University of Washington College of Built Environments

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University of Washington College of Built Environments The College of Built Environments (BE) at the University of Washington. www.be.washington.edu

At the University of Washington College of Built Environments (CBE) we value the traditions of design and community building. We do this with a conscious perspective of positively advancing social and technological change. Our unique gathering of disciplines—architecture, construction management, landscape architecture, real estate, and urban design and planning—provides a unique advantage and enables the College to truly define and excel in all areas of built environments. We believe in programs that meet the complex interconnected physical, cultural, and ecological systems in which we live, work, and play. Home to six research labs and four research centers, we join forces with non-profit groups, government agencies, schools, and development experts on research projects and find solutions to our communities' growing needs and changing dynamics. As a result, the CBE community has a significant impact on our region’s future. Our thousands of graduates reflect our values and practice when they launch into their careers, meeting in the workplace to collaborate as professionals in every sector of the built environment.

10/15/2026

Why does sketching still matter in an age of computers and phone cameras?

University of Washington Landscape Architecture professor Daniel Winterbottom shares why putting pencil to paper changes how designers see, think, and connect — with the people and places they design for.

In this short film, Prof. Winterbottom reflects on sketching as observation, interpretation, and story: why a sketch feels less threatening than a photograph, why “every sketch is a story,” and why the messiness of charcoal and wash is often where clarity comes from. From sketching morning mist at Deception Pass to the pendulum swing between art and science in design, he makes the case for drawing as therapy, a safe space, and a way to open your eyes wider to a world full of color.

Watch the full video on our YouTube using the link in bio.

Featuring: Prof. Daniel Winterbottom, Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Washington

Video produced by CBE MLA 2012 alumnus Harley Pan, currently working as a creative director in Seattle https://harleypancreative.com/

Harley Pan Daniel Winterbottom

09/30/2026

This week, we interviewed students at the CBE New Student Lunch & Resource Fair to learn more about what our Huskies are looking forward to coming into the new academic year! 💜🐾

Whether you’re excited about mentorship opportunities, networking, and/or the free pizza, we are happy you are a part of the CBE community!

Special thanks to colette shore and Preston for helping produce this video.

AGC Student Chapter | University of Washington UW AIAS UWASLA LGBTQIA2S+ in CBE Somos CBE UW Fil-Am sa CBE Urban Planning Club @ UW NOMAS UW Chapter Youths in the Built Environment A/E/C Professional Development Club at UW CBE Happy Hour Eco-Build at University of Washington Student New Urbanists Seattle UW Real Estate Club UW Department of Architecture UW Landscape Architecture Runstad Dept. of Real Estate University of Washington

Catch up on the latest from the College of Built Environments.Our spring and summer news roundup features recent stories...
07/14/2026

Catch up on the latest from the College of Built Environments.

Our spring and summer news roundup features recent stories, research, leadership updates, exhibitions, events and media highlights from across the college.

Read the full roundup at the link in our bio.

The College of Built Environments remembers six extraordinary members of our community whose lives and work helped shape...
06/26/2026

The College of Built Environments remembers six extraordinary members of our community whose lives and work helped shape our college, the University of Washington and the built environment.

From pioneering architects and visionary planners to dedicated educators, librarians and mentors, Leon Bridges Sr., Grant Hildebrand, Phillip Jacobson, John Edward Mahlum, Anne Vernez Moudon and Betty L. Wagner each left a lasting legacy through their commitment to practice, scholarship, service and the generations of students they inspired.

We invite you to join us in honoring their lives and reflecting on the impact they continue to have on our community and beyond.

Read their stories: https://bit.ly/4xM6NRU

Congratulations to the College of Built Environments Class of 2026! 🎓Last week, graduates from across CBE crossed the st...
06/17/2026

Congratulations to the College of Built Environments Class of 2026! 🎓

Last week, graduates from across CBE crossed the stage in Gould Court and Architecture Hall, marking the culmination of years of hard work, creativity, resilience and dedication. As they join the next generation of world builders, we celebrate all they have accomplished and the impact they will have on the communities and environments they help shape.

Join us in recognizing this year’s graduates, student award recipients, and the faculty and staff honored for their contributions to our community.

View graduation photos, award recipients and ceremony highlights at the link below.



The College of Built Environments is proud to celebrate the Class of 2026 with department-specific graduation ceremonies...
06/05/2026

The College of Built Environments is proud to celebrate the Class of 2026 with department-specific graduation ceremonies held June 11–13, 2026. Family, friends, and members of the CBE community are invited to join us in Gould Hall and Architecture Hall as we honor our graduates, recognize their achievements, and mark this important milestone.

The University of Washington Commencement Ceremony will be held on June 13, 2026.

View the schedule of ceremonies and more info about graduation on our website: https://bit.ly/4dSQgUC

04/27/2026

There are many opportunities to engage this spring at CBE! Check out what’s in store:

Wednesday, April 29
LA PAC Spring Lecture: Surges + Floods with Maura Rockcastle, TEN x TEN
Architecture Hall, Room 147
Reception begins at 5:30 p.m.
Lecture: 6–7:45 p.m.
Free and open to the public. One LA/CES credit available with advance registration.

Wednesday, April 29
CBE Trivia Night
6-7:30 pm
Gould Court, free admission

May 7–29
CITY ERASED: Mapping Seattle’s Highway Cut
Gould Gallery (M-F, 10am-5pm, except holidays)

May 11–13
FrameWorks Student Work Showcase
Gould Court
Reception: Wednesday, May 13, 6–8 p.m.

June 11–13
CBE Graduation Celebrations
Gould Hall and Architecture Hall
See our website for more details on the schedule of events for graduation.

More events are happening throughout the quarter. Visit be.uw.edu/news-events or use the link in bio.

Thank you to everyone who came together to support the next generation of world builders at the College of Built Environ...
04/24/2026

Thank you to everyone who came together to support the next generation of world builders at the College of Built Environments on Husky Giving Day!

Because of you, students will continue to connect with mentors, bring ideas to life in our fabrication labs and engage in conversations that are shaping the future of the built environment.

Together, we raised over $21K and counting for the CBE Dean’s Fund for Excellence.

Every gift matters – your contribution expands access to resources, strengthens student experiences and fuels innovation across the built environments.

That is the power of collective effort. Thank you for being a part of our community. CBE is powered by you.

Students at the College of Built Environments rely on cutting-edge tools and technology to bring their ideas to life.The...
04/24/2026

Students at the College of Built Environments rely on cutting-edge tools and technology to bring their ideas to life.

The Fabrication Lab is a vital resource at CBE, giving students access to a creative, hands-on space where they build the skills needed to become leaders and innovators in the built environment.

Through studios and labs like the Furniture Studio, students design and produce unique projects using sustainably sourced materials and industry-grade tools – gaining real-world experience that prepares them for what comes next.

This Husky Giving Day, your support helps power the classrooms, studios and labs that make this work possible.

We’re over a third of the way from our $30,000 goal to fuel innovation at CBE, and your gift can go even further. You've already helped unlock $4,000 in challenge donations, and there's still time to unlock more!

Help equip the next generation of world builders.

Husky Giving Day ends at midnight. Make a gift to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence: https://bit.ly/41VJYN5

Challenge Progress:
–Alumni Giving Challenge (UNLOCKED): +$1,000
–CBE Excellence Challenge: $3,000/10,000
–CBE Bonus Challenge: $7,305 / $10,000 Raised

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Mentorship at the College of Built Environments is powered by you.In 2025, the CBE Mentor Program matched a record-numbe...
04/23/2026

Mentorship at the College of Built Environments is powered by you.

In 2025, the CBE Mentor Program matched a record-number 352 students with mentors across the built environments. Lela Cooper – an alumna from the Department of Urban Design & Planning – is just one of many who received one-on-one guidance with industry mentors through the Mentor Program as a student:

“I was a mentee in the program for two years, and it was incredibly helpful as I worked toward my Master’s in Urban Planning. My mentor’s guidance deepened my understanding of the field and supported me in navigating my career path.”

Now a sustainable transportation planner, Lela’s case is an example of how your support helps the College prepare the next-generation of world builders.

This Husky Giving Day, your gift can go even further.

Through the CBE Excellence Challenge, Dean Ken Yocom will unlock $1,000 for every 10 gifts made, up to $10,000. We're just 4 donations away from unlocking a total of $2,000!

Through the CBE Alumni Giving Challenge, a generous alum will contribute $1,000 when 25 gifts are made. In addition, the CBE Bonus Challenge offers another opportunity to unlock support: if we raise $10,000, a passionate CBE alum and industry professional will contribute an additional $1,000.

Help us reach our goal of $30,000 for the Dean’s Fund for Excellence and power mentorship for future students.

Make your gift using the link: https://bit.ly/4sQ3uX4

Address

3950 University Way NE
Seattle, WA
98195

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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