UA News

The College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at The University of Arizona has been recognized as one of the top design schools in the country.

Out of more than 120 accredited design schools surveyed, DesignIntelligence magazine ranked the UA's undergraduate program in architecture as the nation's 12^th best. The rankings include both public and private universities.

Janice Cervelli, dean of the college, attributes the rankings to the achievements by UA alumni in the marketplace, the quality of UA faculty and students and the student-centered nature of the architecture program.

"Everyone with the college is thrilled about this because it really validates the work that they do," said Cervelli. "This represents a growing recognition of the accomplishments of our alumni."

DesignIntelligence is an annual publication released by the Design Futures Council. It researches and ranks accredited U.S. schools that offer degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, interior design and industrial design. The magazine collected data from more than 300 firms across the country, with a primary focus on determining which schools produce the most prepared and qualified graduates. Other criteria for rankings include evaluating student skills in construction methods, materials planning, design principles and environmental considerations.

One area of excellence where the college, known as CALA, is gaining added recognition is in sustainability.

"Many design schools are jumping on sustainability as a hot topic and we have an advantage because we have been at the forefront of sustainable design for four decades," said Cervelli.

Cervelli's goal is for CALA to be known as the "premier sustainable design program in the world."

CALA has a long tradition of preparing students for the challenges of professional practice. Its foundation has been fashioned from its respect for the characteristics of place and its involvement with communities. The Sonoran setting of the university offers CALA students and faculty inspiration and guidance in the study of delicate and unique environments worldwide.

As one of only two architecture programs in the state of Arizona, Cervelli says the rankings are a tremendous asset to recent alumni and students preparing to enter the marketplace. "In this current economic environment, our students need every advantage they can get," said Cervelli. "Theses ranking say to employers that any person with a UA diploma is a desirable person to be hired."

She also says being recognized as one of the nation's leading architecture programs allows CALA to recruit better students and faculty.