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The jury was unanimous on this selection. The analysis of place, people and expression of the traditional modes of living in the final design were strongly expressed. The quality of light in the design for the interior of the exterior private garden was well noted. Spaces feel very honoring of culture, climate, and site. We thoroughly enjoyed the analysis.

Lovely solution that feels appropriate and considered. We loved the model and the play of light that results from the layering of spaces.

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Honorable Mention: Sam Goecke, Kersten Ellsworth, Anna Liisa Cheshire ARC 909

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Honorable Mention: Sam Goecke, Kersten Ellsworth, Anna Liisa Cheshire ARC 909

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The jury noted this project for its great depth of analysis to inform the architectural solution. We enjoyed the story telling and the consideration of the actual user in the space. The siting of the school and its form embraces the natural topography making the finger canyon the central focus.

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Jury Notes: This project stood out for the jury for its stunning depth of study and analysis of a decaying building type. Thorough analysis of site, existing conditions, typology, history and community. Ambitious in scale and ambitiously laid out on two pages. The depth of analysis was foretold by the graphic design, where one had to get up close to read and take in all the data. Enjoyed the opening of the space to the outside, as illustrated in section demonstrating how the building was being re-imagined in form, use and in service of community.

I really appreciated how this project addressed a project type that is becoming extinct in our communities: The enclosed mall. I like how they repurposed the space and carved the exterior to allow light in and developed new uses for the space. I can see this concept being applied in many cities across the country.

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The jury noted the project evokes beautiful light. The composition references Barrigan, Glenstone Museum, and Holl sketches, but is still original and compelling. Good progression of concept, early studies appear to have influenced and further developed in the final design.

Loved the study of different varieties of light – not in only words, in images that illustrated the topic. Especially strong was the interplay of building and water as shown in the Tidal Light series of vignettes. The Glimpse 1 – framed horizon was particularly captivating, the illustration of how reflected light plays off of the water’s surface and combines with sunlight to create a unique, and ever changing, experience of light. I can imagine the dance of the reflected light on the smooth surfaces, and an aliveness being added to the experience of inhabitation.

This project felt like I was looking at a Tadao Ando project. The way the spaces were designed to bounce the light within the structure made me feel like I wanted to experience the space.

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Winner: Taranm Akbary, Jayani Natarajan, Caitlyn Friend, Nam Duong, Emmeline Ink

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Winner: Taranm Akbary, Jayani Natarajan, Caitlyn Friend, Nam Duong, Emmeline Ink

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The Desert Seam

Jury Notes: Quadplex Housing: The jury was very impressed by the overall graphic quality and consistency of the presentation. The axonometric drawings were particularly strong and communicated the project clearly while reinforcing the architectural concept. For a group project, the work felt remarkably cohesive, with a unified visual language and strong attention to detail across scales. The proposal balanced atmosphere, technical thinking, and presentation craft in a compelling way.

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Instructor: Jack Rodat

Jury Comments: The jury appreciated the tectonics and use of materials. Simple forms paid particular attention to wind and sun. The jury also appreciated the toughtful use of rammed earth as both a textural and insulative material.

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Honorable Mention: Kate Schweinberg - ARC 201

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Honorable Mention: Kate Schweinberg - ARC 201

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Instructor: Christopher Domin

Jury Comments: The jury selected this project for a number of reasons. The shadow caster – section light study is very strong. Being a desert dweller, seeing how shade is provided throughout the year, very thoughtful and well studied, especially for 2nd year. Design was the only one to clearly preserve the existing structure, and the structural expression evoked Rietveldt, as in the Rietveldt-Schroder house.

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Spring 2026

Instructor: Jonathan Bean

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Taranm Akbary, Jayani Natarajan, Caitlyn Friend, Nam Duong, Emmeline Ink

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Taranm Akbary, Jayani Natarajan, Caitlyn Friend, Nam Duong, Emmeline Ink

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The Desert Seam

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Rethinking the Spaces of Drought, Desertification and Democracy

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Rethinking the Spaces of Drought, Desertification and Democracy

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Tucson, AZ

Spring 2026

Instructor: Brendan Shea

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Ramon Hernandez, Gene King, Javier Fimbres Barcelo

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Ramon Hernandez, Gene King, Javier Fimbres Barcelo

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Ramon Hernandez, Gene King, Javier Fimbres Barcelo

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Ramon Hernandez, Gene King, Javier Fimbres Barcelo

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Ramon Hernandez, Gene King, Javier Fimbres Barcelo

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Ramon Hernandez, Gene King, Javier Fimbres Barcelo

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Native Peoples Design Coalition

Tuba City, AZ
Spring 2026
Instructor: Laura Carr

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Dotson Spring Proposal

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Spring 2026
Instructor: Teresa Rosano

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Ricky Arriaga, David Ater, Laurel Auer, Dayton Bay, Jeremiah Beltran, Chelsie Bernal, Ryan Blake, Haleigh Cawthon, Norah Evans, Darvell Fatt, Grace Golden, Isabella Kyriakopoulos, Ainslie Mellinger, Shadi Rabadi, Kumi Rose, Catie Schneider, Merle Weisshaupt, Community Design & Action Studio

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Ricky Arriaga, David Ater, Laurel Auer, Dayton Bay, Jeremiah Beltran, Chelsie Bernal, Ryan Blake, Haleigh Cawthon, Norah Evans, Darvell Fatt, Grace Golden, Isabella Kyriakopoulos, Ainslie Mellinger, Shadi Rabadi, Kumi Rose, Catie Schneider, Merle Weisshaupt, Community Design & Action Studio

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Apostolic Deliverance Ministry

Group project submission

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Spring 2026
Instructor: Jesus Robles

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THE SLOW UNFOLD:

SEED WIND WATER EARTH TIME

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THE SALT ARCHIVE:

INFRASTRUCTURE FOR REGENERATION

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Spring 2026
Instructor: Clare Robinson

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Living with the Tide:

Amphibious Urbanism in East Boston

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Knowledge Oasis

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Spring 2026
Instructor: Christopher Domin

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Light House

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Tower of Light and Water

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Spring 2026
Instructor: Susannah Dickinson

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An Open Framework:

The Evolving Plazas

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3D PRINTING INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS

UPGRADING WITHOUT DISPLACEMENT

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North Gateway Town Center

Phoenix, AZ

Fall 2025

Instructor: Craig Nealy

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Skunk Creek Firehouse

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Phoenix, AZ
Spring 2026
Instructor: Ryan Smith

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Dakota's Porch

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Instructor: Chris Trumble

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Urban Housing
Phoenix, Arizona
Spring 2026

Coordinator: Eduardo Guerrero
Instructors: Cari Alcombright, Michael Kothke, Morgan Oster, Wilson Peterson

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Tucson, AZ

Spring 2026
Instructor: Cari Alcombright

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Instructor: Eduardo Guerrero

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Instructor: Eduardo Guerrero

Jury Notes: The jury felt the design thoughtfully addresses the site by maximizing the linear north–south axis and carving courtyards that respond to the solar studies. The angled walls create spatial and visual interets. The graphics are well executed, and the exhibits are clear, readable, and easy to understand.

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Instructor: Michael Kothke

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Instructor: Morgan Oster

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Instructor: Wilson Peterson

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Instructor: Cari Alcombright

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Energy + Form: Heat, Material and Human Wellbeing in Arid Climates
Tucson, AZ
Spring 2026
Coordinator: Siri Beidler
Instructors: Craig Nealy, Myles Peña, Jack Rodat, Sheehan Wachter

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Instructor: Jack Rodat

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Instructor: Siri Beidler

# data[].attributes.body
Instructor: Sheehan Wachter

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Instructor: Myles Peña

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Instructor: Craig Nealy

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Oakland, CA

Fall 2025

Instructor: Eduardo Guerrero

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Laos Transit Center, El Pueblo Community Gateway
Tucson, AZ
Fall 2025
Instructor: Kenny Wong

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Lithospheric Studio

Fall 2025
Instructor: Sheehan Wachter

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Efficacy of Ecologies and Forces
Tucson, Arizona
Fall 2025

Coordinator: Cari Alcombright
Instructors: Zak Bouchetta, Eduardo Guerrero, Jesus Robles, Jack Rodat

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Instructor: Jesus Robles

# data[].attributes.body
Instructor: Cari Alcombright

# data[].attributes.body
Instructor: Eduardo Guerrero

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Instructor: Jack Rodat

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Instructor: Zac Bouchetta

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CAPLA Student & Alumni Welcome Center (Design)
Tucson, AZ

Fall 2025

Instructor: Eric Weber

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Tucson, AZ

Fall 2025

Instructor: Siri Beidler

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Comprehensive Integration

Aqua Umbra
Tucson, AZ
Fall 2025
Coordinator: Michael Kothke
Instructors: Laura Carr, Morgan Oster, Myles Peña, Teresa Rosano

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Instructor: Michael Kothke

Jury Notes: The jury felt this entry was simply stunning. The toughtful design and its innovative use of the diagonal wall as a shading device, created an intriguing section. It also created experientially alive spaces in the place between the diagonal wall and building wall. The integration of passive strategies are well done.

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Instructor: Michael Kothke

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Instructor: Laura Carr

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Instructor: Laura Carr

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Instructor: Myles Peña

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Instructor: Teresa Rosano

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Existing Conditions

Tucson, AZ

Fall 2025

Coordinator: Christopher Domin
Instructors: Siri Beidler, Oscar Lopez, Grace McEniry, Stefan Mostert, Brendan Shea

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Instructor: Christopher Domin

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Instructor: Stefan Mostert

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Instructor: Grace McEniry

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Instructor: Siri Beidler

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Tucson, AZ

Spring 2026

Instructor: Christopher Tucker

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Karena M. Makomaski, AIA

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CAPLA Student & Alumni Center (Build)
Tucson, AZ
Fall 2025
Instructor: Eric Weber

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Desert Bathhouse
Tucson, AZ

Fall 2025
Instructor: Wilson Peterson

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Early Childhood Learning Center
Tuba City, AZ
Fall 2025
Instructor: Laura Carr

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Kevin Kolden, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Kevin is an Associate Principal at Richärd Kennedy Architects, where he works at the intersection of design, technology, and visualization. As the firm’s leader in architectural visualization, he advances design through digital modeling, immersive representation, and integrated multidisciplinary workflows that support concept development through construction. His work spans civic, cultural, and institutional projects, including recently completed Gateway Library in Mesa, Arizona, where he led design from concept through realization. He has also contributed as a designer on a range of projects for The State Department - Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, including U.S. diplomatic facilities in diverse international contexts. Trained as both an architect and musician, Kevin brings a particular interest in materiality, environmental response, and the craft of translating ideas into built form.

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Omar Bailey, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP

Omar is an associate principal with Shepley Bulfinch. He has a background across a wide spectrum of project types, including K–12 education, higher education, non-profit community spaces, and large-scale urban developments. His career has taken him through dynamic design communities in San Francisco and Chicago, and he now practices out of Shepley Bulfinch’s Phoenix studio. Most recently, Omar completed two transformative multi-family high-rise projects in downtown Phoenix, totaling more than 1 million square feet and 715 market-rate units.

A passionate advocate for equity and representation in the built environment, Omar serves as the immediate past president of NOMA Arizona. He is passionate about mentorship programs such as the Student Career Fair and Project Pipeline. A program that introduces middle school students to architecture and design.Omar is also deeply engaged with AIA Arizona and sits on the board as the representative on equity. His work is grounded in a belief in the power of community engagement and the importance of diversity in design.

Outside the studio, Omar enjoys mountain biking, swimming, and hiking in the Arizona mountains.

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Rachel Green Rasmussen, AIA, NCARB, CDT
Rachel is a Principal and Partner at Architekton in Tempe, AZ, where she has contributed to innovative architectural design since 2007. She specializes in educational, cultural, and community-focused projects, with an emphasis on sustainable, climate-responsive solutions rooted in the Sonoran Desert. Rachel earned both her Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and Master of Architecture from Arizona State University before joining Architekton as an intern. Her leadership, including serving as recent past President of AIA Arizona, reflects a strong commitment to design excellence and the future of the profession. She brings a user-centered approach to delivering meaningful, high-impact solutions for clients and communities.

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Miguel Camacho, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP
Miguel has led multi-disciplinary teams on variety of large complex projects with clients such as Banner Healthcare, LBJ Tropical Medical Center, Los Alamos National Laboratories, Northern Arizona University, The University of Arizona, Valley Metro, and many others. Miguel serves as Project Manager and is experienced in all phases of projects from programming through construction documents and also in construction administration. Miguel’s entire career has been spent working for large A-E firms including Anderson DeBartolo Pan, HDR, NTD, and now GLHN Architects & Engineers. Miguel believes creating great architecture is a team effort. Miguel finds pleasure in mentoring younger staff and supports students at both ASU and his alma mater UA CAPLA through job fairs, portfolio reviews, and design reviews. He advocates for inclusion through his work with NOMA.

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Morgan Oster

Lecturer

CAPLA Lectures and Events Committee

Lectures and Events Committee Chair

Brendan Shea

Assistant Professor of Practice

Committee Members

Jayani Natarjan, Ella Parsons, Miles Peña, Wilson Peterson AIA, Ashley Simone

School of Architecture Director

Ryan Smith

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Cumulus Bathhouse

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The 2025-2026 Design Excellence Exhibit showcases the best studio work from all levels and programs in the School of Architecture at CAPLA. This body of work was nominated by their studio faculty to represent Design Excellence from each studio.

From this exhibit, an Awards Chair selected by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Southern Arizona assembles a diverse jury made up of local and non-local professionals to select student projects to receive AIA monetary awards and recognition for Design Excellence.

This years' Design Awards Chair is Miguel Camacho, AIA, NOMA of GLHN Architects in Phoenix.

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Fancisco Zazueta
This medal is awarded to the graduating professional degree student who has shown an outstanding ability for leadership, performed willing service to the public and the school and who shows promise of true professional merit determined by nomination and vote of the faculty.

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Samantha Salvador Dimas
This award is given to one student per ARCC member college, school, institute, or unit. Selection of recipients is at the discretion of the individual member institutions, but is based upon criteria that acknowledge innovation, integrity, and scholarship in architectural and/or environmental design research. This award is nominated and voted by faculty.

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B.Arch History Stream Award: Merle Weisshaupt

M.Arch History Stream Award: Anna Liisa Cheshire

B.Arch Practice Stream Award: Merle Weisshaupt

M.Arch Practice Stream Award: Kaitlin Mouisset

B.Arch Technology Stream Award: Brett Lewis

M.Arch Technology Stream Award: Aiko Timmons

B.Arch D.Comm Stream Award: Gabe Garcia

M.Arch D.Comm Stream Award: Anna Liisa Cheshire

This award is for one student per stream that demonstrates excellence in that knowledge domain. To present the stream awards, I invite the stream coordinators to come up to congratulate the awardees. This award is nominated and voted by stream faculty.

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Sam Goecke, Kersten Ellswoth, and Anna Liisa Cheshire for their project Los Penasquitos Canyon Middle School.

This award is given to the graduating M.Arch student(s) whose final design project best exemplifies critical practice to meet social and environmental justice, performance, collaboration, research and risk. This award is given by vote of the faculty.

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Emergent Landscapes – Avery Berger

Ssensable Environments – Paige Daniels

Metaphysics of Light – Elian Moreno

Adaptive Futures – Alexander Bonham

Community Design & Action – All of the Class (see below)

Ricky Arriaga

David Ater

Laurel Auer

Dayton Bay

Jeremiah Beltran

Chelsie Bernal

Ryan Blake

Haleigh Cawthorn

Norah Evans

Darvell Fatt

Grace Golden

Isabella Kyriakopoulos

Ainslie Mellenger

Shadi Rabadi

Kumi Rose

Catie Schneider

Merle Weisshaupt

This award is given to the work that best exemplifies what the Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset called a project for life: life as self-invention. Intrinsic to this notion is research and experimentation, the free and ordered play of the imagination, and a methodology that advances theoretical thinking as well as empirical demonstration. A necessary condition of the award is a clear hypothesis that tests the work for verification of fundamental aspects of the human activities of building, dwelling, and thinking. This award is nominated and voted by faculty.

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Nour Haddad

This award is given to the graduating student whose Capstone project best exemplifies those architectural values that Ronald Gourley represented:  simplicity, clarity, honesty, integrity, and naturalness.   The student’s project must illustrate an architecture that respects the earth and integrates positively with its local environment. This award is nominated and voted by faculty.

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Merle Weisshaupt - B.Arch

Anna Liisa Cheshire - M.Arch

The AIA has provided a medal of excellence to the top graduating students in NAAB accredidted degree program including the B.Arch and M.Arch. The award began in 1914 and more than 100 schools annually submit the name of one graduate of a B.Arch and M.Arch program that displays “general excellence” throughout their academic career.