The College of Architecture at Texas A&M University has selected four distinguished former students as recipients of the 2026 Harold L. Adams ’61 Outstanding Alumni Award.

The College will honor the recipients at a banquet on Friday, Nov. 13, at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center. The award is the College’s highest honor and recognizes former students whose careers have made lasting contributions to their professions, communities and the built environment.

Selected through a rigorous nomination and review process, the honorees represent the college’s excellence across design, planning and construction disciplines. Out of more than 16,000 College of Architecture former students, fewer than one percent have earned this distinction.

The following have been announced as 2026 Harold L. Adams ’61 Outstanding Alumni:

• Frank “Teddy” A. Peinado ’88
• Michael Rey ’99
• Dave Stauch ’79
• Katherine F. Turnbull, Ph.D. ’93

Full profiles of each honoree are available below.

Frank “Teddy” A. Peinado ’88

Founder and CEO, Peinado Construction

Frank “Teddy” A. Peinado ’88 has built more than a construction company. Through his work as founder and CEO of Peinado Construction, he has helped create jobs, mentor future construction leaders and support veterans, first responders and Aggie students.

Peinado Construction is a Texas-based design-build contractor specializing in industrial, distribution, data center and office facilities. Since founding the firm in 2010, Peinado’s teams have delivered approximately 75 million square feet of tilt-wall construction. Headquartered in Frisco, the firm operates across Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley and El Paso.

Peinado grew up in El Paso as the son of a Mexican immigrant. After attending New Mexico Military Institute with plans to seek a West Point appointment, his father’s death during his senior year redirected him to Texas A&M. Here, he joined the Corps of Cadets and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and earned a bachelor’s degree in construction science in 1988. He later pursued graduate studies in construction management.

Before starting his own firm, Peinado spent two decades supervising more than 20 million square feet of construction. 

Under his leadership, Peinado Construction has grown into one of the region’s leading industrial contractors. The firm’s portfolio includes large-scale projects for clients such as Toyota and Caterpillar, as well as developments at DFW International Airport. Known for its expertise in industrial tilt-wall construction, the company has managed projects valued in the billions and has consistently ranked among Engineering News-Record’s Top 400 Contractors.

Peinado’s professional achievements have earned national and regional recognition, including Hispanic Businessman of the Year from the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Congressional Patriot Award, Latino Leaders’ Maestro of Entrepreneurship Award and multiple Aggie 100 honors.

Peinado also supports future generations of construction leaders. Today, Peinado Construction actively recruits and employs Aggies, providing internships, mentorship and career pathways for young professionals entering the construction industry. Several Aggies have built their early careers through the firm, continuing Peinado’s commitment to developing future construction leaders.

In support of the College of Architecture, he endowed two Department of Construction Science scholarships: the Frank A. “Teddy” Peinado Scholarship in Commercial Construction and the Peinado Industrial Tilt-Wall Construction Scholarship. He also supports programs across Texas A&M, including the 12th Man Foundation, equestrian teams and student-focused philanthropic initiatives.

A former member of the Corps of Cadets, Peinado has carried his commitment to service into his support for veterans and first responders. He supports organizations including Carry the Load, Helicopters for Heroes, 22Kill and Sons of the Flag.

Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Business Council, said Peinado’s impact extends far beyond construction.

In a letter of support, Palomarez called Peinado “a builder in every sense of the word: of buildings, of businesses, of opportunity and of community.”

Peinado’s commitment to building extends to the next generation of Aggies, including his own family. He lives in Aubrey and has two daughters, Scarlett ’28 and Ava ’30, who are both Texas A&M students.

Michael Rey ’99

Principal and Managing Director, Gensler

Aggie architect Michael Rey, AIA, NCARB, ’99 has helped shape places of memory, learning and civic life, from the Texas A&M Bonfire Memorial to the future Alamo Visitor Center and Museum. Born in Lima, Peru, Rey moved to San Antonio at 7 years old, beginning a lifelong connection to the city.

Rey is principal and managing director of Gensler’s San Antonio office, where he leads public, civic, cultural, higher education and mixed-use projects across Texas and the United States. Since joining Gensler in 2021, Rey has led major projects including the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum, UTSA’s San Pedro II academic building in collaboration with Overland Partners and a new graduate programs building for Texas A&M’s Mays Business School.

Rey graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in environmental design from Texas A&M in 1999. He and his wife, Julie, both attended Texas A&M and graduated that year. He later earned a Master of Architecture with honors from Yale University in 2005, where he received the AIA Henry Adams Certificate.

His career has included leadership roles at Jacobs, Office 4 Architecture and Overland Partners, where he built a portfolio of public, civic, cultural and institutional projects before being recruited to lead Gensler’s San Antonio office. At Overland, his work included civic and community projects such as Texas Public Radio’s headquarters and the ChildSafe Harvey E. Najim Children & Family Center.

Among Rey’s most meaningful projects is his work on the Texas A&M Bonfire Memorial. As part of the Overland Partners team, Rey contributed to a project that required a careful balance of remembrance, restraint and design excellence. The Bonfire Memorial, dedicated to the 12 Aggies who died in the 1999 Bonfire collapse, has become one of Texas A&M’s most significant campus landmarks and a nationally recognized example of how architecture can honor grief and collective memory.

Rey’s award-winning work reflects his commitment to public impact, from places of remembrance such as the Texas A&M Bonfire Memorial, a competition entry in collaboration with CJS for the Dallas Holocaust Museum and Center for Tolerance, to educational and community spaces such as the UT Student Activity Center and ChildSafe.

Alan B. Colyer ’81, retired design director and principal at Gensler and a 2003 recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award, said Rey brought the reputation and leadership needed to guide Gensler’s San Antonio office.

“At the time we recruited Michael to lead our newest office in San Antonio, we needed a leader who was highly respected in the city, a trusted advisor to key decision makers, and with a reputation for the design and execution of signature projects,” Colyer wrote in a letter. “Under Michael’s leadership, in a very short span of time, the office has tripled in size and spearheaded high-profile projects.”

Rey’s connection to Texas A&M has remained constant throughout his career. He has returned to campus as a lecturer and critic, speaking on topics including the Bonfire Memorial, leadership through collaboration and the Alamo as a lesson in leadership. He has also served as a design review critic and supported students through the Department of Architecture’s industry advisory group, A+AIC, as well as related excellence funds.

Rey and his wife, Julie, have four children — Turner, Lucia, Tripp and Linden — and he credits his family and faith as foundations of his life and work.

Dave Stauch ’79

Founder and Senior Principal, CPM Texas

Dave Stauch ’79 has spent more than 45 years guiding complex public, civic, commercial and nonprofit building projects across Central Texas, including the $187 million restoration and expansion of the Texas Capitol.

Stauch is founder and senior principal of CPM Texas, an Austin-based firm that helps clients manage complex building projects from planning through construction. He previously co-founded Herndon, Stauch & Associates, serving civic and nonprofit clients.

Stauch earned a bachelor’s in building construction (now construction science) from Texas A&M in 1979. While studying, he was recognized as a Distinguished Student and served as a senior officer in the Corps of Cadets’ Ross Volunteer Company, which helped shape his leadership approach throughout his career.

One of Stauch’s most significant achievements came during his tenure as project manager for the State Preservation Board, where he oversaw the Texas Capitol Restoration and Extension program from 1990 to 1995. The project included the restoration of the Capitol, the underground Capitol Extension and the restoration of the 1857 General Land Office Building.

It earned state and national recognition for historic preservation and remains one of Texas’ landmark public construction efforts.

Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry ’72 praised the project’s lasting quality and significance.

“As Texas governor from 2000 to 2015, I was able to see the enduring quality of the work and attention to detail that remains to this day,” Perry wrote in support. “The success of the Texas Capitol Restoration and Extension brought much national acclaim to Texas as the largest and most successful capitol restoration in the country.”

His additional work includes the Mason County Courthouse, the Paramount and Stateside Theatres, Seaholm Power Plant redevelopment and the Thinkery.

Beyond project delivery, he is recognized as an industry thought leader. In 2019, he founded the Crystal Ball Survey, a benchmarking initiative that gathers insight from more than 40 general contractors to track construction cost trends in Central Texas.

His service to the College of Architecture has centered on mentoring students in the Department of Construction Science. For nearly 12 years, he led upper-level Aggie construction law students on in-depth tours of the Texas Capitol, offering an “insider” view of the restoration and extension project. He has also served as a guest lecturer, speaking with students about the Aggie Core Values and their relevance to professional life. Over the years, Stauch and his firms have hired and trained dozens of Aggies, several of whom have gone on to leadership roles in other firms.

Stauch has also demonstrated a long commitment to civic service. As a member of the American Red Cross of Central Texas Board of Directors, he helped establish a shelter at the Austin Convention Center following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, serving more than 5,000 evacuees. His civic efforts include leadership with Austin Habitat for Humanity, the Central Texas Water Coalition and the Urban Land Institute.

His leadership has been recognized with the ULI Austin Influencer Award, the Red Cross Service Award and the Austin Habitat for Humanity Leadership Award. Stauch also received a State of Texas resolution for his work on the Capitol project, signed and presented by then-Gov. George W. Bush.

His work has left a mark on some of Central Texas’ most important civic spaces while helping prepare the next generation of Aggie construction leaders.

Stauch and his wife have two children, both Aggies, and four grandchildren.

Katherine F. Turnbull, Ph.D. ’93

Senior Research Fellow, Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Katherine F. Turnbull, Ph.D. ’93 has spent her career helping cities and transportation agencies improve how people move through communities. Her work has focused on public transportation, carpool and managed lanes, congestion reduction, air quality and more efficient transportation systems.

Turnbull is a senior research fellow at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, where she previously served for 22 years as executive associate director and associate director. Over the course of her career, she has led research for local, state, national and international sponsors while mentoring professionals and helping transportation agencies address complex mobility challenges.

She earned a Ph.D. in urban and regional science from Texas A&M in 1993. She previously earned a master’s degree in urban affairs from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 1976 and a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1975.

At TTI, Turnbull helped build and lead one of the institute’s major research groups, guiding teams that studied how transportation systems affect communities, the environment and daily travel. Her research has helped shape national guidance on public transit, high-occupancy vehicle lanes, toll lanes, park-and-ride facilities and express bus service. Turnbull’s work has helped transportation agencies manage roadways more effectively, encourage alternatives to driving alone and improve transportation system performance.

Her research has also explored how new technologies can make transportation safer, more efficient and easier to manage across different modes of travel. She is known for facilitating partnerships among local and state agencies, universities and the private sector.

Gregory Winfree, agency director of TTI, highlighted Turnbull’s influence on transportation demand management.

“One of her most impactful achievements is her work in developing and implementing Transportation Demand Management strategies — initiatives that reduce congestion and improve air quality by encouraging alternatives such as carpooling, telecommuting and public transit use,” Winfree said in a letter.

Turnbull has also been a leading voice in national transportation organizations. She has served as chair or member of 23 Transportation Research Board councils, groups, committees, panels and task forces. She chaired TRB’s Technical Activities Council, which oversees hundreds of committees and task forces that help guide transportation research and practice nationwide, and also served on TRB’s Executive Committee. Turnbull currently serves on the Board of Advisors of the University of California, Davis Institute of Transportation Studies.

Turnbull has helped prepare generations of planners and transportation professionals through teaching, scholarships and graduate mentorship. As an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, she has periodically taught public transportation planning and served on master’s and doctoral committees. She also served for many years on the Master of Urban Planning Advisory Committee.

In service to the College of Architecture, Turnbull established the Katherine F. Turnbull MUP Transportation Scholarship in 1994 and later endowed it, creating lasting support for future urban planning students.

Her career has been recognized with major honors from the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies and the American Road and Transportation Builders Association’s Transportation Development Foundation, among others. 

Through research, teaching and mentorship, Turnbull has helped make transportation systems more efficient, sustainable and responsive to the needs of communities.

The post College of Architecture Announces 2026 Outstanding Alumni appeared first on Texas A&M University College of Architecture.

International guidelines developed with contributions from a Texas A&M University College of Nursing researcher confirm the importance of thoughtful intensive care unit (ICU) design and encourage the involvement of nurses in the process to improve workflow, safety and staff well-being.

As a co-lead of the guideline development panel, Jodie Gary, PhD, RN, an associate professor in the College of Nursing, worked alongside clinicians, architects, engineers and other researchers from around the world to identify evidence-based design strategies for ICUs.

The guidelines, published in 2025 in Critical Care Medicine with follow-up analysis released recently in Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America, were developed by addressing 15 key questions related to ICU layout, patient rooms, infection prevention, infrastructure and staff spaces.

Gary said the effort was designed to bring more structure to decisions that have traditionally relied on experience and institutional practice.

“Before this work, ICU design was largely guided by expert opinion and practical experience,” she said. “This guideline brings a systematic evidence-based approach to how these spaces should be built and organized.”

One of the central findings was that ICU design can influence both workflow and patient safety in practical, day-to-day ways.

“Even small design features can change how care is delivered minute to minute,” Gary said. “Things like visibility into patient rooms or how equipment is positioned can either support clinicians or create unnecessary barriers.”

The guidelines recommend single-patient rooms, strong visibility between staff and patients, infection prevention features, flexible layouts for patient surges and greater access to natural light. Natural light emerged as a particularly consistent theme across the evidence, with studies suggesting benefits for both patients and staff working long shifts in intensive care environments.

“Natural light sounds simple, but it changes the entire experience of an ICU,” Gary said. “When patients and staff are spending long periods in these spaces, having daylight and windows supports recovery, alertness and overall well-being.”

The guidelines also reflect lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospitals had to rapidly adapt ICU spaces to manage surges in critically ill patients while maintaining infection control standards.

“That period really showed how important flexibility and infection prevention are in ICU design,” Gary said. “Units need to be able to adapt without compromising safety or efficiency.”

Another major focus of the work is the role of nurses in ICU design. Because nurses spend the most time in patient rooms, they often identify workflow and safety challenges that are not obvious during planning or construction.

“Nurses see the day-to-day realities of these environments in a way no other discipline does,” Gary said. “Their perspective is essential to building units that actually work in practice.”

Gary said the multidisciplinary nature of the panel strengthened the final recommendations by bringing together clinical care intensivists as well as nursing, engineering and architectural perspectives.

“When you bring these disciplines together, you get a much clearer picture of how the environment affects care,” she said.

The post ICU Design Guidelines Highlight How Hospital Environments Shape Patient Care and Safety appeared first on Texas A&M University College of Architecture.

Once upon a time, in Anywhere, USA, there’s a place called “Fable Hospital” where patients heal faster, staff stay longer and the building is designed to work with — not against — the people inside it.

It’s not a real place, but it was designed to solve a very real problem: why hospitals can be expensive to run, hard on staff and not always built for the best patient care.

In a new study published in BMJ Leader, researchers including Texas A&M University Distinguished Professor Dr. Leonard Berry, imagine this fictional hospital from the ground up to show that better design doesn’t just improve care, it can pay for itself.

High-Performing Hospitals Are Not Too Expensive To Build

The study models a 300-bed community hospital and asks a simple question: what happens when architects and designers rethink everything, including airflow, daylight, building materials and energy systems? The goal was to demonstrate the business case for investing more up-front to build a hospital the right way.

By investing an additional $25 million to $30 million (about 3% of total construction costs), a hospital could recover that cost within the first two years of operation, the study finds. After that, the savings continue to grow.

“This research shows that designing a better hospital is not a luxury, it’s a smart investment,” said Berry, an expert in healthcare services in the Arch H. Aplin III ’80 Department of Marketing. “When you build with evidence in mind, you improve care, support staff and reduce costs all at the same time.”

Lower Costs and Shorter Stays

The model draws on existing research linking hospital environments — such as access to nature, improved air quality and reduced noise — to better patient outcomes and staff performance, then applies those effects using conservative assumptions.

“Design features that improve air quality, reduce noise and provide access to nature are associated with shorter hospital stays,” Berry said. “Even a modest reduction in length of stay produces millions in annual savings, making it one of the largest impacts of the model.”

Across the hospital, those design changes add up quickly; they include:

• Shorter patient stays: about $7.25 million in annual savings
• Fewer medical errors: roughly $1 million saved each year
• Stronger staff retention: more than $1.2 million annually
• Lower energy and water use: about $350,000 combined per year
• Fewer renovations and lower material costs: millions saved in initial and long-term building expenses

Taken together, the model suggests more than $100 million in net financial gains is possible over the first decade of operations.

Hospitals and Regenerative Design

The study reflects a broader shift in how hospitals are designed, from minimizing harm to actively supporting health.

The researchers describe this approach as “regenerative design.”

“Regenerative design looks at how a hospital can contribute positively not only to those using the building but to the broader community as well,” Berry said. “That includes reducing energy demand, improving air and water systems and creating spaces that support healing for patients and better working conditions for staff.”

In practical terms, that might mean accessible gardens, patient rooms with views of nature, and cleaner materials and designs that help buildings withstand extreme weather. “The idea is to think of a hospital not as a standalone structure, but as part of a larger system that influences patient outcomes, workforce well-being and community health,” Berry said.

The work brings together a wide range of design strategies — many already used in other settings — and evaluates their combined impact in one place.

“These are not abstract ideas,” Berry said. “They’re practical strategies that can be implemented today. The real opportunity is putting them together in a way that delivers meaningful results.”

A 20-Year Commitment to Better Hospitals

The current study of Fable Hospital 3.0 builds on more than 20 years of research. Concepts outlined in two previous Fable Hospital articles (2004, 2012) have already shown benefits when applied and have clearly contributed to the evidence-based design movement in healthcare.

“Fable Hospital is fictional, but it is based on the use of design initiatives that are evidenced-based, i.e., proven in practice,” Berry said. “Many newer hospitals have incorporated some of these design elements and are benefiting from doing so.”

In addition to Berry, the original author team included Texas A&M Professor Emeritus of Architecture Dr. Kirk Hamilton and Blair Sadler, retired CEO of Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. Fable 3.0 was done in partnership with the architecture firm of Perkins&Will.  

The Moral of the Story

The hospital in the study may be fictional, but the challenges it addresses are not. Hospitals are long-term investments, and once built, they shape care for decades.

That’s why the researchers argue that getting the design right the first time matters, not just for patients and staff, but for the bottom line.

“In the story of Fable Hospital, the moral is simple,” Berry said, “a better hospital isn’t just possible, it’s practical and it pays off.”

The post A Hospital That Pays for Itself? Sounds Like a Fairy Tale appeared first on Texas A&M University College of Architecture.

Before they had even finished high school, Camp ARCH students were already working like future Aggies.

Hosted from July 6-11, Camp ARCH welcomed nearly 100 students from across Texas and beyond for a residential week of hands-on learning at the Texas A&M University College of Architecture. Campers explored one of four pathways — architecture, construction science, landscape architecture or urban planning.

“Camp ARCH 2026 exemplified the Texas A&M College of Architecture’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of designers, builders and innovators,” said Paul Bandini, camp director and undergraduate recruiter. “Watching these talented young people discover new possibilities for their futures was incredibly rewarding, and we are excited to see the impact they will make in the years ahead.”

Now in its 20th year, the competitive program gives prospective students an early look at both built-environment careers and life at Texas A&M. Campers live in dorms, learn from faculty and current students and experience what studying at the College of Architecture can be like.

“This year is especially meaningful, as we celebrate the official 20th anniversary of Camp ARCH,” Dean Lingqian “Ivy” Hu said at the camp’s closing ceremony. “For two decades, this camp has introduced high school students to the exciting disciplines of the built environment.”

Real Projects, Real Possibilities

Leticia Sampaio, 17, traveled from Brazil to attend Camp ARCH, still unsure whether pursuing architecture was the right fit for her. By week’s end, she had her answer.

“I came here wondering if architecture was really what I wanted to do,” Sampaio recalled. “This week proved that it is.”

Sixteen-year-old Samuel Penaranda Seba expected architecture to be more hands-on in a traditional sense, such as drawing or making models. Instead, he found himself drawn to the field’s digital side.

“I was actually surprised to learn that a lot of architecture is very digital-focused,” Penaranda Seba said.

Sampaio described how her architecture group began drafting a storyboard inspired by WALL-E, imagining a future shaped by design and technology. Then, they experimented with software also used by professional architects: Rhino3D and Grasshopper. 

Sampaio said it was challenging at first, but exciting to learn. Peraranda Seba agreed that learning the same software used by current architecture students was important for his future.

In the landscape architecture track, seventeen-year-old Abigail McKinley spent the week helping design a campus space focused on supporting student mental health. Together, her team researched the site, visited it in person, created drawings and even built a model to envision a place where students could pause and recharge. 

The project also gave her a clearer sense of the field itself. “It’s definitely taught me how to work with teams,” McKinley explained. “Especially when people have different ideas about what should go into a space.”

In Francis Hall, seventeen-year-old Parker Pfeiffer split the week between construction science projects and job-site learning. Pfeiffer said campers practiced estimating, scheduling and also building small-scale structures together.

They also toured active construction sites around Bryan-College Station, including the upcoming Aplin Center and a student housing high-rise near Northgate. His favorite was the latter. 

“We were 20 stories up, and you could see everything,” Pfeiffer added. “That was awesome.”

In the urban planning track, campers worked on a project to improve Downtown Bryan. They started with a guided tour of the historic district, then looked for places that could be improved. Working in teams, students came up with ideas to help the area grow, including new building concepts and incentives that could encourage more people to live nearby.

Ishann Bhatt, 16, said the project helped bring the profession into focus by connecting planning ideas to real community needs. By the end of the week, he and his team were preparing to present their work to local planning officials at the College Station City Hall.

“In urban planning, we’re making changes for the community,” Bhatt emphasized. “To be able to present what we’ve been working on was a great opportunity.”

Finding Their Place in Aggieland

Camp ARCH also gave students a glimpse of life on campus. As a residential camp, prospective students experience living in a dorm, navigating campus and learning Texas A&M traditions alongside their studio work and field projects.

Their preview of college life begins right at check-in. Sampaio recalled she arrived early, too excited to wait in her dorm room, and spent the time in the hallway meeting other architecture campers before her roommate arrived.

Penaranda Seba also reached his room well before his roommate. Before long, a counselor knocked on his door and invited him to join about 15 other campers for an impromptu FIFA World Cup watch party in another room. He later met his roommate there.

“We were able to watch the game and do icebreakers,” Penaranda Seba said. 

Pfeiffer and Bhatt also joined the gathering, which quickly became an early bonding moment for students across different tracks.

“I could feel the community from within 10 minutes of being here,” Bhatt shared. 

For McKinley, one of the most valuable parts of camp was meeting students who shared her interest in landscape architecture, a field she said can be hard to find other students interested in during high school.

“Landscape is a really niche major,” McKinley explained. “It’s really cool to see others with similar interests.”

Beyond the residence halls, campers toured Texas A&M and visited iconic campus landmarks like Kyle Field. They also explored historic structures, such as the Academic Plaza and the Memorial Student Center, through an architectural perspective, learning how the built environment reflects the university’s history and traditions. 

After days of learning, there was still plenty of fun to be had. Campers also spent evenings together at activities like game night, where they connected over board games, cards and puzzles, before wrapping up the week with a visit to Grand Station Entertainment for bowling and arcade games. 

Seeing Texas A&M in a New Way

But the residential experience was only part of what made the week feel like college. 

Campers said the people around them — faculty, staff and current-student counselors — helped turn that first glimpse of Aggieland into something more personal.

Throughout the week, students learned from faculty leading each pathway, gaining a closer look at how the built environment is studied and practiced. Pfeiffer said the instructors helped make complex concepts more approachable. 

“The professors have been teaching us a lot, and the two professors we’ve worked with are awesome,” Pfeiffer added. “They’re really good at making it fun for us.”

McKinley said she also appreciated learning from passionate instructors who were generous with their time and knowledge, especially when students had questions. 

“It really makes you believe in the work that we’re doing,” Bhatt said.

Current students in the College of Architecture also served as near-peer mentors. As camp counselors, they helped answer questions about the college application process and navigating college, while also helping campers settle into the rhythm of campus.

Pfeiffer said the counselors helped make the college experience feel more approachable. “They’ve been walking us through what it’s going to be like and giving us tips that are going to help us,” he said.

Several campers agreed that Camp ARCH made Aggieland feel less like a place they had visited and more like a community they could imagine joining. 

“I see a lot more for the culture and who the people are,” Pernaranda Seba explained. “I really like the environment. It’s somewhere I want to be.”

Even for students who already felt connected to Aggieland, the week offered something new. Pfeiffer, who said he grew up around Texas A&M, said Camp ARCH only strengthened that bond.

“I’ve always wanted to go here, but I think this sealed the deal,” Pfeiffer said. 

Could Camp ARCH be your next step?

Explore more info about the program experience, key dates and application process on the Camp ARCH webpage.

Learn more and apply

The post Camp ARCH Celebrates 20 Years of Inspiring Future Aggies in the Built World appeared first on Texas A&M University College of Architecture.

Each year, competition season gives Texas A&M’s Department of Construction Science an opportunity to test more than what students know in the classroom. It also asks them to lead, collaborate, quickly problem solve and deliver under deadlines tighter than what they will face in the field.

“The best summary I’ve ever heard is that it’s like the entire semester-long capstone in a 24-hour period,” said Jake Turki ’25, a member of the Electrical competition team.

This year, construction science has its largest competition participation with 11 teams across a wide range of construction specialties, including commercial and design-build to electrical, mechanical, heavy civil and emerging specialty competitions.

Together, the teams gave more than 65 students the opportunity to compete against top construction programs from across the country.

What It Takes to Compete

Competition teams spend months preparing to solve real-world construction problems under intense deadlines. Many of the teams compete through the Associated Schools of Construction, while others participate in specialty events such as the NAHB Residential Construction Competition, the Asphalt Road-eo and the Roofing Alliance Competition.

“They work on projects from start to finish: estimating, scheduling, project management — everything except actually building it,” said Assistant Department Head Shelley Smith.

With more than 1,500 students enrolled across the department’s programs, earning a seat on a competition team is highly competitive. Students apply and rank their preferred teams, and faculty coaches evaluate them based on technical ability, leadership potential, internship experience, communication skills and the time commitment required to compete nationally.

Student leaders also help shape the teams’ rosters. Electrical Team Captain Thomas Stephan ’26 said he looked for students who could contribute immediately and continue to grow on the team.

“I looked for people with internship experience, strong work ethic and the ability to commit time,” Stephan said. “But also people who could grow into future leaders.”

Once teams are selected, preparation begins months before they travel. Industry partners mentor students by providing real projects, plans, schedules and budgets that reflect current practice. They also volunteer as mock judges, review presentations and give feedback throughout the process.

Some teams add field experiences or full practice runs before competitions to sharpen their skills. Senior Lecturer Jonathan Houston, who coached the Electrical team, organized a visit to a data center project and led a 14-hour mock competition before the team traveled to Reno.

Under Pressure

In Reno, six students from the Electrical Team sat down with a flash drive containing a full-scope electrical retrofit for a data center. For a professional team, the project might take weeks to estimate, schedule and present. They had 14 hours.

Midway through the competition, the team hit a setback. A deliverable was off track, and the clock was still running.

“A big part was learning to work together, disagreeing respectfully and building trust as a team,” said team member Zach Amaya ’26. 

The team regrouped, redistributed the work and kept moving. For Amaya, that part of the experience mattered as much as the final result.

“The time constraints mirror the real industry,” team captain Stephan said. “You have to deliver high-quality work quickly, just like on an actual job.”  

The experience is part of what makes competition season valuable to employers who mentor and sponsor the teams. Students apply technical knowledge while also practicing communication, coordination and decision-making under pressure.

Associate Professor Charles Gurganus, the faculty advisor for the undergraduate Asphalt team, said those experiences provide students with a different level of preparation.

“Texas A&M students are high-caliber students that thrive on success,” Gurganus said. “Students that participate in competitions rise to the occasion. They learn so much about the topic, have a ton of fun and show the industry the caliber of student produced at A&M.”

From this year’s electrical team alone, graduates are heading to Flintco, Bartlett Cocke, Tellepsen and Burns & McDonnell. 

“Companies get to see who’s driven and capable,” Stephan said. “It’s almost like a live interview.”

Houston said the focus remains on students’ effort and personal growth as much as the outcome.

In February, Houston’s electrical team took 1st place at the ASC Region 6 & 7 competition in Reno. The result mattered, but so did what students learned along the way.

“The goal isn’t just to win. It’s to give your best effort,” Houston explained. “And when you do that, the results take care of themselves.”

Strong Industry Supporters

Industry support plays an important role in making the competition season possible. 

Senior Lecturer Hernan Guerra, industry relations coordinator, said sending all 11 teams and their students to events around the country relies on the Construction Industry Advisory Council’s support for travel, lodging, registration, training materials and professional attire.

“The success and continued growth of our competition teams would not be possible without the incredible support of our CIAC partners to provide these transformational opportunities at such a large scale,” Guerra added.

Beyond the financial impact, industry partners help ensure that Aggie students represent Texas A&M with professionalism and pride.

“It is always meaningful to see our students dressed professionally while also showcasing the companies that believe in and invest in their future,” Guerra said.

Guerra expressed gratitude for the numerous CIAC industry partners who contributed significant time to mentor and prepare students for this season.

“Their investment goes far beyond sponsorship — it is a direct investment in developing the next generation of leaders for the construction industry,” Guerra said.

This article was originally published in the Spring 2026 edition of the Construction Industry Advisory Council newsletter. 

The post Texas A&M Competition Teams Prepare Students for Construction Careers appeared first on Texas A&M University College of Architecture.

For years, Aggie architect Megan Tormey, AIA, LEED AP ’01 worked in a place few visitors to the iconic Lincoln Memorial ever saw. Beneath the marble monument lies a vast undercroft: a cavernous structural grid of 122 towering 50-foot concrete columns, exposed earth and open voids that support one of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks. 

As a senior associate at Quinn Evans, Tormey spent nearly a decade leading the design team that transformed the century-old undercroft into a public museum, revealing a new layer of the monument’s history.

The Lincoln Memorial Undercroft, now a 15,000-square-foot exhibit, officially opened to the public in June, coinciding with the 250th anniversary celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

“Working on the Lincoln Memorial was an incredible responsibility, one that stayed with me every day over the nine years I was involved,” Tormey said. “It truly became a passion project.”

Designing for a Space Like No Other

Tormey’s work on the Undercroft relied on skills she began honing at Texas A&M University as a graduate student. While earning her master’s in architectural design, Tormey was a research assistant at the College of Architecture’s Center for Heritage Conservation. 

As a researcher, Tormey focused on documenting unique structures with no standard design precedents. She transformed data on hand-stacked Native American Pueblitos in New Mexico and completed a month-long digital survey of Fort Pulaski in Georgia.

“My experience at Texas A&M gave me a strong foundation in documenting and analyzing complex existing conditions, especially for unconventional structures,” Tormey said. “There were no standard details or precedents to rely for the Undercroft, so I had to apply some of those same skills — careful observation, documentation and problem solving — to develop solutions tailored to a truly one-of-a-kind structure.”

Tormey and her team worked closely with the National Park Service to redesign the Undercroft to immerse visitors in the scale of the structure itself — and its historical significance.

“Every design choice celebrates the foundation that has quietly carried the Lincoln Memorial for over a century,” Tormey said, according to Quinn Evans. 

Inside the Undercroft, visitors can view floor-to-ceiling curtain wall glazing that frames dramatic views into the space, multimedia exhibits, an orientation theater and visit the gift shop.

While the Memorial’s above-ground statue chamber honors President Abraham Lincoln, the Undercroft exhibit explores the memorial’s significance to the Civil Rights Movement.

The Memorial is such a powerful symbol of civil rights and equality, and one of the things that I’m most proud of is that the undercroft project was led by so many women across disciplines — from the National Park Service to the design team and construction teams. When the Memorial was originally built, women didn’t even have the right to vote.

Solving the Micro-Climate Challenge

The Undercroft’s new design is unlike any traditional museum. Rather than enclosing the Undercroft in a conventional buildout, the team introduced contemporary elements that sit lightly within the historic structure. 

“There are only three defining elements within the Undercroft: the existing concrete columns and arches, the earth at their base, and the void between them,” Tormey said. “Preserving that sense of openness and especially the scale of the space became one of the most important and sensitive aspects of the design.”

Tormey said any new features are deliberately distinguishable. The museum uses reclaimed wood to symbolize the forms used to shape the existing concrete columns. The smooth finishes on new structural elements help visually separate them from the historic materials.

But preserving the Undercroft’s scale and openness in the redesign meant confronting the space’s harsh and unpredictable environment.

Originally opened in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial sits on reclaimed land that was once part of the Potomac River. Its foundations had to be driven 50 feet down to bedrock to stabilize it, resulting in the Undercroft. Never intended for visitors, the space remained largely hidden for decades, aside from a small window installed during a 1970s renovation and later removed.

Because the Memorial sits on reclaimed land, the Undercroft behaves almost like an underground swamp. Temperatures fluctuated by as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity levels frequently reached 99%. The conditions threaten to fog the glass walls that allow visitors to look into the Undercroft and experience the exhibit. 

To keep those views clear, Tormey said the design team used a special glass system that gently warms when moisture rises without altering the historic space.

Now open to the public, the Undercroft gives visitors a new way to understand the hidden structure beneath one of the nation’s most recognizable monuments — and the foundation that has supported its place in American history for more than a century.

Megan Tormey, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, earned her master’s in architectural design and a certificate in heritage conservation from Texas A&M University in 2001. She now serves as a senior associate at Quinn Evans in Washington, D.C.

The post How an Aggie Architect Helped Open the Lincoln Memorial’s Hidden Undercroft appeared first on Texas A&M University College of Architecture.

The global landscape is changing at an unprecedented pace. In 2026, urban environments face compounding pressures from rapid population growth, climate volatility, infrastructure aging and economic shifts. At the center of these challenges sit two vital disciplines: landscape architecture and urban planning.

For undergraduate students looking to shape the physical world, the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning within the Texas A&M University College of Architecture offers a premier destination. It remains the only academic department of its kind in the nation to explicitly unite landscape architecture, urban planning, and land development under a single, collaborative roof.

This comprehensive guide addresses the core questions prospective undergraduate Aggies ask about the program, focusing on the cultural realities of 2026, financial considerations, and long-term return on investment.

Why Study Landscape Architecture or Urban Planning in 2026?

The year 2026 marks a turning point for built environments. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, generative spatial design, drone-mapped metrology and smart-city sensor networks are no longer speculative tools—they are active components of daily professional practice.

Students entering the field today are not just learning how to draft master plans or select regional flora. They are training to become spatial data analysts, climate resilience strategists, and advocates for public health.

According to the Texas A&M Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, the mission focuses on evidence-based planning and design. This means students use rigorous scientific data, predictive climate modeling, and behavioral research to justify their creative designs. Whether engineering natural drainage systems to combat urban flooding or redesigning civic corridors to reduce carbon footprints, a degree here provides the ultimate toolset to tackle modern crises.

What Undergraduate Degrees Are Offered?

The department provides two distinct, yet deeply integrated, undergraduate pathways. Both programs leverage the immense technical and computing power of a tier-one research institution while maintaining close-knit, collaborative studio environments.

1. Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA)

The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture is a professionally accredited, five-year degree. This track focuses heavily on design instruction, material structures, site engineering, and ecological preservation. Because it is a professional degree, it puts graduates on a direct track toward professional licensure.

2. Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning (BSUR)

The Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning is a four-year degree focusing on the systemic, political, legal, and economic frameworks that guide community development. Students learn to navigate zoning laws, housing equity, geographic information systems, and transportation infrastructure.

Program Costs and Financial Realities

A primary consideration for any prospective student in 2026 is the total cost of attendance versus potential debt. Texas A&M University consistently ranks as one of the top values in public higher education because of its competitive tuition structures and extensive institutional support.

The Return on Investment: Career Outcomes and Salaries

The financial commitment of a design or planning degree is offset by strong career demand and competitive entry-level compensation. Texas A&M graduates enter the market backed by the powerful, global network of former students known as the Aggie Network.

According to data compiled by College Raptor’s 2026 Landscape Architecture Reports, the national median starting salary for landscape architecture graduates sits around $56,529.

Long-term career trajectories show significant upward mobility. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies the following median annual salaries and growth prospects for core professions within these sectors:

The data points for the median annual salaries and job growth metrics are sourced directly from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Texas A&M’s program is specifically structured to accelerate this return on investment through experiential, project-based learning. This ensures students build professional portfolios long before graduation.

What Makes the Texas A&M Experience Unique?

Beyond numbers and checkboxes, the culture within the College of Architecture fosters deep professional readiness. Several distinctive elements elevate this program above standard national baselines:

Nationally Recognized Rankings

The university’s Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program is consistently recognized as one of the premier tracks in the country. College Factual ranks the program No. 5 for Best Landscape Architecture Schools in the United States and No. 1 in the state of Texas, reflecting its long-term educational excellence.

High-Impact Service Learning

Through institutional initiatives like Texas Target Communities, undergraduate students work directly with local, under-resourced municipal governments across Texas. Students help develop real-world comprehensive plans, neighborhood park designs, and resilience strategies, gaining invaluable client-facing experience.

The Aggie Workshop and Professional Networking

Every year, the department hosts the Aggie Workshop, a student-run conference bringing top-tier international designers, alumni, and planners to campus. This event runs alongside a specialized department career fair, matching students directly with private design firms and public agencies for internships and full-time employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an elite artistic or drawing background to apply?

No. While creative thinking is crucial, the program teaches graphic communication from the ground up. The modern curriculum balances traditional hand-sketching with digital drafting, 3D modeling, and spatial data rendering. Technical competence and a passion for environmental problem-solving matter more than prior artistic training.

Is the undergraduate program a designated STEM discipline?

Yes. The programs utilize advanced environmental science, empirical data analysis, and technical site engineering, qualifying them under federal guidelines as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. This designation is highly valuable for students pursuing data-heavy planning, geographical analytics, or corporate sustainability roles.

What options exist for studying abroad?

The College of Architecture maintains a strong commitment to global education. The department offers dedicated semester-away initiatives, including long-standing study programs in Italy and Germany, where students analyze historical European urban planning and contemporary ecological architecture firsthand.

The Verdict: Is an Aggie Design Degree Worth It?

Choosing an undergraduate path in 2026 requires balancing creative ambition with financial prudence. The Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning at Texas A&M bridges this gap cleanly.

By combining low in-state public tuition rates with top-five national academic rankings, a robust professional network, and an evidence-based curriculum, the university provides a reliable, high-yield launchpad for future designers. Aggies do not just study the shifts shaping our world—they actively build the frameworks, parks, and cities of tomorrow.

The post Texas AM Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning Undergraduate Guide appeared first on Texas A&M University College of Architecture.

choice surely shapes daily responsibilities, earning potential, and long-term career opportunities. Though both professions are essential to bringing buildings and infrastructure to life, architecture emphasizes design and creative problem-solving, while construction management focuses on project execution, coordination, and leadership.

For professionals weighing these options, understanding the practical realities of each career is essential to identifying the educational path, such as Texas A&M’s Online Master of Science in Construction Management, that best matches their strengths, goals, and vision for the future. 

What Does Each Career Actually Look Like?

Although architecture and construction management often intersect on the same projects, the day-to-day realities of each profession are fundamentally different. 

Architecture is a design-centered career focused on translating client needs, satisfying functional requirements, and channeling creative vision into safe, buildable structures. Core responsibilities include:

• Developing design concepts
• Creating detailed drawings, plans, and specifications
• Collaborating with engineering consultants and clients
• Carrying the legal responsibility for design safety and code compliance

Reaching that level of responsibility requires a significant commitment. Aspiring architects typically complete an accredited professional degree, document 3,740 hours through the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and pass the six-part Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Consequently, the process from entering a university to achieving full licensure frequently spans more than a decade. 

Construction management, by contrast, centers on execution. Construction managers oversee the process of turning contract documents into completed projects by:

• Coordinating trades persons, subcontractors, equipment, and materials
• Managing schedules and budgets
• Securing permits from local, state, and federal entities
• Creating material submittals
• Processing requests for information (RFIs)
• Mitigating and solving problems that arise onsite

Their primary focus is to ensure that work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to the contract specifications. 

When comparing architecture and construction management, the core distinction comes down to professional identity. Depending on the project delivery method chosen, Architects own the vision, while construction managers own the build. Architects focus on conceptual planning, design thinking, and aesthetics, while construction managers focus on operational leadership, field coordination, and the tangible delivery of the structure.

Construction Management vs. Architecture Salary Comparison

Salary is usually one of the first factors aspiring professionals consider when weighing career options, and the financial comparison between these two paths reveals a meaningful gap. According to the 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• Construction managers earned a median annual salary of $106,980, with the top 10% earning more than $176,990.
• Architects earned a median annual salary of $96,690, with entry-level architectural designers starting well below that figure.

When considering career timelines, the contrast in earning trajectory becomes even more significant. Construction management often provides a faster path to income growth, allowing professionals to transition into higher-paying project management and leadership roles relatively early in their careers. Conversely, architecture typically requires years of internship experience, rigorous examination preparation, and licensure before professional reach their full earning potential. 

While architecture can offer substantial financial rewards over time, the highest income levels are often tied to firm ownership and business development, which introduces entrepreneurial risk. In contrast, the commercial construction sector frequently supplements base salaries with attractive compensation packages that include performance bonuses, profit-sharing opportunities, and in the case of employee owned firms, stock purchase programs.

Job Outlook: Where Is the Industry Headed?

In addition to salary, the job outlook is an important consideration, as it indicates can help indicate future professional stability and opportunity. Job growth projections reveal one of the clearest distinctions between construction management and architecture. 

According to the BLS, employment of construction managers is projected to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034, a rate classified as “much faster than average” compared to all occupations. The field is also expected to generate approximately 46,800 annual job openings each year during that period. By comparison, employment for architects is projected to see 4% employment growth, which is roughly in line with the national average, yielding about 7,800 annual openings. 

Several market forces are driving this heightened demand for construction management professionals. Skilled leaders capable of managing increasingly complex projects are essential to support:

• The continued investment in national, state, and local infrastructure
• Growing emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient construction practices
• Data center demand
• The reintroduction of nuclear power in the United States
• Ongoing housing and commercial development needs

As construction methods, technologies, and regulations continue to evolve, organizations increasingly rely on professionals who can manage budgets, schedules, teams, and risk at scale. 

For prospective students evaluating long-term opportunity, the contrast is significant: construction management offers both faster projected growth and substantially more annual openings and compensation, creating a broader range of career opportunities across the industry. 

Day-to-Day Work: The Real Difference

When comparing construction management and architecture, the most important question is often not “Which career pays more?” but rather, “Which type of work will I enjoy doing every day?” Long-term career satisfaction ultimately depends to how you spend your time, not just your earning potential. 

Architects typically work in an office setting, concentrating on:

• Design development
• Creating construction documents
• Drafting material specifications
• Coordinating with Engineering consultants
• Client meetings

This role heavily focuses on balancing technical requirements with creative vision while guiding clients through design decisions and project goals. 

Construction managers, by contrast, spend their time in the field or on-site, overseeing project execution. Daily responsibilities typically include:

• Coordinating subcontractors and tradespeople
• Managing schedules and milestones
• Creating and reviewing material submittals
• Processing RFIs (Request for Information)
• Monitoring and optimizing project budgets
• Solving problems as they emerge during construction execution

Another distinction is the client relationship. Architects often work directly with owners throughout the design process, while construction managers typically operate through architects, owner representatives, and other project stakeholders. For many professionals, this more shielded relationship is desirable because it allows them to focus on execution, coordination, and project delivery rather than client-facing responsibilities or design creation.

Architectural Engineering vs. Construction Management

For those drawn to the technical side of the built environment but less interested in architectural design, comparing architectural engineering to construction management is another worthwhile comparison. Architectural engineers focus on the engineered systems that make buildings function, including:

• Structural frameworks
• Mechanical systems
• Electrical infrastructure
• Plumbing networks

Degree programs in architectural engineering reflect this technical emphasis, typically requiring significantly more coursework in physics, calculus, and advanced engineering mathematics than construction management programs.

Construction management, by comparison, focuses less on technical design and more on project execution. Professionals in the field oversee:

• Scheduling
• Estimating and project bidding
• Contracts
• Procurement
• Budgeting
• Risk management
• Leadership
• Overall project delivery

Construction managers coordinate people, resources, and timelines to ensure projects are completed on-time and within budget. 

The decision between these two fields often comes down to individual interests and strengths. Individuals who enjoy mathematics, engineering principles, and technical system design will likely find architectural engineering a natural fit. Conversely, those who prefer leadership, problem-solving, communication, business operations, and project management are often better aligned with construction management and its leadership-driven career trajectory. 

Is a Master’s Degree Worth It in Construction Management?

For professionals with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, business, construction science, or a related field, a graduate degree in construction management can be one of the most direct paths to leadership within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. As projects become more complex and organizations place a greater emphasis on project delivery, risk management, and operational leadership, an advanced education can help professionals accelerate their advancement into senior management roles. 

Texas A&M offers an Online Master of Science in Construction Management. This fully online, 36-credit-hour program is designed for working professionals and career changers. The ACCE-accredited program offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to build foundational construction management knowledge while continuing to work full-time. 

Program coursework includes core subjects, such as:

• Construction practices
• Cost estimating
• Scheduling
• Advanced project management
• Construction contracts
• Risk management
• Lean construction
• Construction company operations

Students with architecture backgrounds are well-positioned for the transition, and foundational courses may be waived for those who have completed equivalent coursework through accredited construction management or engineering-related programs. 

Advancing Your Career in Construction Management

Choosing between architecture and construction management ultimately comes down to your interests, preferred work environment, and long-term career goals. While both professionals play essential roles in the built environment, construction management offers strong earning potential, robust job growth, and a direct path to leadership. 

For professionals who are ready to advance or change their careers, Texas A&M’s Online Master of Science in Construction Management provides the knowledge and credentials needed to lead complex projects and organizations. Explore the program to learn how it could help you take the next step in the AEC industry. 

The post Construction Management vs. Architecture: Choosing the Best Path for Your Career Goals appeared first on Texas A&M University College of Architecture.

Dr. Zofia K. Rybkowski has been named interim head of the Department of Construction Science at Texas A&M University, effective July 1.

Rybkowski is an endowed professor in the department and serves as coordinator of its Master of Science in Construction Management program.

“Dr. Rybkowski has provided thoughtful leadership and dedicated service to the Department of Construction Science and the College of Architecture,” said Dr. Lingqian “Ivy” Hu, dean of the College of Architecture. “We are grateful for her willingness to serve in this role and appreciate her continued commitment to the department during this transition.”

Her service includes chairing the department’s Promotion and Tenure Committee and contributing to faculty search committees, graduate committees and strategic planning efforts. At the college level, she has served on the College of Architecture Promotion and Tenure Committee, Academic Affairs Committee and Graduate Program Committee.

Rybkowski has also helped lead interdisciplinary initiatives, including the Harold L. Adams Interdisciplinary Competition for Undergraduates, a charrette-style event that brings together students from across disciplines.

An Interdisciplinary Leader

Rybkowski, who joined Texas A&M in 2009, is an internationally recognized scholar in construction science and interdisciplinary systems thinking.

Rybkowski holds several degrees in civil engineering, architecture and biology from Stanford University, Brown University, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering.

Her research explores ways to improve building design and construction processes, including the use of simulation tools, Lean project delivery methods, target value design and sustainable construction strategies. 

She previously earned the Harold L. Adams Interdisciplinary Professorship in Construction Science, the J. Thomas Regan Interdisciplinary Faculty Prize and Texas A&M’s Presidential Impact Fellow designation. She is also a Fulbright Fellow and legacy LEED-accredited professional.

Rybkowski said she has seen the department grow over the past 17 years and is honored to serve alongside faculty and staff who care deeply about preparing the next generation of professionals.

“The role of an interim department head is to provide a steady hand and maintain our strong foundation,” Rybkowski said. “However, it is also a wonderful opportunity to listen to and learn from the aspirations of our colleagues, students and supporters. I look forward to the meaningful work we will do together during this chapter as we continue to generate new knowledge through both teaching and research — and push our field forward.”

Rybkowski will serve in the role as the search for a permanent department head begins.

The post Dr. Zofia K. Rybkowski Appointed Interim Head of Construction Science appeared first on Texas A&M University College of Architecture.

Navigating the path to becoming a licensed professional architect requires a precise blend of rigorous design theory, technical competency and real-world experience. For aspiring designers evaluating a Master of Architecture Texas degree, the choice of institution shapes not only their academic foundation but also their competitive edge in a rapidly changing global industry.

As the oldest higher education architecture program in the state, the Department of Architecture at Texas A&M University continues to lead the built environment discipline through its emphasis on studio-based learning, multi-disciplinary research and accelerated professional pathways.

The Value of NAAB Accreditation

Securing a professional degree from one of the premier NAAB accredited architecture schools Texas hosts is an essential prerequisite for statutory licensure across most United States jurisdictions. The Master of Architecture curriculum at Texas A&M is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, ensuring that graduates possess the foundational competencies demanded by modern firms.

The three-year and two-year graduate tracks weave together five core academic trajectories: design, representation, technology, history and theory, and professional engagement. Rather than analyzing design in isolation, graduate students explore specialized areas of emphasis, including health systems and design, heritage conservation, housing and urban development, and digital fabrication.

Accelerating Licensure Through IPAL

Time to market is a critical factor for modern graduate students. Traditionally, completing an accredited education, logging thousands of hours in the Architectural Experience Program, and passing the six divisions of the Architect Registration Examination can take close to a decade.

Texas A&M bypasses this traditional bottleneck by offering the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure. The university remains a trailblazer in this space. According to the Department of Architecture, multiple Texas A&M students successfully passed all six licensing examinations prior to graduation, completing rigorous professional milestones simultaneously alongside their master’s studio coursework.

A Legacy of Industry Leadership

Ranked as the top architecture program in the state by College Factual, the Texas A&M College of Architecture stands as one of the largest and most robust design colleges in the nation. This immense scale translates directly into robust institutional support, cutting-edge digital fabrication laboratories and an unmatched global alumni network.

The graduate curriculum requires immersive collaborative engagement, preparing students to lead multidisciplinary project teams that bridge the gap between design theory, real estate development and construction management.

Prospective students seeking to understand the structural mechanics behind sustainable communities can review application requirements, portfolio guidelines and curriculum highlights directly through the university’s academic portal.

The post Why a Master of Architecture at Texas A&M Is the Path to Licensure appeared first on Texas A&M University College of Architecture.