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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
10/12/2026FACULTY 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 literature at Barnard College and her M.Arch at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, where she taught for two years. She was a lecturer at the UCLA School of Architecture and Urban Design for 12 years.Now Here, which she established in 2017, was recently named the Emerging Practice of the Year by AIA LA.In this USC interview, Barkan talks about how her practice bridges the speculative and the...
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...
9/28/2026RETHINKING WHAT URBAN RIVER RESTORATION CAN LOOK LIKE
A new USC-led study at Taylor Yard, a former rail yard along the Los Angeles River, explores new approaches that work with natural systems to provide flood protection and healthier public spaces.Originally...
Recent News
9/23/2026
MA 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
8/25/2026GINGER NOLAN RECEIVES 2026/2027 HUNTINGTON RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
Upcoming EVENTS
10/14/2026USC Architecture in NYC
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
Past Events
9/30/2026
Faculty Presentation: Scott Uriu
9/29/2026Celebration of Scholars
9/24/2026College Night at Fisher Museum
9/22/2026Visions & Voices Lecture Designing the Lucas Museum with Ma Yansong
9/18/2026Architecture Student Organization Fair
9/17/2026ASLA Conference + USC SoA MLA Alumni Reception
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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