CAED Programs Best in the West and Nationally

Cal Poly Architecture Program Rated No. 2 and Landscape Architecture No. 6 Nationally in DesignIntelligence Rankings. Two Cal Poly Faculty Members Lauded
 
 
 

Cal Poly’s bachelor of architecture program earned No. 2 in the 2016 DesignIntelligence ranking of the country’s 34 best public and private architecture and design schools. When compared to public universities alone, Cal Poly’s program moves up to No. 1 in the U.S. 
 
The ranking results are published in the 2016 edition of “America’s Best Architecture & Design Schools” and are based on a survey conducted by DesignIntelligence. Data was gathered from more than 1,400 professional practices that hire recent graduates. 

Noted for its high-quality program, Cal Poly’s bachelor of architecture program placed in the top 10 in eight of nine skill sets surveyed. Cal Poly was deemed strongest nationally in two categories: construction methods and materials, and sustainable design practices and principles. Additionally, the bachelor of architecture program earned second place in cross-disciplinary teamwork and fourth in computer applications.

In a separate DesignIntelligence survey that asked architecture school deans to name the most admired undergraduate architecture programs, Cal Poly placed second nationally for its “dedicated faculty, and balance of theory and practice with an emphasis on technology.”

Landscape Architecture Rankings
Cal Poly’s bachelor of landscape architecture program earned the No. 6 spot in the national ranking. Both of Cal Poly’s programs secured the title “Best in the West,” placing No. 1 in undergraduate programs in the Western states.

The landscape architecture program has been rated as the top program in the 13-state western region every year since 2005, when the DesignIntelligence survey first began ranking landscape architecture degree programs.

In particular, the program was recognized for preparing graduates for success as registered landscape architects and LEED-accredited professionals. In skills assessment, the undergraduate program ranked highest nationally in construction methods and materials (tied with Kansas State, Louisiana State and Texas A&M).

Cal Poly ranked No. 3 among the “most admired” undergraduate landscape architecture programs in the nation "for its well-rounded program with emphasis on theory, design and implementation."

“We have a highly dedicated faculty who integrate quality teaching with their scholarly activities,” said Omar Faruque, chair of the Landscape Architecture Department. “Our program has been rated, year after year, as the best landscape architecture program in the West and one of the top programs in the nation.” 

Cal Poly Faculty Receive Accolades
In addition to program rankings, the DesignIntelligence annual report honors excellence in education and educational administration by naming 25 exemplary professionals in these fields. This year, two Cal Poly faculty members were recognized with the honor. 

Christine Theodoropoulos, dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, received the Most Admired Educator Award for her “belief in the Learn by Doing philosophy, preparing graduates to be effective and productive contributors early in their professional lives.” Architecture faculty member Keith Wiley also earned the title for his “inspirational and realistic approach to architecture and design.”

About DesignIntelligence
The DesignIntelligence rankings have become a tool for students choosing academic programs that will launch their design careers. DesignIntelligence is a bi-monthly journal published by Greenway Communications LLC for the Design Futures Council, an interdisciplinary network of design, product and construction leaders exploring global trends, challenges and opportunities to advance innovation and shape the future of the industry and the environment.
For more information, go to www.
di.net.

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