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
4/20/2026ALI BANITABA BLENDS GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE WITH PERSONAL VISION
Originally from Iran, Ali Banitaba discovered his passion for architecture at a young age while watching his grandparents build their home. That early exposure to design and construction sparked an interest that would eventually lead him across the world to Los Angeles—and into one of the nation’s top architecture programs at the University of Southern California.After beginning his academic journey at Santa Monica College, Banitaba transferred to USC, drawn by its highly ranked architecture program. The transition, he said, was seamless, with most of his credits transferring smoothly, allowing him to quickly immerse himself in the university’s rigorous studio culture.At...
4/16/2026THINK FAST AND BUILD THINGS: HOW TO INNOVATE FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Originally by Matilda Bathurst | April 13, 2026 During The Games Week at USC, 20 student teams competed in a 5-day hackathon – pitching their LA28 innovations to a panel of industry leaders...
4/15/2026MICHAEL AND KRYSTAL HAMNER NAMED 2026 USC DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS
The USC School of Architecture and the USC Architectural Guild are proud to announce D. Michael Hamner ’84 FAIA, and Krystal Hamner ’92 AIA, CASp as the recipients of the 2026 Distinguished...
4/15/2026ROGER CHEN LECTURES ON “UNBOUND IMAGINATION” AND THE FUTURE OF DESIGN AT USC ARCHITECTURE
Roger Chen, Vice President of Nike Innovation’s Advanced Digital Creation Studio, delivered a powerful lecture on “Unbound Imagination,” inspiring students to embrace curiosity, risk, and emerging technologies as drivers of creativity and...
4/15/2026ACCEPTED TO FIVE IVY LEAGUE GRADUATE PROGRAMS, TIANYU GUO (B.ARCH 2026) SHARES HER JOURNEY AND ADVICE
Tianyu Guo (B.Arch 2026) had her choice of five Ivy League graduate programs.Guo was accepted in the M.Arch II program at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and Princeton University; the M.S...
Recent News
4/09/2026
MARK LEE NAMED KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR USC SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE COMMENCEMENT 2026
4/08/2026DUSTIN BRAMELL AND LEO SEIGAL RECEIVE 2026 IMPACT AWARD FOR CASE STUDY: ADAPT
4/06/2026JOHN HOKE SPEAKS ON THE POWER OF DESIGN AT USC’S CROSSING DESIGN BORDERS SERIES
4/01/2026POPULOUS NAMED RECIPIENT OF USC ARCHITECTURAL GUILD DISTINGUISHED FIRM AWARD
3/31/2026BARBARA BESTOR BRINGS "STRANGE BEAUTY" TO USC ARCHITECTURE LECTURE
3/30/2026INSIDE USC ARCHITECTURE: GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE WELCOMES FUTURE ARCHITECTS, DESIGNERS AND CONSERVATIONISTS
Upcoming EVENTS
4/21/2026Shade Zones Design Competition Winner Announcement
4/22/2026Shade LA Design Competition
4/24/2026Alex McDowell
4/29/2026Faculty Presentation and Exhibit: Amy Murphy
5/02/2026COMMUNITY EVENT SERIES: Renovation of Paul R. Williams’ Residence with John Arnold
5/12/2026XPO 2026
5/15/2026School of Architecture Commencement Ceremony
6/03/202665th Annual USC Architectural Guild Awards

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.
Read through our most recent Viewbook
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 2025 XPO Program to see studios and over 80 leading experts, educators and scholars attending our year-end graduating students’ thesis presentations and exhibition.
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