Ryan Smith, director of the University of Arizona’s School of Architecture, co-authored a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) report outlining a national strategy to expand offsite construction as a solution to housing affordability and supply challenges. Drawing on global case studies, the report introduces an Offsite Action Plan focused on regulatory reform, innovation and education to accelerate scalable, high-quality housing production.

CAPLA posthumously honors Donald Baker, MRED ’14, as its 2026 Alumnus of the Year, a visionary developer whose influence on Southern Arizona and the university community continues to resonate long after his passing.

In this panel discussion, we will explore the impact of Arizona’s construction defect liability laws on multifamily development, with a particular focus on possible legislative reforms to better balance buyer protections with development costs. While construction defect liability laws provide important protections for buyers, there is a growing concern among researchers and housing advocates that, if overly restrictive, these laws can increase development costs and lower production.

Led by faculty member Brian Bidolli, the CAPLA Study Abroad program “Cities of the Future: Japan” combined classroom learning with site visits in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Students explored smart cities and sustainable urban development through lectures, professional meetings, cultural excursions, and visits to cutting-edge institutions. The program offered an immersive experience that connected theory with practice while deepening students’ global perspective on planning and design.

Inspired by the creativity and drive of CAPLA students, Matt Emory, senior undergraduate academic advisor, is passionate about building meaningful relationships and supporting students in reaching their goals.

The Bachelor of Science in Real Estate comes at a crucial time for the growing real estate industry, which needs a new generation of professionals with a comprehensive understanding of design, urban planning, and real estate finance.

Hunter Pinke '24 graduated with his master's degree in real estate development and was named to the 2024 Academic All-America Second Team by the Intercollegiate Division of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association.

Nearly 180 College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture students honed their interviewing skills and forged valuable connections with potential employers during the 14th annual College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture Job Interview Fair.

Researchers from the UArizona Drachman Institute, along with colleagues from ASU, NAU and the University of New Mexico, will research housing security, climate and health with a focus on Hispanic and underserved communities in the arid Southwest.

Assistant Professor Atticus Jaramillo joined the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture this fall. His research focuses on housing and community development planning, with a particular focus on the housing-health connection.

It is with great sadness that we share that our former colleague Drew Sanderford, associate professor of real estate development and urban planning, passed away in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 31, 2023.

A recent story in MarketWatch asked whether apartment buildings are the “silver bullet” for America’s housing shortage as lawmakers across the country ban single-family zoning. Daniel Kuhlmann, assistant professor of real estate development and planning, helps answer the question.