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USC School of Architecture
We shape visionary architects and designers through a rigorous, interdisciplinary education.
Situated in the dynamic urban fabric of Los Angeles, we offer an interdisciplinary, innovative environment where students engage with world-renowned faculty and industry leaders. Our commitment to sustainability and equity equips graduates to transform the built environment, impacting communities locally and globally.
Our PROGRAMS
Our interdisciplinary education fosters innovation and social responsibility through hands-on learning, multidisciplinary studies, and real-world projects. Students gain the skills to lead and transform the built environment.
Latest NEWS
10/15/2026USC ARCHITECTURE UNVEILS JURY AND AWARDS FOR SHADELA SHADE ZONES COMPETITION
The USC School of Architecture is proud to announce the jury for the Shade Zones Design Competition, an annual program of ShadeLA that challenges student designers to envision innovative shade and cooling solutions for Los Angeles.Launched last year, the competition is co-organized by the USC School of Architecture and USC Dornsife Public Exchange. The 2026/27 design competition is in collaboration with the County of Los Angeles and challenges students to design permanent shade structures that can be deployed along the lower L.A. River to protect Angelenos from extreme heat.The jury, composed of 11 distinguished members from public agencies, community organizations,...
10/12/2026FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: KATY BARKAN ON HOW HER PRACTICE BRIDGES THE SPECULATIVE AND THE EVERYDAY
Katy Barkan, founding principal of Now Here and recipient of the Rome Prize in Architecture, joined the USC School of Architecture faculty as assistant professor this fall.Barkan earned her B.A. in comparative...
10/02/2026USC ARCHITECTURE CELEBRATES SCHOLARS AND THE DONORS WHO MAKE THEIR EDUCATION POSSIBLE
The USC School of Architecture held its annual Celebration of Scholars on Tuesday, September 29, at the 1923 Club overlooking the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.The evening celebrated USC Architecture’s scholarship recipients...
9/30/2026FACULTY LECTURE SERIES: SCOTT URIU ON DESIGN DURING WARTIME
USC Adjunct Associate Professor Scott Uriu presented “Design During Wartime” as part of the USC School of Architecture Faculty Lecture Series on Sept. 30. An accompanying exhibit of his work is on...
9/29/2026LAWRENCE SCARPA, FAIA, IS THE 2026 MAYBECK AWARD RECIPIENT
Congratulations to USC Architecture Adjunct Professor Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA, who has been named the 2026 Maybeck Award recipient, the highest design award the AIA California bestows on an individual architect.AIA California praised...
Recent News
9/28/2026
RETHINKING WHAT URBAN RIVER RESTORATION CAN LOOK LIKE
9/23/2026MA YANSONG SHARES THE VISION BEHIND THE DESIGN OF THE LUCAS MUSEUM AT USC
9/21/2026SHADE ZONES DESIGN COMPETITION UNDERWAY FOR SECOND YEAR
9/14/2026!MELK FOUNDER JERRY VAN EYCK LECTURES ON DESIGNING WHAT WE REMEMBER
9/11/2026FACULTY LECTURE SERIES: JOSE HERRASTI AND FERNANDA OPPERMANN DISCUSS THEIR WORK AT MUTUO
8/28/2026USC ARCHITECTURE ANNOUNCES FALL 2026 PUBLIC PROGRAMMING
Upcoming EVENTS
10/16/2026Expanded Borders | Fronteras Expandidas
10/20/2026Hyperpractice Los Angeles
10/23/2026Graduate Programs Open House
10/26/2026Global Week
10/26/2026Marina Tabassum
10/26/2026Architecture/MAARS Virtual Graduate Info Session
10/27/2026Heritage Conservation Virtual Graduate Info Session
10/28/2026Landscape Architecture Virtual Graduate Info Session
Vibrant LIVES
Beyond design studios and other classes, there is much going on at the School, including student events, lectures, exhibitions, global travel opportunities and workshops. The School is a constant hive of activity and invention, and the closely knit architecture community progresses our ideals into the future built environment.
” When I chose Heritage Conservation at USC, I knew I wanted to continue studying the built environment in a way that highlights the importance of existing structures and the people who use and love them. “
— Sam Malnati ‘25
” I appreciated being gently pushed into making contacts through USC’s unmatched professional network. Architecture has opened up possibilities rather than narrowed them. “
— David Wright ‘25
” I have loved being a part of the immersive studio culture at USC; I find the conversations I’ve had in these spaces insightful, inspiring, and special. It’s so important to stay inspired by seeing other ways of making and thinking. ”
— Jack Somers ‘25
” USC’s faculty, and urban proximity allowed me to truly discover the city I grew up in through the sense of the built environment and sparked a love for design that has only gotten stronger every year. ”
— Justin Kaczender ‘25
” I chose USC Architecture because of its unique location—close to the ocean, forests, and deserts which gave me the chance to explore many kinds of landscapes. With the support and encouragement of my professors, I spent time traveling and observing these environments. Those experiences deepened my curiosity about the relationship between nature and architecture.”
— Ellykira Chai ‘25
See Our PROJECTS
Discover student and faculty work that showcases our rigorous thinking process, creativity, and commitment to social responsibility. Be inspired by how we approach and solve complex architectural challenges.
Quick FACTS
SCHOOL
106
Years since the school’s founding in 1919
#1
Ranked by students as the best college for Architecture in America by NICHE 2025
4
Distinct disciplines: Architecture, Landscape Architecture + Urbanism, Building Science & Heritage Convservation
STUDENTS
677
Full-time Students | 32 countries | 34 US States
25%
Of students are first generation
76%
Receive scholarships or financial aid
22%
Are International students from 32 countries
FACULTY
100+
Faculty
6:1
Student to faculty ratio
+$2m
In research grants awarded to faculty in 2025-26
ALUMNI
7K
Alumni living in 49 countries & the US
30
Alumni & Guild Events throughout the year
2
Pritzker Prize Winners – Frank Gehry USC’54 and Thom Mayne USC’69
Download our Facts Sheet to explore our innovative programs, vibrant student culture, and the unparalleled opportunities awaiting you at our school.
View our Viewbook for a glance at the USC School of Architecture.
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