CCA Architecture Division

CCA Architecture Division CCA offers accredited degrees in Architecture & Interior Design (B.Arch, BFA, M.Arch) & post-professional degree: Master Adv Architectural Design (MAAD)

Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts is noted for the interdisciplinary and breadth of its programs. It offers studies in 22 undergraduate and 13 graduate majors in the areas of fine arts, architecture, design, and writing. The college offers bachelor of architecture, bachelor of arts, bachelor of fine arts, master of architecture, master of arts, master of fine arts, and master of busi

ness administration degrees. With campuses in San Francisco and Oakland, CCA currently enrolls approximately 2,000 full-time students – nearly 400 of which are enrolled in the Architecture and Interior Design Programs alone.

👏👏HUGE Congratulations to Shriyam Rai ( ), who’ll be graduating from our Bachelor of Architecture program in a few weeks...
04/21/2025

👏👏HUGE Congratulations to Shriyam Rai ( ), who’ll be graduating from our Bachelor of Architecture program in a few weeks, for being one of the three CCA winners this year!

Here’s what Shriyam has to say about this achievement: “Being recognized in the Metropolis Future 100 is an incredibly exciting and rewarding moment in my life. Reflecting on the past five years, my journey in architecture has been filled with growth, challenges, late nights, and perseverance. Architecture has taught me many valuable lessons, but the most important ones I will carry forward are the significance of resilience during tough times and the necessity of perseverance when things don’t go as planned. I would like to thank all my professors, classmates, and friends who have supported and believed in me. I am confident that this recognition is just the first of many goals I hope to accomplish in the future.”

Check out some of Shriyam’s standout projects!

1. Shriyam Rai
2-4. Offset Alley, Advanced Studio, Instructor: Lisa Findley, Fall 2024
5-7. Intersecting Learning + Making, Integrated Studio, with Melissa Gomes & Yna Bariring, Instructor: Peter Anderson, Spring 2024
8. Canyon Cottage, Volume Zero Tiny House Competition, with Melissa Gomes & Xavier Bermudez, 2024
9. Stepped Up, Studio 4, Instructors: Mark Donohue & Jenette Kim, Spring 2023
10. Jaali Wall, Building Technologies, Instructors: Margaret Ikeda & Evan Jones, Fall 2024

👏👏HUGE Congratulations to Layla Namak (), who’ll be graduating from our Master of Architecture program in a few weeks, f...
04/17/2025

👏👏HUGE Congratulations to Layla Namak (), who’ll be graduating from our Master of Architecture program in a few weeks, for being one of the three CCA winners this year!

Here’s what Layla has to say about this achievement: “I am truly touched to be among the talented students recognized as Metropolis Future100 emerging designers. Receiving this recognition reaffirms my devotion to the challenging and rewarding practice of architecture and serves as a meaningful reminder of why I chose this path—to create work that inspires, heals, and makes a difference. My growth over the past three years is a testament to intentionally stepping outside of my comfort zone, as well as the unwavering support of my family, classmates, and faculty at CCA, whose encouragement and guidance have been invaluable to me. My sincere gratitude goes to them, and congratulations to all!”

Here’s a selection of Layla’s incredible work!

1. Layla Namak
2-3. Play-brary, Studio 3, Instructor: Neeraj Bhatia, Fall 2023
4-5. Makers Campus, Territorial Cities Studio, Instructor: Neeraj Bhatia, Spring 2024
6-7. The Passage, Integrated Studio, with Shane Chavez, Instructors: Neal Schwartz and Mark Donohue, Fall 2024
8-9. Uplift, Studio 2, Instructors: Adam Marcus and Margaret Ikeda, Spring 2023
10. El Campo de la Cebada, Framing the Commons, Instructor: Antje Steinmüller, Spring 2024

Join us for the fifth Sandra Vivanco Memorial Lecture taking place on April 17th, from 5 to 6:30 PM PST.Delivering the l...
04/11/2025

Join us for the fifth Sandra Vivanco Memorial Lecture taking place on April 17th, from 5 to 6:30 PM PST.
Delivering the lecture are Luis Enrique Flores and Armida Fernández of Estudio ALA, based in Guadalajara, Mexico. Their lecture “Fields to Frames: A Collage of Rural Culture” delves into their thoughtful approach to architecture and design in rural contexts, where they integrate local traditions, materials, and histories to create projects that honor cultural memory while reimagining conventional methodologies.
Known for their sensitivity to the complex relationships between culture, economy, and environment, Estudio ALA’s work reflects a commitment to socio-environmental resilience and the belief in the right to beauty. With a focus on agricultural landscapes and collective imagination, Flores and Fernández will discuss how their practice weaves together time, place, and people to foster equity, belonging, and new possibilities for rural communities.

RSVP through the link in our Bio!


Check out work created during Fall 2024’s INT Studio “ReGeneration 2.0: Living Systems” taught by Margaret Ikeda and Eva...
03/21/2025

Check out work created during Fall 2024’s INT Studio “ReGeneration 2.0: Living Systems” taught by Margaret Ikeda and Evan Jones! () ()
This course focused on a historically significant two-acre site in the Arroyo Grande Valley, originally owned by Japanese immigrants in the 1920s. The land served as a community hub, refuge during WWII, and later as a site of reintegration after incarceration. It remained largely intact until a fire destroyed the last surviving structure in 2011. The site, one of the last undeveloped city parcels in the valley, serves as a case study for integrating history, ecology, and regenerative design, while posing the question: How to economically develop the property without erasing the integrity of the site and the legacy of its activity?

Image 1: Alexandra Huerta (BArch ‘25) & Natalie Schtakleff (BArch ‘25)
Image 2-4: Jose Arias-Patino (BArch ‘26) & Vsevolod Burkov (BArch ‘26)
Image 5-8: Sam Avila-Vallejo (BArch ‘26) & Curran Thompson (BArch ‘26)
Image 9-10: Kaden Hilinski (MArch ‘25) & Kira Finigan (MArch ‘25)

Join Casper Mork-Ulnes, principal of Mork-Ulnes Architects, for a presentation of his new monograph “The Craft of Place...
03/14/2025

Join Casper Mork-Ulnes, principal of Mork-Ulnes Architects, for a presentation of his new monograph “The Craft of Place” at the Center for Architecture + Design on March 20th from 6:00pm-7:30pm.

Rooted in the distinct cultural topographies of California and Norway, “The Craft of Place” explores Mork-Ulnes Architects’ method of balancing object and landscape, drawing inspiration from local vernacular and materials. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from Casper Mork-Ulnes about the philosophies, influences, and processes that shape his work.

Link to register in our bio!

Join CCA Architecture in welcoming Elena Dendiberia, Co-Principal of Studio AHEAD for her lecture titled “Weaving Cultur...
03/07/2025

Join CCA Architecture in welcoming Elena Dendiberia, Co-Principal of Studio AHEAD for her lecture titled “Weaving Cultural Narratives into Physical Space” this Tuesday at 6pm in the Nave Presentation Space!
Based in San Francisco, Studio AHEAD is deeply rooted in Northern California’s rich cultural history while drawing inspiration from their diasporic experiences.
Elena Dendiberia is an internationally exhibited artist with a sensual approach to art and design. She brings together the tactile experience of her art with a design vernacular that evolves through close collaboration with artists, craftsmen, and fabricators.


Throwback to The Architecture and Interiors: Emerging Talent Job Fair hosted two weeks ago! It was a great day for CCA s...
02/19/2025

Throwback to The Architecture and Interiors: Emerging Talent Job Fair hosted two weeks ago! It was a great day for CCA students and alumni from the Architecture and Interior Design programs to network with employers that align with CCA’s core mission and values. We can’t wait to see where our talented students go in the future and are excited for the incredible paths they will forge ahead.

BIG NEWS! The future is looking bright for CCA! It was announced today that California College of the Arts has successfu...
02/14/2025

BIG NEWS!

The future is looking bright for CCA! It was announced today that California College of the Arts has successfully raised nearly $45 million in contributions from numerous individuals and entities committed to arts, design, and architecture education, including the entire CCA Board of Trustees, former trustees and CCA alumni, and members of the San Francisco arts, culture, and technology communities. The new donor group was anchored by a substantial matching gift from the Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang Foundation.

“This extraordinary milestone demonstrates the vital role CCA plays in nurturing creative talent and innovation,” said David C. Howse, President of California College of the Arts.

“The Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang Foundation recognizes the essential intersection of technology, art, and design in driving innovation. Our investment in CCA reflects our commitment to supporting institutions that cultivate the creative leaders of tomorrow and that do so in the Bay Area, which continues to be recognized around the world for its creativity in so many different sectors,” said Eric Jensen, Chief Operating Officer at the Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang Foundation.

Potrero Point Community Centre” Final ModelMakoto Komine (BARCH 2027)Laser-cut Acrylic, 3d-Print, Concrete, Magnet, Bass...
02/05/2025

Potrero Point Community Centre” Final Model
Makoto Komine (BARCH 2027)
Laser-cut Acrylic, 3d-Print, Concrete, Magnet, Basswood

Fall ‘24 B.Arch Studio-3 Project 3
Professor Jason K. Johnson

“Carved by Time, Shaped for Discovery - The Potrero Point Public Library weaves together the rich history of Dogpatch’s Irish Hill and the excitement of exploration. With circulation as a journey, the design transforms the act of moving through the building into a dynamic experience, reconnecting the site’s past while fostering community engagement and learning.” -Makoto Komine


So you want to be an architect, an interior designer, a world builder? At CCA Architecture, you can design your future w...
01/04/2025

So you want to be an architect, an interior designer, a world builder? At CCA Architecture, you can design your future with one of our four innovative programs: BFA Interior Design, Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, or Master of Advanced Architectural Design.

Study in San Francisco, a global hub of creativity and design, and take advantage of our scholarships to make your education more accessible. Whether you’re starting your journey or advancing your career, we’re here to support your ambitions.

Priority application deadlines are
January 15 for graduate programs and February 1 for undergraduate programs.

Your journey starts here. Check the links in our bio to learn more and apply today. Let’s build the world you imagine.

Architecture for a Changing Climate—an exhibition tackling one of California’s most pressing challenges: resilience in t...
11/21/2024

Architecture for a Changing Climate—an exhibition tackling one of California’s most pressing challenges: resilience in the face of wildfires and climate change—opens tonight at The Center for Architecture and Design at 140 Sutter Street in San Francisco! The show is open until February 6, 2025.

Featuring six projects developed in collaboration with the town of Greenville, CA—a community devastated by wildfire—this exhibition showcases innovative design solutions for rebuilding and adapting in fire-prone regions. Alongside these studio projects are two master’s theses that explore resilience, repair, and adaptation in California’s Wildland-Urban Interface.

The exhibition includes work from CCA Architecture studios led by Professors Janette Kim, Lisa Findley, Mark Donohue, Margaret Ikeda, and Peter Anderson.
Featured projects include: “Precious Moments” by Ayse Elif Aydinli (M. Arch 2023), Dazaun Soleyn (M. Arch 2023), & Elizabeth Wilson (M. Arch 2023); “Pocket Living” by Melissa Gomes (B. Arch 2025); “Knowledge Exchange Hubs” by Arturo Luis Gomez-Escobedo (B. Arch 2024), & Vicky Sindac (B. Arch 2024); “Intersecting Learning and Making” by Yna Bariring (B. Arch 2025), Melissa Gomes (B. Arch 2025), & Shriyam Rai (B. Arch 2025); “For Us by Us” by Ahmad Alajmi (B. Arch 2023), Hongjie Kuang (B. Arch 2022), & Vishakh Surti (M. Arch 2023); and “Stitched Together” by Alia Brookshire (M. Arch 2024) & Hannah Leathers (M. Arch 2024)

The exhibition also showcases Master of Architecture theses “Built to Burn” by Alia Brookshire (M. Arch 2024) and “Dwelling in the Anthropocene” by Vishnu Balunsat (M. Arch 2020).

A glimpse into the creative chaos that fuels fresh ideas in our architecture and interior design studios. The studios ar...
11/11/2024

A glimpse into the creative chaos that fuels fresh ideas in our architecture and interior design studios. The studios are more than workspaces—they’re spaces where ideas take shape, designs develop, and each student’s unique touch shines through as they think and make alongside their classmates.

🎉 Last Monday, on the 10th anniversary of its founding, we celebrated the opening of the new Digital Craft Lab studio an...
11/04/2024

🎉 Last Monday, on the 10th anniversary of its founding, we celebrated the opening of the new Digital Craft Lab studio and maker space! Over 200 guests joined us for an inspiring evening, with talks by Lab Directors Jason Kelly Johnson and Negar Kalantar on the Lab’s remarkable history and future direction, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and an exhibition showcasing years of incredible work.

We were thrilled to be joined by CCA President David Howse, Bill Kreysler, and many alumni and longtime friends & supporters of CCA Architecture. A huge thank you to Bill Kreysler for his generous gift of a large Kuka robot—an exciting new tool for the groundbreaking work that lies ahead. And special thanks to CCA’s incredible studio operations and facilities teams for all their support and all the students, faculty, and staff at CCA who make what we do not only possible but meaningful!

Here’s to what’s next! 🚀

.digital.craft.lab

Check out the links in our bio to learn more about studying architecture and interior design at CCA.

Learn more about CCA Architecture’s undergraduate and graduate programs at one of our upcoming open houses or admissions...
10/07/2024

Learn more about CCA Architecture’s undergraduate and graduate programs at one of our upcoming open houses or admissions events.

Undergraduate Open House
On Saturday, October 12, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, join us to explore the campus, meet our community and learn more about our Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) and BFA Interior Design programs.

Graduate National Portfolio Day
On Saturday, October 26, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, CCA is hosting the West Coast in-person Graduate National Portfolio Day event. Join us in person on our expanded campus to meet one-on-one with faculty and graduate admissions staff to get feedback on your graduate admissions portfolio.

Graduate Open House and Research Lab Showcase
On Saturday, October 26, from 3 pm - 7 pm, meet current students, faculty, & alumni of our Master of Architecture (MArch) and Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD) programs, tour our expanded campus, and learn more about our graduate programs and renowned research labs.

Graduate Virtual Information Session #1
On Wednesday, October 30, from 7:30 am - 8:30 am PDT, join the graduate program chairs for an online information session to learn more about the MArch and MAAD programs.

Graduate Virtual Information Session #1
On Tuesday, November 12, from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm PST, join the graduate program chairs for an online information session to learn more about the MArch and MAAD programs.

Graduate Virtual Portfolio Workshop
On Monday, December 16, from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm PST, graduate program chairs for an information session and workshop on how to prepare your application portfolio for the M.Arch and MAAD programs.

See the links in our bio to learn more and register. We hope to see you at CCA soon!

It’s the first day of the semester!! To our returning architecture and interior design students and those joining us for...
08/28/2024

It’s the first day of the semester!! To our returning architecture and interior design students and those joining us for the first time, welcome to another exciting year at CCA! Are you ready to make some beautiful messes?

Urban Canopy by Bert Kip (BARCH 2026) from last Spring’s Studio 4 taught by Mark Donohue and Vivian Schwab!Learn more ab...
08/13/2024

Urban Canopy by Bert Kip (BARCH 2026) from last Spring’s Studio 4 taught by Mark Donohue and Vivian Schwab!

Learn more about the project below!

“The Urban Canopy accentuates the role of the commons within a semi enclosed courtyard scheme, the exposed framework of the structure reveals a series of outdoor terraces scattered throughout the vertical circulation while also allowing way for vegetation to become a co inhabitants of the space. The unit arrangements create a visual hierarchy through the pushing and pulling of the masses, creating adjacent spaces for the commons. The central courtyard draws inspiration from the portola greenhouses; serving as a communal garden for residents to engage with nature and one another.” - Bert Kip

Some highlights from Gabriela Mierkalne’s (INTER 2026) project from last Spring’s Studio 2 taught by Matt Kendall ()Cong...
08/13/2024

Some highlights from Gabriela Mierkalne’s (INTER 2026) project from last Spring’s Studio 2 taught by Matt Kendall ()
Congratulations to Gabriela for receiving the 2024 Interior Design Second Year Core Design Studio Award!

Read more about the project below!
“This artist studio space at the Headlands Center for the Arts seamlessly blends Donald Judd’s minimalist and industrial aesthetics with design elements inspired by Sou Fujimoto's House N. Featuring partitions with rectangular cut-outs, the space promotes openness and connectivity, reflecting the airy, layered structure characteristic of House N. The use of white and grey shades enhances the interplay of light and shadow, mimicking the layering seen between the shells of Fujimoto’s design. The thoughtful layout prioritizes display flexibility and provides multiple access points to different parts of the studio. This architectural approach not only aligns with Judd's ethos but also creates a functional and inspiring environment for artistic creation.” - Gabriela Mierkalne

“The Ryujin Pavilion” by Jenna Monservas from Spring 24’s BArch Studio 2 taught by Chris Falliers and Lisa Findley ()!“T...
07/24/2024

“The Ryujin Pavilion” by Jenna Monservas from Spring 24’s BArch Studio 2 taught by Chris Falliers and Lisa Findley ()!

“The Ryujin Pavilion, nestled in the picturesque Marin headlands of Sausalito, is a testament to the harmonious interplay between architecture and the natural world. Drawing inspiration from the rhythmic imprints left by the waves along the shoreline, the pavilion’s design is a fluid embodiment of the area’s coastal essence. Its form is a deliberate nod to the serpentine imagery found in Japanese folklore, specifically the sea serpent deity Ryujin, which adds a profound depth of cultural significance to the structure. The pavilion’s facade is a subtle yet transformative boundary, encouraging visitors to delve deeper into the interior as they traverse its spaces. Seamlessly integrated into the existing topography, the Ryujin pavilion is accessible from all sides, save for the preserved marshland, ensuring a minimal impact on the delicate ecosystem. This architectural endeavor not only respects the topological constraints but also enhances the user’s experience by offering a multidimensional journey through the building’s organic, unfolding form.” - Jenna Monservas

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