A Force to be Reckoned With: Francisco Zazueta ‘26 B.Arch

7 Questions with Bachelor of Architecture Student Francisco Zazueta

Francisco Zazueta, a fifth-year architecture student, was recently awarded the 2025 Presidential Citation by the AIA Southern Arizona Chapter for his work as president of the AIA Student Chapter at CAPLA. 

AIA Southern Arizona President Laura Vertes described him as “simply a force to be reckoned with.”

“I chose Francisco Zazueta to receive a 2025 Presidential Citation for his persistent optimism and passion for the profession of architecture,” Vertes said. “During my tenure as president, Francisco brought his positive energy and creativity to every board meeting, looking for opportunities to strengthen the connection between the professional community and CAPLA.” 

Zazueta shared about what his time at CAPLA has been like and how the experience has transformed him.

1. What Inspired you to purse a B.Arch degree? 

I originally came to architecture for what I would now call selfish reasons. I wanted a profession that would allow me to bring my ideas into the physical world. After meeting a practicing architect, I realized that architecture was not only a creative discipline, but also a way to shape how people live, gather and experience their environment.

Now, as I approach graduation, my motivation has deepened. I want to become a registered architect because I believe the built environment has the power to positively influence communities. Through architecture, I hope to contribute to more just, thoughtful and resilient places, and to use design as a tool to serve the people and contexts I work with.

2. What has been the most rewarding part of your journey at CAPLA so far? What are you most proud of accomplishing in your time at the college?

I have been incredibly fortunate to be deeply involved in student leadership throughout my time at CAPLA, and that involvement has shaped some of the most meaningful parts of my experience. I am especially proud of three accomplishments.

First, during my time as President of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS), I helped launch the NOMAS Workshop Series. These workshops created space for students to build technical skills in software and tools that directly support success in the program.

Second, in my final semester with NOMAS, I led the process of officially registering and chartering our chapter, allowing us to become nationally recognized by our parent organization, NOMA. This was an important milestone for our students and for CAPLA.

Finally, I am honored to have received the 2025 Presidential Citation from the AIA Southern Arizona Chapter. This recognition belongs just as much to the incredible AIAS team as it does to me. Their trust, collaboration, and commitment made it possible for us to accomplish so much together, and we still have one more semester to build on that momentum.

3. What was it like winning the 2025 Presidential Citation from the AIA Southern Arizona Chapter? What does that recognition mean to you?

It was an amazing experience. When I attended the awards ceremony, I had no idea I was going to receive this recognition. As Laura Vertes, the past president of the chapter, began reading the description of the recipient, I remember thinking, “Wow, this person sounds so dedicated to the profession. I really want to know who it is.” Then, to my surprise, it was me. It was both surreal and incredibly funny to experience something like that.

Also, this award represents the result of my dedication to staying involved and helping my community better understand and engage with the profession of architecture.

4. Have there been any faculty members who have had a big impact on you? What made them stand out?

All of my studio professors over the past five years have had a lasting impact on me, some in positive ways, some in challenging ways, but all of them have shaped how I think and design.

The two professors I especially want to thank are David Brubaker and Teresa Rosano. 

David led my studio during the NREL Solar Decathlon, and his dedication to passive house design and rigorous teaching helped two teams earn Honorable Mentions during the final phase of the competition. My team was recognized for designing a net zero energy commercial building that served its community through health and wellness facilities, which was an incredibly meaningful experience.

Teresa has been a mentor to me in many ways. From my foundation year, to predesign, to working with her as a TA, and now as faculty advisor for the AIAS chapter, she has consistently supported my growth. She is a professor who is willing to share her professional experience while also lifting others toward success.

Teresa and David, if you read this, thank you!

5. Can you tell me about being president of the AIA Student Chapter at CAPLA? What have you accomplished in that role? What have you learned?

As AIAS President, I have had the opportunity to create events where students and professionals can meet, have meaningful conversations, and begin building mentorship relationships. Architecture is collaborative by nature, and creating these moments ensures that learning extends beyond the classroom and into the profession.

One of our biggest accomplishments this fall was our “Fill the Bus!” initiative. The goal was to bring a full bus of students to the AIA Arizona State Conference in Scottsdale. Historically, participation had been low, so we developed a focused outreach and marketing effort. We posted information across CAPLA, visited studios to personally invite students, held short information sessions in foundation studios and helped students secure free or discounted tickets.

In the end, we filled the bus and even had additional students attend using their own transportation. The strong student presence made a noticeable impact at the conference, and many professionals commented on how impressed they were by the level of engagement this year.

6. What are your plans/goals for your future career?

My primary goal is to become a licensed architect. After that, I believe the sky is the limit.

7. What advice would you give to prospective students considering CAPLA or the B.Arch program?

I would say, stop considering it and apply! 

CAPLA is a great place to study architecture and the many other disciplines it offers. Once you are here, get involved. There are so many opportunities to grow and make a lasting impact on the CAPLA community, and your vision and creativity will always be welcomed.