
CAPLA students reimagine accessible architecture through Universal Design
Bachelor of Architecture students were recognized in the 2024 AGM Universal Design Student Awards for innovative projects that centered empathy, accessibility, and the human experience. Winning designs by Taranm Akbary and Sadey Bowles reimagined inclusive spaces in Bisbee, showcasing how Universal Design can elevate both creativity and community impact.

Lecture Recap | "DUST: Origins" by DUST Architects
DUST architects explored how the American Southwest’s desert landscape inspires their work, shaping memory, creativity, and a deep sense of belonging. Its beauty and isolation offer space for reflection and connection to broader human experiences.

CAPLA Celebrates Heather Henricks Lenkin ’79 B.Arch, 2020-2021 Alumna of the Year
The Arizona Alumni Association has named Heather Henricks Lenkin ’79 B.Arch as its 2020-2021 Alumna of the Year for the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture. Heather was chosen for her outstanding career success, passionate work to protect the world’s cultural resources and unwavering support of the university.

In Memoriam: Richard K. Underwood, CAPLA Friend and Namesake of the Underwood Family Sonoran Landscape Laboratory
UArizona graduate Richard K. Underwood, who passed away on October 3, 2021, was a long-time friend of CAPLA and the university. Through his professional and extracurricular work, Richard and AAA Landscaping (the company he built with his brother Bob in 1975) supported CAPLA in many ways, including the Underwood Family Sonoran Landscape Laboratory.

CAPLA Architecture Senior Lecturer Oscar Lopez and Partner Named 'Young Icons' by Sources for Design Magazine
CAPLA Senior Lecturer in Architecture Oscar Lopez and partner Mihir Bavishi of s p a c e BUREAU have been featured in Sources for Design’s 2021 special issue on "Young Icons: Designs for a New Generation." The profile focuses on their work on Anello, which transforms a vintage Tucson space into a modern dining experience.

Lecture Recap and Video: Courtney Crosson on 'Designing Food Systems in an Urban Desert'
Courtney Crosson is a licensed architect and assistant professor at the University of Arizona, where she teaches classes on water in the built environment and community outreach studios.

‘Performative Environments’ Spark Insight and Activism at International Conference Hosted by UArizona School of Architecture
Though the ARCC 2021 international conference hosted by CAPLA was held during the pandemic—and therefore online instead of on campus as originally planned—the gathering of many of the world’s most provocative built environment researchers was a resounding success.

Harlem Music Academy & Studios: Nikolas Altamura '21 B.Arch
Nikolas Altamura's Harlem Music Academy & Studios, winner of the AIA/School of Architecture Design Excellence highest honor for 2021, builds from the neighborhood's rich musical history to serve low-income, at-risk youth by providing access to expression through a music school proposed for a site in East Harlem.

Lecture Video: Rozana Montiel on 'Something for Nothing'
Rozana Montiel, founder and director of Rozana Montiel | Estudio de Arzquitectura (REA), joins us for the CAPLA Lecture Series on the topic of "Something for Nothing." View the video from Montiel's September 29, 2021 presentation.

Art, Design and Authentic Place: David D. Ortega '77 B.Arch
David D. Ortega, who is from Globe, Arizona and has lived and worked in Scottsdale since 1978, became the first architect and Latino mayor in the country when he was elected the 12th mayor of Scottsdale. He credits his background in architecture with informing his views as a civic leader.

UArizona Architecture Students Design a More Sustainable Tucson Thanks to CAPLA Partnership with GLHN
Since 2017, GLHN Architects & Engineers has sponsored and provided technical advising on four architecture studios designed to craft a more sustainable Tucson by the year 2050. This year, the focus turns to urban food systems.