Celebrating the Class of 2026: Anselmo Vinhas B.Arch ‘26

“CAPLA felt like more than just a school. It became a place where I grew, created, struggled, laughed, built strong friendships and found opportunities that helped me begin my professional career.”

2026 Graduate Anselmo Vinhas took a moment to reflect on his time at CAPLA, where he blossomed into the talented architect he is today.

1. What was your favorite project?

Choosing a favorite project is difficult because each one taught me something different, but if I had to choose one, it would be my final project about improving informal settlements in Africa, specifically in Angola. 

The project explored how architecture can respond to real social and housing challenges through 3D-printed housing solutions, locally sourced materials and design strategies that are affordable, sustainable and connected to the community. This project was meaningful to me because it connected my education at CAPLA with my home country and with the kind of impact I hope to make in the future.

2. What's your favorite memory from your time at CAPLA?

My favorite memories from CAPLA are spending nights working with friends, being under the wooden garden at CAPLA while looking at the water and traveling to San Francisco with Professor Eduardo Guerrero. 

Another important memory was the CAPLA 2025 Job Fair, which helped me connect with BWS Architects and eventually get a job as an architectural intern. 

Those moments made CAPLA feel like more than just a school. It became a place where I grew, created, struggled, laughed, built strong friendships and found opportunities that helped me begin my professional career.

3. If you were involved in extracurriculars, tell me about them? 

Outside of the studio, I spent a lot of time exploring design, 3D modeling, rendering and 3D printing. I enjoy creating new things and experimenting with how digital tools can become physical objects. These interests continue to shape the kind of designer I want to become.

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4. What's something you'll miss about CAPLA?

I will miss spending time with friends and being part of the CAPLA environment. When I was at CAPLA, I was simply a student, and for a long time that was the main world I knew. I will miss the school projects, the late nights, the studio culture and, strangely enough, even the deadlines. They pushed me to keep improving and to do better work.

5. What's next for you after graduation?

After graduation, I am looking for professional opportunities where I can gain more experience in the United States. At the same time, I am also working on my own ideas and trying to open a business back home. My goal is to continue growing as a designer while building something that can eventually create opportunities and have an impact beyond myself.

6. What's something you learned from CAPLA that you will never forget? 

CAPLA taught me many things that I will never forget. I learned how to be more professional, meet deadlines, manage my time, communicate ideas clearly and keep improving a project even when I thought it was finished. 

Most importantly, CAPLA taught me that design is not just about making something look good. It is about solving problems, understanding people, responding to place and creating work with purpose.

7. Are there any classes you especially enjoyed or professors that you especially enjoyed working with? Why? 

I really enjoyed working with Susannah Dickinson. I know some people may have a different impression of her, but to me she is an amazing designer and professor. She pushes students to keep improving their work until it becomes much stronger, and I learned a lot from that process.

I also enjoyed working with Eduardo Guerrero, Clare Robinson, Laura Carr, Omar Youssef, Michael Kothke, Oscar Lopez and Teresa Rosano. I think sometimes students see professors as tough, but I believe they are simply trying to bring out the best in us. I am thankful for the support I received from all my professors at CAPLA. I enjoyed many of my classes and learned something valuable from each of them, although I will admit history was not always my favorite!