Research-Based Approach to Architecture: Jackie Hogan M.Arch + MS.Arch ‘25

“With both degrees, I feel as though I have the ability to step back from the architectural mindset and see design through a theoretical, more inquisitive viewpoint.”

Jackie Hogan came to CAPLA with her sights set on the M.Arch program, but along the way the MS.Arch degree caught her attention. Hear about how graduating with both degrees has given her a unique perspective and set her up for a fulfilling career doing what she loves. 

1. Why did you choose to pursue an M.Arch + MS.Arch Dual Degree? 

I decided to enroll in the dual degree halfway through the M.Arch program. The M.Arch program was the next step to becoming an architect after I completed my architecture undergraduate degree from a non-accredited program. However, I wanted to challenge myself while pursuing my master’s degree by exploring different layers of the field. 

Throughout my academic journey, I found myself drawn to architectural history, theory and ethics, as it often related to my ongoing interest in social and political topics outside of architecture. Many professors encouraged me to pursue aspects of architecture where research was the main driver of design choices and meaningful response. I always enjoyed the challenge of trying a new research approach and applying findings to a project. 

At that point, my burgeoning interest in research motivated me to pursue the additional degree. I wanted to apply the skills gained from both degrees to my design approaches in practice and encourage myself to continue questioning, learning from and adapting to the ever-changing world around me.

2. What would you say was the most meaningful experience from your time at CAPLA? 

Laura Carr’s studio was extremely meaningful for its thoughtful, extensive approach to community-oriented design. In that studio, we were asked to design for a real community in need of a cultural civic space. I was delighted to speak with members of the Tuba City community, learn about their Indigenous culture and develop a design that would later be implemented for actual use. The combination of professional practice with a strong social and cultural tie was exactly what I wanted to study while in a graduate program. 

I also took a profound interest in the Contemporary History and Theory course, led by Dr. Clare Robinson, who later became my thesis advisor. Her expression of architectural theory and how it translated to physical forms was extremely captivating and solidified my decision to pursue the MS.Arch degree.

3. How was having both degrees benefited your career and approach to design? 

While I am still in the beginning stages of my career, it seems apparent that both degrees establish a well-rounded approach to architecture. The M.Arch degree is quite concentrated on traditional practice, so the addition of a research degree offers a chance to see architecture through a new, often wider lens. 

With both degrees, I feel as though I have the ability to step back from the architectural mindset and see design through a theoretical, more inquisitive viewpoint. I have a perpetual interest in learning every element of architecture, from topics as broad as understanding the philosophies tied to practice and the best methods for effective development, to the reasonings behind certain design choices.

4. In your bio, it mentions that you "bring a research-based approach to Line + Space." Can you expand on what you mean by that? 

Research-based approach, in my opinion, describes design that puts research at the forefront of design decisions. In other words, a strong understanding of social, cultural, environmental and theoretical contexts guide the design, rather than a single formulated idea applied to all projects or designs that are driven entirely on visual appeal. 

I am particularly interested in evidence-based design, where research is continuously studied and applied in tandem with design developments to offer an effective, ever-improving approach over time. So far, I have been fortunate to apply this to small scale research efforts within Line + Space, and have plans to take this approach to a larger scale as it relates to our upcoming projects

5. Who would you recommend the M.Arch + MS.Arch dual degree to? 

The dual degree is an excellent program for students who would like to expand their horizons within the architecture field. While both degrees share some similarities, there are notable differences that can open new opportunities relating to your interests. 

From what I gathered from other MS.Arch students, there is a strong interest in building technology research and applying architectural materials, techniques and sustainability efforts that cannot be explored to as great an extent in a typical M.Arch program. I personally enjoyed the study of various research methods, applications to architecture and expanded discussion of theory and practice.

6. What are your dreams/goals for your career? 

I would like to continue applying research-based design approaches to public projects to provide thoughtful spaces that connect to nature and people alike. I am interested in becoming licensed to understand the inner workings of architecture practice, which could eventually inform future research efforts. My options will be kept open if I choose to lean more towards research and academic work. However, I know I will be satisfied with a variety of opportunities relating to either traditional architecture practice or general research and look forward to where the future will take me.

7. Can you share your thesis with us and/or share something that you're excited to be working on at Line + Space? 

My thesis covered architecture’s role in disaster relief using the Eaton and Palisades Fires and associated responses as a case study. I explored the existing disaster relief system, how architects interact with the system and proposed ways in which architects can provide for their local community in the face of climate-related disasters. My thesis can be found on the UofA Repository, titled “Disaster Relief: Architecture’s Role Within the Emergency Management System.”

At Line + Space, I am excited to work on a few upcoming libraries that I had the pleasure of researching and developing marketing submittals which led to the firm’s selection for the projects. I am currently working on a couple residential projects in Marfa, Texas and Santa Fe, New Mexico and have recently helped complete the programming, planning and conceptual design for a new outdoor museum in Yuma, Arizona.

_{Renders of the residential project in Marfa, Texas}