-winning research on heritage conservation in arid environments.
Kevin Kudo-King, a 1995 graduate of the B.Arch program, is the principal/owner of internationally renowned design firm Olson Kundig in Seattle. In this profile, he discusses his path through and beyond architecture school, offers insight for current design students, shares the collaborative process used by his design firm as well as a recent favorite project and shares how his inspirations and passions shape his design outlook.