Administration
Architecture 201
2410 Campus Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7225
Fax: (808) 956-7778
Email: arch@hawaii.edu
Web: www.arch.hawaii.edu/
Dean: Mo Zell
Faculty
*S. M. Bussiere, MLA—landscape architecture and urbanism
*W. Chapman, DPhil—historic preservation
*M. Despang, MArch—critical practice, practical critique/tactics and techniques of typology, tectonics, technology
*Y. Ishida, MArch, AIA—design, construction materials and processes, systems, structures
*B. Kanisthakhon, MArch—design, construction materials and processes
*H. K. Lee, MArch, AIA—architectural design and construction, integrated building materials and systems, professional practice
*C. Llewellyn, MArch, FAIA—design, global practice
*L. McGuire, PhD—architectural and design history, theory, and criticism
*W. Meguro, SMArchS, AIA, LEED AP—sustainable buildings/ community design
*K. Nute, PhD—architectural history, theory and design
*H. J. Park, MArch, PhD— design computing, optimization, affordable housing
*E. Peterson, MArch, PhD—architecture, design, and fabrication
*C. H. Schar, MArch, FAIA—community design, professional practice
*K. Sierralta, MArch, AIA—architecture and design
*J. Stilgenbauer, MLA— landscape architecture, urban design
*L. Walters, MArch—design, digital fabrication
Cooperating Faculty
*R. Chen, PhD—engineering
*A. Das, PhD—planning
*P. Das, PhD—planning
*C. Fletcher, PhD—climate change
*A. Freitas, PhD—planning
*S. George, PhD—elementary education; place based learning
*D. Harris-McCoy, PhD—architectural theory: Greco-Roman, Renaissance
*A. J. Kaufman, PhD—landscape specialist
*K. E. Kim, PhD—planning
*P. Lavy, PhD—pre-modern art/architecture history
*C. H. Lee, MFA—art, design thinking, skeuomorphism
*S. Robertson, PhD—human-computer interaction, interaction design
*J. Tripp, PhD—historic preservation; architectural history
General Information
Introduction
The study of architecture and landscape architecture allows students to generate physical solutions to complex environmental design problems that often have competing economic, social, and political parameters. The built environment professions attract those who have a wide range of interests and skills and wish to make a unique contribution to society.
Vision: Global Connections
The School of Architecture inspires transformative design at the global scale, with preeminence in the Asia-Pacific region inspired by the local relevance and impact of Hawaiʻi.
Mission Statement: Building for the 21st Century
The School of Architecture builds on our unique island context within the Hawaiʻi, Asia, and Pacific region to promote design excellence, intellectual inquiry, creative problem solving, and multidisciplinary collaboration, with both local and global impact.
DArch Accreditation Notice
In the U.S., most state 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 professional degree programs in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation, 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 degree 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.
The School of Architecture offers the following NAAB-accredited degree program:
Doctor of Architecture
- Track I: (preprofessional degree in architecture [126/120 credits] + 90 graduate credits)
- Track II: (non-professional degree [120 credits min.] + 108 graduate credits)
NAAB Continuing Accreditation Visit: Spring 2027
MArch Accreditation Notice
In the U.S., most state 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 professional degree programs in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation, 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 degree programs may require a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture for admission. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an NAAB accredited degree.
The School of Architecture (SoA) offers the Master of Architecture (MArch) degree. First cohort of new M.Arch. students entered in August 2022 and graduated in May 2024. Second cohort of M.Arch. students entered August 2023 and graduates in May 2025. NAAB Board granted initial candidacy status May 24, 2024, with effective date of January 1, 2023.
NAAB Initial Candidacy Visit: Fall 2023
NAAB Initial Accreditation Visit: Fall 2025
Master of Architecture
- Track: (undergraduate with architecture major + 63 graduate credit hours)
MLA Accreditation Notice
The Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the official accrediting body for professional programs in landscape architecture. LAAB is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA).
The School of Architecture offers the following LAAB-accredited degree program:
Master of Landscape Architecture
- First-professional MLA 1 Track
- First-professional MLA 1 Advanced Placement Track
Next LAAB accreditation visit: Fall 2028
STEM Designation
The DArch (including the Global Track option) and the MArch are STEM-designated 04.0902 Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology degrees. The MLA is a STEM-designated 04.0601 Landscape Architecture degree. Our graduate programs’ STEM designations allow international graduates holding F-1 visas who apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to extend the OPT period from the regular one year to three years, give eligibility for STEM-specific scholarships, and offers expanded GI Bill benefits for U.S. veterans.
Admissions Overview
Students seeking admission to the school must complete an online application by the stated deadlines. The school and UH Mānoa do not grant deferred admission. Applicants wishing to defer admission must reapply.
Undergraduate Application Procedures
All applicants for admission to the pre-professional undergraduate Bachelor of Environmental Design (BEnvD) program must complete a UH System Application at www.manoa.hawaii.edu/apply/.
Undergraduate Application Deadlines
Fall priority deadline is January 5 and final deadline is March 1. Spring priority deadline is September 1 and final deadline is October 15.
The Office of Admissions will complete an undergraduate transfer credit evaluation for prior completed post-secondary level course work or approved Advanced Placement (AP) high school course work. The School of Architecture will complete a transfer credit evaluation for prior completed post-secondary level course work taken in architecture design or related subjects after an applicant is accepted by UH Mānoa. BEnvD course requirements will be waived only for transfer credits that are deemed equivalent to courses offered by the school.
Students entering the pre-professional undergraduate program directly from high school may potentially complete the program in four years of full-time study. The time to complete the program by transfer students is based on a case-by-case evaluation of transfer credits.
Graduate Application Procedures
DArch Application Procedures
All applicants for admissions to the professional Doctor of Architecture (DArch) program must hold a baccalaureate degree or higher and must apply online with Graduate Division at www.manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/content/prospective-students/. Applicants must also submit a School of Architecture Supplemental Information for Admission form, which can be found at www.arch.hawaii.edu/doctor-of-architecture/, and required documents by the stated deadline. Supplemental documents submitted by applicants become the property of the School of Architecture.
DArch Application Deadline
Fall deadline is January 1. Spring deadline is September 1. Summer deadline is September 1.
Students entering the program who hold a four-year preprofessional baccalaureate degree (e.g., BS architecture studies, BA architecture studies, BA environmental design) enter the 3-year, 90-credit professional DArch program. Fall semester start date is recommended.
Students entering the program who hold a baccalaureate degree in a field unrelated to architecture or environmental design (non-pre-professional degree) enter the 108-credit professional DArch program. Summer start date is recommended.
No graduate credit is transferable to the DArch degree if it has been counted for another graduate degree.
For information on the Credit Acceptance Policy for Doctorate degrees, please go to manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/transfer-pbu-credits/
MArch Application Procedures
All applicants for admissions to the professional Master of Architecture (MArch) program must hold a pre-professional baccalaureate degree and must apply online with Graduate Division at www.manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/prospective-students/. Applicants must also submit a School of Architecture Supplemental Information for Admission form, which can be found at www.arch.hawaii.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/suppinfo_MArch.pdf/, and required documents by the stated deadline. Supplemental documents submitted by applicants become the property of the School of Architecture.
MArch Application Deadline
Fall deadline is January 1. Spring deadline is September 1.
All applicants to the professional Master of Architecture (MArch) program must hold a pre-professional architecture four-year baccalaureate degree to be considered for acceptance. Fall semester start date is recommended. No graduate credit is transferable to the MArch degree if it has been counted for another graduate degree.
MLA Application Procedures
Admissions procedures for the Master of Landscape Architecture program (MLA) follow general Graduate Division policy (manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/content/prospective-students). Applicants for admission to the MLA must hold or expect to hold prior to matriculation a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent degree from a recognized non-U.S. institution of higher education. To be eligible, a first-professional MLA I track applicant must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree with a major in any field of study. A first-professional MLA I AP track applicant must hold a professional degree in architecture (BArch, MArch, DArch) or a four-year pre-professional bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, architecture, or environmental design. Additionally, a strong design portfolio is required for an MLA I AP applicant to be granted advanced standing of up to two semesters. A post-professional MLA II track applicant must hold an accredited professional degree in landscape architecture (BLA, BSLA). All applicants to the MLA program need to demonstrate a GPA of 3.0 or above for undergraduate course work and for any post-baccalaureate or graduate course work. Minimum TOEFL score for international MLA applicants: 61 (internet) or 500 (paper); or minimum IELTS score for international MLA applicants: 6.00 for the overall band test results.
Prospective MLA students seeking admission to the program will be required to submit a general Graduate Division application by the stated deadline. In addition, MLA applicants need to submit the following supplemental materials required by the School of Architecture: statement of objectives, resume, portfolio, and three letters of recommendation.
MLA Application Deadline
Admissions to the MLA program (all degree tracks) will be Fall only with a January 1 application deadline.
Advising
Informal academic advising may be requested by prospective students by contacting the school’s Student Services Office. Students who have been accepted to the school should contact the Student Services Office for information regarding orientation and required advising before registration.
Program Requirements
Students enrolled in the pre-professional Bachelor of Environmental Design (BEnvD) must meet UH Mānoa General Education Core Requirements and maintain UH Mānoa academic standards. Enrolled students wishing to enter the 90-credit professional DArch, the 63-credit professional MArch, or the MLA programs must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA at the graduate level.
All graduate students (DArch, MArch, and MLA) whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 are placed on academic probation. Upon completion of the probationary semester if the cumulative GPA is not raised to 3.0, or if special conditions established by the dean are not met, the student may be dismissed or suspended from the program.
Undergraduate Program
Bachelor of Environmental Design (BEnvD)
A pre-professional 4-year undergraduate degree program, the Bachelor of Environmental Design (BEnvD), emphasizes the study of built and natural environments and provides a solid foundation for graduate education and/or careers in the design and building professions, including architecture, landscape architecture, and related disciplines.
Additional Information
For information about the school or degree programs, contact the Student Services Office at arch@hawaii.edu.
For information regarding student loans and scholarships, contact the UH Financial Aid Services Office.
Professional Fee
All school students are assessed a professional fee each semester at the time tuition is paid. The professional fee for the academic year is $500 per semester.
Program Requirements
All students are required to have their own personal computer for completion of required course work. A laptop computer is strongly recommended. Software may be required to be purchased by students for the successful completion of courses and to use the school’s advanced graphic and digital fabrication equipment.
Waiver or substitution of any required course must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies, or the respective graduate program Director.
Centers and Labs
Environmental Research & Design Lab
The mission of the Environmental Research and Design Laboratory (ERDL) is to enhance students’ educational experience through extracurricular applied research in sustainable buildings at UH Mānoa.
The ERDL is an interdisciplinary part of the School of Architecture and brings together students from architecture, landscape architecture, environmental design, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, geology, and information and computer sciences to design and monitor buildings with the goal of dramatically and rapidly reducing fossil fuel use in building operation to mitigate climate change. The ERDL pursues research projects with the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance student learning in building science, address underserved communities, and focus on subtropical and tropical climates. The ERDL conducts research on sea level rise adaptation to facilitate coordinated conversation and inform design guidelines, pilot projects, and policies.
We are associated with the Coastal Sustainability Initiative in Sea Grant and the Sea Grant Center for Sustainable Buildings and Community Design.
University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center (UHCDC)
The University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center is a teaching practice and outreach initiative led by the School of Architecture that provides a new platform for students, staff, faculty, and partnered professionals to collaborate on interdisciplinary applied research, planning, and design projects that serve the public interest. The center provides proof-of-concept services for the university, state, city, and non-profit organizations, which address the critical issues facing our communities: equity, health, housing, climate change, among others.
UHCDC projects offer applied learning opportunities for students through academic instruction, internship, symposiums, competitions, exhibitions, and post- graduate employment. Please visit www.uhcdc.manoa.hawaii.edu for more information.
Student Organizations
The school houses a chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), as well as a student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (SCASLA). These organizations engage in a variety of social and community service activities, including career fairs, engagement with the local professional community, and student mentoring
Scholarships and Awards
King Student Medal for Excellence in Architectural + Environmental Research, Architectural Research Centers Consortium (ARCC)
Alpha Rho Chi Medal, National Professional Fraternity for Architecture and the Allied Arts
Henry Adams Medal and Certificate, American Institute of Architects Award
Allen R. Johnson-Roy C. Kelley Architectural Travel Award
Architects Pacific Inc. Endowed Scholarship
AIA Honolulu Scholarship
Barry John Baker Scholarship
Bergum Scholarship
Charles K.C. Lau Endowed Scholarship
Gilman Hu Honolulu Chapter CSI Endowed Scholarship
Leighton Liu Endowed Scholarship
PBR Hawaiʻi Scholarship
R. Richard Morris Memorial Scholarship
Raymond and Hsiao Yen Yeh Research Travel Fellowship
UH Mānoa School of Architecture Practicum Fund
UHSAAA Scholarship Endowment
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate
Graduate Certificate
