CAPLA Landscape Architecture programs earn LAAB-Accreditation milestone
The LAAB-site visit team met with faculty, students, alumni and staff in March 2026.
The University of Arizona College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA) has reached a significant milestone as its Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) program earned initial accreditation and its Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program received reaccreditation from the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB).
The achievement recognizes the strength of CAPLA's landscape architecture education while reaffirming the college's commitment to preparing future professionals to address complex environmental, ecological and community challenges through design.
Kirk Dimond, chair of the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture programs, presents in front of the LAAB-accreditation site visit team in March 2026.
The LAAB visiting team praised CAPLA’s programs for their place-based education in the Sonoran Desert, outstanding faculty, strong research enterprise, innovative curriculum and commitment to service learning. The team also highlighted CAPLA’s interdisciplinary environment, excellent facilities and extensive network of alumni and industry partners as defining strengths.
The visiting team included:
- Eric Bardenhagen, director of landscape architecture, University of Delaware
- Katya Crawford, professor of landscape architecture, University of New Mexico
- Ashley Steffens, associate dean of academic affairs, University of Georgia
- Tom Ryan, principal, Ryan Associates
“This accreditation reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, students and alumni, who have worked together to build programs that prepare graduates to lead in practice, research and community engagement,” said Lauri Macmillan Johnson, director of the School of Landscape Architecture and Planning. “We’re especially proud to celebrate the initial accreditation of our Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program alongside the continued excellence of our master’s program.”
The MLA program has maintained continuous accreditation for decades and was reaccredited without recommendations affecting its accreditation status. The BLA’s initial accreditation marks an important milestone for a program that was reintroduced following approval from the Arizona Board of Regents. The program welcomed its first class in 2020 and celebrated its inaugural graduating cohort in spring 2024.
The visiting team also recognized CAPLA’s commitment to student success through advising, mentorship and professional opportunities. Students gain hands-on experience through service-learning projects, community collaborations across Arizona, internships, research and partnerships with professionals in the field. Nearly all MLA graduates secure employment in public or private practice, while BLA students are building professional experience through internships as the program continues to grow.
Located within a Research 1, land-grant university, CAPLA offers students an interdisciplinary education grounded in the built environment and shaped by the unique opportunities and challenges of the Sonoran Desert.
