Congratulations to the School of Architecture Class of ’23! You made it through with passion and perseverance, and a shared sense of values and purpose! We are so proud of this new cohort of young alumni – Citizen Architects who will go on to make our world a more just and beautiful place. We look forward to all of the great work that you will do! Fight On!
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Over 100 people gathered at the Annual Scholarship Luncheon on May 1st to acknowledge and thank all the alumni whose contributions, large and small, over the years through scholarships and endowed funds have supported our students’ successful academic journeys and career readiness.
We were inspired by their stories of giving back and heard from our students about the impact it has made in allowing them to pursue their passion to be the architects and designers of a more equitable, sustainable, and beautiful world.
USC Architecture alumni have created more than 100 endowed scholarship and academic funds that directly benefit our students. Nearly 70% of our students receive aid and 23% represent First Generation in their families to attend college. We are supported by the Architectural Guild who contribute significant volunteer hours in fundraising, mentorship, and enrichment programs that connect our students to the professions.
To all our generous, devoted alumni who support our students - thank you!
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Master of Landscape Architecture + Master of Urban Planning - Class of '23
“I plan to work on projects that expand the public realm in Los Angeles, and do so in a way that benefits the local ecology and underserved people. I want to be part of reorienting the city towards amazing communal spaces, and quality connectivity between those spaces, that we lack today.”
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Bachelor of Architecture - Class of '23
“Walking around studio for the first time as a prospective student, I had a strong feeling that I was exactly where I was meant to be. Studying alongside my peers and renowned faculty for these past five years has helped me to hone my architectural design skills in both an aesthetic and technical nature, as well as further nurture my deep-rooted passion for architecture.”
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Master of Architecture + Certificate in Master of Building Science - Class of ’23
“Embracing the notion of Citizen Architect has afforded me the opportunity to design meaningful and thoughtful projects and do volunteer work that not only enhances and places emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession of architecture, but in society as a whole.”
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Bachelor of Architecture - Class of '23
“Growing up in LA, I’ve seen the way design transforms neighborhoods and the lives of the people that live there. Being able to contribute to how architecture shapes communities and brings people together is a huge part as to why I’ve dedicated my life to it. My mission after graduating USC is to design equitable spaces that serve a positive impact on the communities around them.”
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Masters of Landscape Architecture + Urbanism & Certificate in Real Estate Development - Class of '23
“My design-research interests have focused on contested cultural, ecological, and labored landscapes and I intend for my future professional work to challenge landscape’s potential to engineer civility into communities, remediate urban ecosystems and amplify otherwise marginalized voices.”
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Bachelor of Architecture - Class of ‘23
“Although I am the designer and architect of my projects, at the end of the day, I am designing FOR people. Now I have communities' interests and needs in mind, which is essential to good design.”
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JENNA KNUDSEN '97, AIA, HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO THE USC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2023-2024 BOARD OF GOVERNORS |
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Jenna Knudsen is the managing principal at CO Architects and served as president of the USC Architectural Guild Board of Directors for this prior academic year. In this capacity, she has led and inspired a community of 300 member professionals and companies throughout Southern California and nationally, devoting countless volunteer hours and lending her expertise in support of student achievement and career readiness at USC Architecture. In addition, Jenna is a former chair of the AIA|LA Women in Architecture Committee, an active participant in the Global Design Alliance, and leads Women of CO (WoCO), a group she helped found in 2010 to champion the professional development of, and leadership opportunities for, the firm’s female employees. As a vocal advocate for equity and a pioneer in architectural practice, Jenna has a reputation of being a collaborative and innovative leader. Jenna earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Southern California, and a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University. We congratulate her on her appointment to the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors where she will continue to serve the university community with great aplomb. |
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CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP WITH TOYOTA NORTH AMERICA |
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Led by faculty Doris Sung and Hallie Black, twelve 4th year BArch students conceptualized multiple designs in drawings and models to reimagine the dealer showroom experience of the future during this spring’s full-semester design studio. The students were presented with the challenge to design future showrooms that activate, enliven, and humanize the car-buying and charging experience. As part of their practice, students interacted with Toyota executives and demonstrated how their work had the potential to reach new consumers, energize surrounding communities, leverage technology, and embrace relationships. Their reimagining included multiple complex factors including Global Supply Chain, Industry Systems Design, Marketplace Technology, Transactional vs. Relational Interactions, Virtual/Augmented Reality, Diverse Customer Base, Changing Communities, and Human and Planet Wellness. Some of the technologies included augmented or virtual reality, 3d printing, robotics, and apps. New materials, novel interfaces, and innovative technologies will be considered during the semester.
Thom Mayne, FAIA, ’69, featured in photo, was a distinguished guest juror for the course final reviews.
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Yantrasast is the founding partner and creative director of WHY, a multidisciplinary design practice that has emerged as the go-to design firm for the world’s premier cultural institutions. Yantrasast’s interdisciplinary principles embrace creative collaboration, human-centered design, and inclusivity to create meaningful, lasting connections between people, culture, and space. |
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Tran will lead the school’s A-LAB Architecture Development Program - an immersive high school program - for three semesters, and create a public presentation of his unique research at the end of the Fellowship. |
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USC Architecture faculty Rob Berry is featured on Wired. His students are hard at work on a project he’s calling Making LA, that focuses on designing structures for the LA 2028 Olympics that can transform, disappear, or begin a second life after the spectacle is over. |
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Bharne was honored for his work building inclusive communities, resilient cities, conservation plans for sacred territories, and affordable housing, which has had a transformational effect in local communities and abroad. |
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New York Times Features Frances Anderton’s new book “Common Ground: Multifamily Housing in Los Angeles,” and work by Larry Scarpa and Lorcan O'Herlihy on mulifamily housing in LA. |
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Ralph Contreras BArch ‘59, AIA
October 24, 1930 - April 18, 2023
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Ralph Contreras was a devoted Trojan fan, a life-long Los Angeleno and longtime resident of Pasadena, California. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley, and daughters Christina & Catherine. |
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05/27/23 - 05/28/23
SWANSEA, CALIFORNIA
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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06/03/23
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
10:00 AM
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06/07/23
PRESS CLUB | 20 YERBA BUENA LN, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
5:00 PM
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USC School of Architecture is developing ‘citizen architects’ – the next generation of architects and design leaders making direct contributions to the improvement of their communities. The School is committed to making strategic investments to define its future in:
- Transformative student experiences
- Distinguished and diverse faculty
- Influential research and innovative work
- Dynamic learning environments
Donations to the USC Architecture Dean’s Innovation Fund ensure continued access to resources necessary for these demanding degree programs.
Together, we can make a lasting impact for our students and shape the future of the USC School of Architecture. Donate today.
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Being a Trojan is not just about where you received your degree. It’s about the values, the friendships and the experiences that stay with you for a lifetime. Build impactful relationships with your Trojan family and beyond and discover ways to stay engaged and get involved! |
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