Architecture BArch

Major: Architecture
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 227.0
Co-op Options: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 04.0902

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 17-1011

About the Program

The practice of architecture requires a unique skillset—creative thinking and aesthetic sensitivity balanced with technical knowledge, cultural understanding, and social responsibility. Critical thinking and communication skills are needed. Drexel’s Bachelor of Architecture program encompasses foundation courses in the applied and social sciences, the humanities, and a wide range of professional architecture courses to prepare students for careers in architecture and related fields. At the heart of the curriculum are the design studios where students are challenged to apply their knowledge acquired from the above disciplines to consequential design problems.

Drexel’s work/study program is an experiential-based learning model that complements and provides an alternative to traditional full-time academic architecture programs. The Drexel model provides a practical, high-quality education to those students who seek early exposure to daily architectural practice as well as an affordable alternative to students who could not otherwise be able to enter the profession.

At Drexel there are two paths to an accredited Bachelor of Architecture degree, serving two distinct populations: the 2+4 option and the part-time evening option.

Accreditation

In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit US professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted an eight-year, three-year, or two-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.

Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture programs may require a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture for admission; however, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.

Drexel University, Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Department of Architecture, Design & Urbanism offers the following NAAB-accredited degree program(s):

2+4 Option:                                          6-year program (2 years full-time, 4 years part-time)
                                                                   Bachelor of Architecture            
                                                                   227.0 undergraduate quarter-term credits             

Part-Time Evening Option:                  7-year part-time program
                                                                   Bachelor of Architecture    
                                                                   227.0 undergraduate quarter-term credits             

Next accreditation visit for both tracks: 2026

About the 2+4 Option

The 2+4 option is suitable for well-prepared students entering the Bachelor of Architecture degree directly after graduating from high school. In this program, two years of full-time coursework address the basic principles of architectural design and satisfy fundamental Drexel University core requirements in the arts and sciences as well as those job-related skills that are needed for entry-level professional positions in architecture or related fields. A comprehensive review of performance will take place after each year to ensure that students are making sufficient progress in all areas. At the end of the sophomore year, a more thorough review of performance and advancement will be conducted to decide if the student is ready to move into the next phase of the accredited degree program in architecture. After successfully completing the minimum requirements of the full-time phase of Studio 2 and the co-requisite curriculum for that level, students are supported to find full-time employment in the building industry, including architecture firms, while continuing their academic program part-time in the evening for four additional years. 

About the Part-time Evening Option

The part-time evening option is one of only two part-time evening architectural programs in the United States leading to the NAAB-accredited Bachelor of Architecture degree. Designed for non-traditional and transfer students, this program offers all courses part-time in the evening, enabling students to work full-time. The evening program sequence is seven years, but transfer students with university-level design credits can reduce its length by meeting specific program requirements through transcript and portfolio review. After completion of Studio 2 and the co-requisite curriculum for that level, a more thorough review of performance and advancement will be conducted to decide if the student is ready to advance further within the accredited degree program in architecture. 

The degree modality of the B. Arch. degree is face-to-face for both tracks; however, a small number of classes may be offered partially or fully in a virtual format. This allows us to attract talented experts from outside the greater Philadelphia area and provides more flexibility for students out working in the profession or commuting to Drexel. By combining work and study, all Drexel Architecture students may be able to simultaneously satisfy their required internship for licensure—now called the Architectural Experience Program (AXP)—while completing their professional degree, thus qualifying for the registration exam on graduation in most jurisdictions.

The Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) Program

In August of 2015, Drexel was approved by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) for participation in the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) Program. IPAL provides students the opportunity to achieve licensure upon graduation—an important innovation affording students the chance to jump-start their careers through a curriculum of education, work experience, and licensure examinations. Students follow either of the two options leading to the Bachelor of Architecture degree while preparing for and sitting for licensing exams during the summers following the third, fourth, and fifth year of study. Drexel is part of a selective group of schools in the country to offer this opportunity, an initiative spearheaded by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and one of the very few architecture programs offering the IPAL path to students enrolled in an undergraduate BArch degree program. Students seeking access to this track need permission from the program director and the IPAL faculty advisor.

Note: Bachelor of Architecture vs Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and Architecture vs Architectural Engineering  

Because Drexel University offers three programs with "architecture" in their titles, it is useful to point out the significant differences between them:

  • Architects design buildings to meet people's spatial, organizational, and aesthetic needs. They also coordinate the building design process. All states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) require individuals to be licensed (registered) before they may call themselves architects or be contracted to provide architectural services. Many architecture school graduates work in the field even though they are not licensed or while they are in the process of becoming licensed. But they may not call themselves an architect.

    A licensed architect is required to take legal responsibility for all work. Licensure requirements usually include:
    • A professional degree in architecture (B.Arch. or M.Arch. degrees)
    • A period of practical training or internship (AXP)
    • Passage of all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)

    The difference between the NAAB-accredited Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree and the non-accredited Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BS in Arch. Studies) degree:

    Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degrees are designed to help you develop a comprehensive knowledge of the discipline of architecture, as well as foundational professional knowledge and a basic understanding of related fields. The NAAB-accredited B.Arch. degree at Drexel University is suitable for students who seek to earn a professional undergraduate degree that leads to professional licensure and affords you early exposure to architectural practice. While our B.Arch. degree does NOT participate in Drexel's signature coop program, our students' opportunity to gain professional work experience and complete most or all of their AXP requirements prior to graduation, thus far exceeding the practice exposure of coop. A conventional B.Arch. degree is typically five years long. The 2+4 Option and the PT Evening Option take longer to complete due to the part-time model but allows an accelerated path to professional licensure due to parallel AXP completion and the option to participate in IPAL.  

    The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BS in Arch. Studies) degree is a four-year, pre-professional degree that is NOT accredited by NAAB. You will develop a comprehensive knowledge of the discipline of architecture, hone your design skills and expand your architectural understanding. If you’re unsure about becoming a licensed architect, this degree will still encompass everything you enjoy about design and construction and gives you a broad introduction to architecture. Further, it provides flexible avenues to combine your studies with related fields. The BS in Arch. Studies degree is offered as a coop and a non-coop option. Our BS. in Architectural Studies degree can be a precursor to a dual BS/MS degree at Drexel University or a professional NAAB-accredited M.Arch. degree.

  • Architectural Engineers specialize in the design of engineering systems within buildings. Architectural engineers earn Bachelor of Science degrees and become professional engineers with the required experience and state examinations. Students whose interests are focused on the technological and engineering aspects of buildings should review Drexel's major in Architectural Engineering offered by the College of Engineering.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Architecture Program website. For advising and transfer information please review the Architecture program's curriculum page.

Degree Requirements (2 + 4 Option)

General Education Requirements
CIVC 101Introduction to Civic Engagement1.0
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
MATH 101Introduction to Analysis I4.0
MATH 102Introduction to Analysis II4.0
PHIL 317Ethics and Design Professions3.0
PHYS 182Applied Physics I3.0
PHYS 183Applied Physics II3.0
UNIV A101The Drexel Experience2.0
Arts and Humanties-students elect a minimum of 6 credits6.0
Natural Science-students elect a minimum of 3 credits3.0
Social Science-students elect a minimum of 9 credits9.0
Free electives30.0
Studios (must be taken in order)
ARCH 181Architecture Studio 1A4.0
ARCH 182Architecture Studio 1B4.0
ARCH 183Architecture Studio 1C4.0
ARCH 281Architecture Studio 2A4.0
ARCH 282Architecture Studio 2B4.0
ARCH 283Architecture Studio 2C4.0
ARCH 381Architecture Studio 3A4.0
ARCH 382Architecture Studio 3B4.0
ARCH 383Architecture Studio 3C4.0
or ARCH 484 Specialized Studio
ARCH 481Architecture Studio 4A4.0
ARCH 482Architecture Studio 4B4.0
ARCH 483Architecture Studio 4C4.0
or ARCH 484 Specialized Studio
ARCH 487Architecture Studio 5A4.0
ARCH 488Architecture Studio 5B4.0
ARCH 489Architecture Studio 5C4.0
ARCH 493Senior Project I4.0
ARCH 494Senior Project II4.0
ARCH 495Senior Project III4.0
Required Professional Courses (2 + 4 Option)
ARCH 141Architecture and Society I3.0
ARCH 142Architecture and Society II3.0
ARCH 143Architecture and Society III3.0
ARCH 170Architectural Technology I3.0
ARCH 172Architectural Technology II3.0
ARCH 173Architectural Technology III3.0
ARCH 211Architectural Representation I2.0
ARCH 212Architectural Representation II2.0
ARCH 213Architectural Representation III2.0
ARCH 224Architectural Representation IV2.0
ARCH 225Architectural Representation V2.0
ARCH 226Architectural Representation VI2.0
ARCH 274Architectural Technology IV3.0
ARCH 275Architectural Technology V3.0
ARCH 276Architectural Technology VI3.0
ARCH 335Professional Practice I3.0
ARCH 336Professional Practice II3.0
ARCH 377Architectural Technology VII3.0
ARCH 378Architectural Technology VIII3.0
ARCH 379Architectural Technology IX3.0
ARCH 431 [WI] Architectural Programming3.0
WEST 210Innovative Problem Solving3.0
History and Theory Electives
Select three of the following:9.0
American Architecture & Urbanism
Theories of Architecture I
Theories of Architecture II
Theories of Architecture III
History of Philadelphia Architecture
Intensive Architectural Studies
Studies in Vernacular Architecture
Contemporary Architecture
Environmental Psychology and Design Theory
Urban Design Seminar
Special Topics in Architecture
Special Topics in Architecture
Special Topics in Architecture
Special Topics in Architecture
Professional Electives
Select three of the following:9.0
The Development Process
Advanced Drawing
Computer Applications in Architecture
Case Studies in Architectural Technology
Building Enclosure Design
Energy and Architecture
The Architectural Detail
Special Topics in Architecture
Special Topics in Architecture
Special Topics in Architecture
Special Topics in Architecture
An approved Construction Management (CMGT) course
Total Credits227.0

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

Sample Plan of Study (2 + 4 Option)

ARCH 170

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ARCH 1413.0ARCH 1423.0ARCH 1433.0VACATION
ARCH 1814.0ARCH 1824.0ARCH 1834.0 
ARCH 2112.0ARCH 2122.0ARCH 2132.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0CIVC 1011.0 
MATH 1014.0MATH 1024.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
UNIV A1011.0UNIV A1011.0WEST 2103.0 
 17 17 16 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ARCH 1703.0ARCH 1723.0ARCH 1733.0VACATION
ARCH 2242.0ARCH 2252.0ARCH 2262.0Students may opt to begin evening classes this quarter
ARCH 2814.0ARCH 2824.0ARCH 2834.0 
Free Elective3.0PHYS 1823.0PHYS 1833.0 
Arts & Humanities Elective 3.0Free Elective3.0Natural Science Elective3.0 
Social Science Elective3.0Humanities Elective3.0Free Elective3.0 
 18 18 18 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ARCH 2743.0ARCH 2753.0ARCH 2763.0Social Science Elective3.0
ARCH 3814.0ARCH 3824.0ARCH 383 or 4844.0Free Electives6.0
History/Theory Elective3.0Free Elective3.0Social Science Elective3.0 
 10 10 10 9
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ARCH 3773.0ARCH 3783.0ARCH 3793.0ARCH 4313.0
ARCH 4814.0ARCH 4824.0ARCH 483 or 4844.0History/Theory Elective3.0
 Free Elective3.0 Professional Elective 3.0
 7 10 7 9
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ARCH 3353.0ARCH 3363.0ARCH 4894.0Professional Elective3.0
ARCH 4874.0ARCH 4884.0PHIL 3173.0Free Elective3.0
   History/Theory Elective3.0
 7 7 7 9
Sixth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
ARCH 4934.0ARCH 4944.0ARCH 4954.0 
Free Elective3.0Professional Elective3.0Free Elective3.0 
 7 7 7 
Total Credits 227

Degree Requirements (Part-time Evening Option) 

General Education Requirements
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
MATH 171Introduction to Analysis A3.0
MATH 172Introduction to Analysis B3.0
MATH 173Introduction to Analysis C3.0
PHIL 317Ethics and Design Professions3.0
PHYS 182Applied Physics I3.0
PHYS 183Applied Physics II3.0
UNIV A101The Drexel Experience2.0
Arts and Humanities-students elect a minimum of 6 credits6.0
Social Science-students elect a minimum of 9 credits9.0
Natural Science-students elect a minimum of 3 credits3.0
Free electives24.0
Studios (Must be taken in order)
ARCH 118Architectural Design Foundations I3.0
ARCH 119Architectural Design Foundations II3.0
ARCH 181Architecture Studio 1A4.0
ARCH 182Architecture Studio 1B4.0
ARCH 183Architecture Studio 1C4.0
ARCH 281Architecture Studio 2A4.0
ARCH 282Architecture Studio 2B4.0
ARCH 283Architecture Studio 2C4.0
ARCH 381Architecture Studio 3A4.0
ARCH 382Architecture Studio 3B4.0
ARCH 383Architecture Studio 3C4.0
or ARCH 484 Specialized Studio
ARCH 481Architecture Studio 4A4.0
ARCH 482Architecture Studio 4B4.0
ARCH 483Architecture Studio 4C4.0
or ARCH 484 Specialized Studio
ARCH 487Architecture Studio 5A4.0
ARCH 488Architecture Studio 5B4.0
ARCH 489Architecture Studio 5C4.0
ARCH 493Senior Project I4.0
ARCH 494Senior Project II4.0
ARCH 495Senior Project III4.0
Required Professional Courses (Part-time Evening Option)
ARCH 141Architecture and Society I3.0
ARCH 142Architecture and Society II3.0
ARCH 143Architecture and Society III3.0
ARCH 211Architectural Representation I2.0
ARCH 170Architectural Technology I3.0
ARCH 172Architectural Technology II3.0
ARCH 173Architectural Technology III3.0
ARCH 212Architectural Representation II2.0
ARCH 213Architectural Representation III2.0
ARCH 224Architectural Representation IV2.0
ARCH 225Architectural Representation V2.0
ARCH 226Architectural Representation VI2.0
ARCH 274Architectural Technology IV3.0
ARCH 275Architectural Technology V3.0
ARCH 276Architectural Technology VI3.0
ARCH 335Professional Practice I3.0
ARCH 336Professional Practice II3.0
ARCH 377Architectural Technology VII3.0
ARCH 378Architectural Technology VIII3.0
ARCH 379Architectural Technology IX3.0
ARCH 431 [WI] Architectural Programming3.0
WEST 210Innovative Problem Solving3.0
History and Theory Electives
Select three of the following:9.0
American Architecture & Urbanism
Theories of Architecture I
Theories of Architecture II
Theories of Architecture III
History of Philadelphia Architecture
Intensive Architectural Studies
Studies in Vernacular Architecture
Contemporary Architecture
Environmental Psychology and Design Theory
Urban Design Seminar
Special Topics in Architecture
Special Topics in Architecture
Special Topics in Architecture
Special Topics in Architecture
Professional Electives
Select three of the following:9.0
The Development Process
Advanced Drawing
Computer Applications in Architecture
Case Studies in Architectural Technology
Building Enclosure Design
Energy and Architecture
The Architectural Detail
Introduction to Historic Preservation
Special Topics in Architecture
Special Topics in Architecture
Special Topics in Architecture
Special Topics in Architecture
Total Credits227.0

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.


Sample Plan of Study (Part-time Evening Option)

This curriculum format is adjustable to each student's academic situation. Transfer credit evaluation, prior architectural experience, and other considerations may restructure the student's yearly program schedule.

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ARCH 1183.0ARCH 1193.0ARCH 1433.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0
ARCH 1413.0ARCH 1423.0MATH 1723.0MATH 1733.0
ENGL 101 or 1113.0MATH 1713.0WEST 2103.0Natural Science Elective3.0
UNIV A1011.0UNIV A1011.0  
 10 10 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ARCH 1814.0ARCH 1824.0ARCH 1834.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0
ARCH 2112.0ARCH 2122.0ARCH 2132.0Humanities Elective3.0
Social Science Elective3.0PHYS 1823.0PHYS 1833.0Free Elective3.0
 9 9 9 9
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ARCH 1703.0ARCH 1723.0ARCH 1733.0Humanities Elective3.0
ARCH 2242.0ARCH 2252.0ARCH 2262.0Free Elective3.0
ARCH 2814.0ARCH 2824.0ARCH 2834.0Social Science Elective3.0
 9 9 9 9
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ARCH 2743.0ARCH 2753.0ARCH 2763.0History/Theory Elective3.0
ARCH 3814.0ARCH 3824.0ARCH 383 or 4844.0Free Electives3.0
History/Theory Elective3.0Free Elective3.0Social Science Elective3.0Free Elective3.0
 10 10 10 9
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ARCH 3773.0ARCH 3783.0ARCH 3793.0ARCH 4313.0
ARCH 4814.0ARCH 4824.0ARCH 483 or 4844.0History/Theory Elective3.0
   Professional Elective3.0
 7 7 7 9
Sixth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ARCH 3353.0ARCH 3363.0PHIL 3173.0Free Elective3.0
ARCH 4874.0ARCH 4884.0ARCH 4894.0Professional Elective3.0
 7 7 7 6
Seventh Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
ARCH 4934.0ARCH 4944.0ARCH 4954.0 
Free Elective3.0Professional Elective3.0Free Elective3.0 
 7 7 7 
Total Credits 227


Opportunities

Drexel’s work/study program is an experiential-based learning model that complements and provides an alternative to traditional full-time academic architecture programs. The Drexel model provides a practical, high-quality education to those students who seek early exposure to daily architectural practice as well as an affordable alternative to students who could not otherwise be able to enter the profession. The degree modality for the B.Arch. degree is face-to-face; however, a small number of classes may be offered partially or fully in a virtual format, which allows us to attract talented experts from outside the greater Philadelphia area and provides more flexibility for students on coop or out working in the profession.  

The B.Arch. is the first professional degree in architecture that qualifies for professional licensure along with completing the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and passing the Architectural Registration Exams (ARE). Drexel's architecture graduates often continue working for the firms that employed them during the work-study phase of their studies. In time, some architects reach positions of associate or partner in these offices while others choose to launch their own firms. Other graduates pursue a master degree and specialize in an advanced area of interest - either upon graduation or at a later point. Urban design, sustainability, historic preservation, interior design, and facilities management are some of the related careers that architectural graduates also pursue with similar patterns of success.

The Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure Initiative (IPAL) provides students the opportunity to achieve licensure upon graduation—an important innovation affording students the chance to jump-start their careers through a curriculum of education, work experience (AXP), and licensure examinations (ARE). Students follow either of Drexel's two options leading to the Bachelor of Architecture degree while preparing for and sitting for licensing exams during the summers following the third, fourth, and fifth year of study. Our Architecture Program is part of a selective group of schools in the country to offer this opportunity, an initiative spearheaded by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Drexel is located in University City, a Philadelphia neighborhood that includes several centers of education and research. Philadelphia itself offers an unparalleled collection of landmark architecture and urban planning that spans 300 years of development. The region has always been home to architectural firms of national and international prominence. A rich and varied environment combined with an accomplished and supportive professional community make Philadelphia an ideal laboratory for the study of architecture. All of the faculty in the program are active in the Philadelphia architecture community, many in leadership positions at firms.

Students seeking support for resume and portfolio development may schedule an appointment with the Associate Director for Student Placement by contacting the Architecture program. Password-protected job listings exclusively for Drexel Architecture students can be found on the Opportunities for Students site. Firms seeking Drexel interns may contact students directly by finding student links to resumes, work samples, and web portfolios at this site.

Facilities

The Architecture program is housed in URBN Center, an original Venturi Scott Brown building enhanced by an award-winning retrofit by MS&R Design. It includes a skylight-covered atrium, exposed beams, and open spaces. There are dedicated 24-hour studios with dedicated desks for full-time students, storage space, model-building opportunities, and a small lounge area.

The Department's offices, studios, and teaching facilities are located on floors 3 and 4 of the URBN Center at 3501 Market Street. The Hybrid Making Lab with laser cutters, 3-D printers, a CNC router, and small-scale power tools is located on the first floor. It is open to all Westphal students. It is equipped with state-of-the-art fabricating equipment accessible to students after required training. The Westphal Print Center is a full-service, low-cost facility located on the ground floor and is accessible to students from on and off-campus.

The URBN Annex houses a black box theater, screening room, and the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery. Additional studio and classroom space in the Academic Building and the Design Arts Annex accommodate photography, basic design, painting, sculpture, and a full woodworking shop, including metal, resin, casting, CNC, and fabrication equipment with industrial-quality equipment. 

Philadelphia, one of the nation's major design centers and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, gives architecture and design students the vitality of the contemporary arts at local galleries. There is easy access to many museums, libraries, and renowned buildings, as well as design centers located in Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

Program Level Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to:

  • Integrate professional architectural knowledge, ethical reasoning, and technical skills to demonstrate the ability to protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of the public and the environment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the design, history and theory of world architecture and the ecological, cultural, physical and social contexts that have shaped the built environment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the design, history and theory of world architecture and urbanism in their broad physical and social contexts.
  • Foster convergent and divergent critical thinking through information literacy and the skills to rigorously access and evaluate information to identify critical design issues and appropriate design solutions.
  • Demonstrate effective visual representation, written, and verbal communication skills to communicate
    • research, analysis and design
    • in collaborative endeavors
    • in professional and public settings.
  • Embrace experiential education to learn through
    • direct observation and engagement with the city
    • work opportunities in the building professions
    • learning from and collaborating with practicing adjunct professors in the classroom.

Architecture, Design & Urbanism Faculty

Ulrike Altenmüller-Lewis, AIA, NOMA, Dr.-Ing. (Bauhaus Universität Weimar) Department Head, Architecture, Design & Urbanism. Associate Professor. Research on educational environments; playful learning; participatory and community design processes; JEDI in arch. education; translations of architectural theory texts.
Jason Austin, LeeD AP MLA (University of Pennsylvania). Associate Teaching Professor. Landscape architecture, mapping, design build, online education
Daniel E. Coslett, PhD (University of Washington). Assistant Professor. Architectural and urban history, global modernism, colonialism and postcolonial theory, classical reception, archaeology and heritage preservation, tourism studies, globalization, and North Africa.
Stéphanie Feldman, RA, MArch (University of Pennsylvania). Assistant Teaching Professor. Principal, ScF Design. Architectural design, Japanese architecture & culture.
Alan Greenberger, FAIA (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) Senior Vice President for Real Estate and Development. Distinguished Teaching Professor. Urban planning, economic development, urban governance
Antonio Martinez-Molina, PhD, LEED, CPHD (Polytechnic University of Valencia). Associate Professor. Design built, high performance architecture, adaptive reuse, Passive Haus.
Jacklynn Niemiec, AIA, LEED BD+C, MArch (University of Pennsylvania). Assistant Professor. Graphic representation, wayfinding.
Alesa Rubendall, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, MArch (University of Texas, Austin). Assistant Teaching Professor. Principal, Design Moxie Architecture & Planning. Sustainable architecture, planning & design, women leadership.
Rachel Schade, AIA, MArch (University of Pennsylvania). Associate Teaching Professor. Principal, Rachel Simmons Schade Architect. Residential, graphic representation. Retired.
Harris Steinberg, FAIA, MArch (University of Pennsylvania) Executive Director, Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation. Distinguished Teaching Professor. Urban design and civic engagement.
Simon Tickell, AIA, MArch (University of Pennsylvania). Associate Teaching Professor. Principal, Simon J Tickell Architect; educational and museum buildings, residential design. Retired.

Emeritus Faculty

Judith Bing, MArch (Yale University). Professor Emerita. Research on traditional architecture of the Balkins and Anatolia
Mark Brack, PhD (University of California at Berkeley). Associate Professor Emeritus. British and American architecture from 1700 to the present; Hispanic colonial architecture in the American Southwest; vernacular architecture; historic preservation.
Sylvia Clark, MArch (University of Pennsylvania). Professor Emerita.
Eugenia Ellis, PhD, AIA (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University). Professor Emerita. Natural and electrical light sources and effects on biological rhythms and health outcomes; ecological strategies for smart, sustainable buildings of the nexus of health, energy, and technology.
Paul M. Hirshorn, FAIA, MArch, MCP, (University of Pennsylvania). Professor Emeritus.
Marjorie Kriebel, BArch (University of Pennsylvania). Professor Emerita.