March 27: 2026 SPRING OPEN HOUSE Admitted Graduate Students
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
3/20/2026USC Architecture Students Explore Fabrication, Materials, and Innovation in Boston Field Trip
Second-year students in the Bachelor of Science in Architecture + Inventive Technologies program traveled to Boston for an immersive, two-day field trip examining the intersections of digital fabrication, materials research, and advanced manufacturing. Led by Program Director Scott R. Mitchell, the trip focused on the Cambridge–Seaport corridor—one of the country’s most concentrated ecosystems for design, technology, and research.The visit offered students rare access to leading institutions and industry partners, providing firsthand insight into how design ideas move from research to production and public engagement.A highlight of the trip was a hosted visit to the MIT Media Lab with USC alumna...
3/20/2026Altadena Rerooted: One USC School of Architecture student’s plan to rebuild Altadena
(Originally featured in SPEC by Nathan Janak)Horrifying. No other words describe the devastation of the Eaton Fire that raged through the San Gabriel Mountains of central Los Angeles County for more than...
3/13/2026Dean Brett Steele Delivers 2026 State of the School Address
On March 6, 2026, Dean Brett Steele presented the USC School of Architecture’s annual State of the School address, offering a candid reflection on the school’s recent challenges, current momentum, and long-term...
3/11/2026Prof. Vinayak Bharne explores global urbanisms through critical inquiry, design research and activism
Nearly 30 years after arriving from India as a master’s student at the USC School of Architecture, and almost 20 since he began teaching at his alma mater, Adjunct Professor Vinayak Bharne...
3/02/2026MICHELLE CHANG JOINS USC SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AS ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
This Spring 2026, Michelle JaJa Chang, formerly Associate Professor of Architecture at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, joins the faculty of USC School of Architecture as Associate Professor. Michelle Chang directs JaJa...
Recent News
2/24/2026
USC AND LA METRO ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF THE INAUGURAL SHADE ZONES DESIGN COMPETITION
2/20/2026REIMAGINING LA28 OLYMPICS THROUGH RADICAL REUSE, RESILIENCE, AND LONG-TERM LEGACY
2/18/2026THREE MAJOR LOS ANGELES ART INSTITUTIONS CELEBRATE PAUL R. WILLIAMS
2/17/2026Advanced design studio, Earthseeding Altadena, launches the Landscape Justice Initiative’s next project
2/13/2026JESSICA LARSON’S ARCHIVAL RESEARCH BROADENS PAUL R. WILLIAMS’ LEGACY
2/11/2026Jenae Edwards Named 2025 Recipient of the Robert L. Wesley Award
Upcoming EVENTS
3/23/20262026 Graduate Projects
3/25/2026Faculty Presentation and Exhibit: Eui-Sung Yi
3/27/2026Graduate Students Open House
3/27/2026Barbara Bestor
4/02/2026Visions & Voices with John Hoke
4/10/2026Roger Chen
4/13/20262026 Undergraduate Projects (Practice,¹ Practice,² Practice ³)
4/15/2026Faculty Presentation and Exhibit: Jimenez Lai
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.
Related VIDEOS
Follow us @USCArchitecture