Director's Message

The School of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is, since its founding in 1867, one of America's leading institutions in architectural education. Its reputation lies beyond being the second oldest architecture program in the US and having the first male and female architecture graduates; it fundamentally lies in its tradition of innovation and in its rigorous, well-balanced program.

During a recent external evaluation, consultants described the School's senior graduate faculty as "presenting powerful competition on the national scene" and "this program is strong and enviable." This reputation is certainly reflected in the awards and recognition earned by faculty in all disciplinary areas of the School: Design, Structures, History & Preservation, Practice & Technology and Building Research.

The central and critical piece in the success story of the School is our students. Each entering student has been rigorously reviewed and is here because he or she has already demonstrated a record of academic achievement and the potential to contribute to the academy and the profession through scholarship, research and creative work.

Education is a process and we are partners, teacher-learners/student-learners in this endeavor. Our graduate students are not consumers of this institution but the currency that makes it great and vital. They come from across the United States and throughout the world and represent a diversity of thought, culture and experience.

Our history, tradition and performance have demonstrated we are players in a very competitive arena. While we are proud of our past achievements, you can be assured that we look to the future with even greater promise. We enter the 21st century with the same focus on innovation in architectural education and professional practice that marked this institution's beginnings over one hundred and thirty years ago. You can be confident in the fact you will receive an excellent education at Illinois.

We encourage your interest in the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and we invite you to join us as we continue the pursuit of excellence.