M.Arch Grad Vuong "Victor" Chu. Image courtesy of CPPARC

While applications for graduate programs have passed, there are a handful of schools whose application deadline extends into April. In preparation for their Fall 2021 term and its prospective applicant pool, Archinect dives into the graduate program at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Department of Architecture (CPPARC)

According to Department Chair and Professor George Proctor AIA, "The learning environment at CPPARC cultivates both individual skills and knowledge while providing the context and tools for collaboration [...] The learn-by-doing methods and collaborative components of every CPPARC studio have produced leaders who run many of the region's largest and most successful firms." Newly appointed Graduate Coordinator Victor Jones shares, "our graduate students are outfitted to harness architecture’s potential to address the many of environmental, political, social, and economic challenges that face our communities and cities."

To further expand on their graduate program and provide insight for prospective students exploring M.Arch programs, I spoke with George Proctor, Victor Jones, and four graduate students. Together we reflect on the 2020 school year, pedagogy, the student experience, and helpful tips for prospective graduate applicants during the interview.

Developing Architecture Leaders for Real-World Problems

Every graduate program has pedagogy that not only reflects the school's overall ethos but also each program consists of faculty and studios unique to the school's location, curriculum, and program emphasis. When asked what makes Cal Poly Pomona different from most private graduate programs Department Chair George Proctor shares his insight as a faculty member and as an alum of the program.

"Cal Poly Pomona Architecture, aka CPPARC, offers NAAB accredited professional degrees in architecture, qualifying for NCARB, and a path to licensing. CPPARC offers the BArch, MArch, and Master of Interior Architecture (collaboratively with UCLA_UNEX). The Department is also getting close to launching a new MS in Management of Architecture Practice. The Master of Architecture at CPP is a first professional degree. Applicants do not need a prior degree in Architecture, although many of those admitted come with a non-accredited architecture degree or a degree from allied fields. Students enjoy a collaborative learning environment where skills of the individual are cultivated with input and support from faculty, professional guests, and student peers" he continues. "Diverse student peers are a source of many and varied perspectives on the architecture and the built environment. CPPARC student demographics are 79.3% minority and 52% women."

Problem-solving, self-editing, and iterative design are at the core of the studio courses and these skills will be so valuable after graduation [...] Learning all of this in the experimental space of the studio frees me to make mistakes and learn by doing. The program is designed to offer both depths of study and breath. - Emina Tatarevic

Proctor shares that most of the CPPARC faculty are also practicing professionals who integrate theory and practice within studio settings. The school’s overarching “learn by doing” approach provides them with a design methodology that applies to solving real-world problems that give students an edge when they enter the job market. To gain student insight I asked graduate students Emily Bandy, Jose Leon, Ajay C. Ninan, and Emina Tatarevic “how does the program prepare you for professional practice?”

Emily Bandy (EB): The M.Arch program capitalizes on its holistic approach, ensuring that every graduate is exposed to a variety of opportunities. While many of these lie within the designated curriculum, there are a variety of workshops, lectures, and additional opportunities that encourage collaboration across disciplines and professional levels. Transitioning into the workplace, the experience gained from embracing these atypical encounters enables us to become productive team members who recognize the value of seamless collaboration. In the workplace, I have further recognized that adaptability is crucial in any circumstance. Through the M.Arch program, critical thinking and problem-solving in changing conditions is a key component in developing this skill.

Jose Leon (JL): The biggest strength of the M.Arch program is its diversity of pedagogies. The assortment offers the student the ability to be flexible and adapt to the wide variety of teachers Cal Poly Pomona has on its roster. Working with multiple trains of thought has proven to be a most significant advantage in my professional career after graduation. The program also hosts yearly job fairs that allow students to interview multiple top firms within the greater Los Angeles area. The job fair is a massive benefit to all architecture students from the first year to the fifth year and grads—the opportunity to interview with multiple firms who are actively looking to hire. Getting professional experience while you are in school helps prepare students to work when they graduate.

Ajay C. Ninan (AN): There's been a lot of clarity in the communication about what the scope of an architect's work is and about the entire process from the initial design stages to the creation of a construction document set. The faculty often invite professional developers and architects to share their experiences in their practice. The professional practice class I'm taking this semester has so far been an excellent introduction to understanding how an architecture office is structured and knowing what sort of ethical and legal challenges architects can face. We've also been learning about the different design cultures at firms. All this helps creates realistic expectations for what working as an architect is going to be like.

Emina Tatarevic (ET): Our instructors are practicing professionals and they teach us, in part, according to what they’ve seen as valuable skills in their working experience. Furthermore, CPP’s focus on learning skills through practical applications solidifies my understanding and gives me confidence in using them on other projects. Problem-solving, self-editing, and iterative design are at the core of the studio courses and these skills will be so valuable after graduation. Learning all of this in the experimental space of the studio frees me to make mistakes and learn by doing. The program is designed to offer both depths of study and breath. It is challenging but ever so rewarding. In just one semester, I have grown into a completely new design headspace and I have historical, theoretical, and referential knowledge that has developed my intuition for design. The program is well-rounded for an immersive architectural education experience. 

There's been a lot of clarity in the communication about what the scope of an architect's work is and about the entire process from the initial design stages to the creation of a construction document set. - Ajay C. Ninan

Many CPPARC alumni become firm principals and take on leadership roles within the profession. I asked Proctor to expand on the program and how it fosters leadership in its students. To help prepare these students to become successful leaders as well as strong applicants when entering the workforce he shares, “CPPARC students complete a 500-hour internship before obtaining their degree. Internship hours are tracked through NCARB, contributing to the total required hours a license. Internships build student skills and knowledge; help cultivate professional relationships and bring the work-related experience into studios and the classroom. CPPARC also runs “Firm Day” at the start of each spring, attracting more than 100 firms to campus for a job fair in our large studio facility. Interviews, informal conversations, and networking at this event have satisfied many students and regional firms. 

Faculty Leadership and Striving for Academic Success in 2020 

Cal Poly Pomona is one of several architecture programs across North America that has recently ushered in new leadership to actively expand cultural narratives and histories in architecture. We took some time to connect with Victor Jones to discuss Cal Poly Pomona’s Master of Architecture program. 

Previously held by notable educators and practitioners such as Hsinming (Ming) Fung FAIA and Patricia Belton Oliver FAIA, Jones is the first openly gay black educator to direct the program during its more than 50-year history.  “I am honored to have the opportunity to oversee the Master of Architecture program at Cal Poly Pomona. I look forward to working closely with the dean, department chair, my fellow faculty, students, and staff to shape the future of a program committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion."

As graduate coordinator, my priority is to maintain and build upon Cal Poly Pomona’s already unwavering dedication to providing an excellent, yet affordable education to talented students regardless of their nationality, sexual orientation, or social status. - Victor Jones

Jones, who established his eponymous design firm Fievre + Jones, Inc. in 2001, has also taught design studios and seminars at Tulane University, the University of California at Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California. His creative and intellectual work stands at the intersection of architecture, community engagement, and the urban experience.  Infrastructure as a social, political, and spatial instrument is central to his scholarship, design research, and teaching.

Jones shares, "As graduate coordinator, my priority is to maintain and build upon Cal Poly Pomona’s already unwavering dedication to providing an excellent, yet affordable education to talented students regardless of their nationality, sexual orientation, or social status.  In the light of the challenges set forth by the pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the social unrest following the killing of George Floyd, I intend to expand our mentoring and outreach efforts by leading conversations and new initiatives to address this challenging, but exciting future.” 

The 2020 school year looked a lot different than what many students and faculty would have expected. By quickly pivoting and adjusting to remote learning the key for CPPARC was to not only identify constraints relating to the pandemic but also look for opportunities. “The gravity of the situation caused students and faculty to step up to the challenge, in a way we would not have done, if not for the pandemic.  We are currently identifying what course material must be addressed in person versus what can be done effectively online. The Fall of 2021 will make use of both in-person and online courses” shares Proctor. “ The profession has already been transitioning to web-based meeting and cloud-based practice to improve collaboration and reduce costs. This period has compelled faculty and students to work in modalities more in alignment with practice, a benefit for students after graduation. The future will continue to use new techniques and modalities for exploring design and communicating outcomes. CPPARC sees this time as an opportunity to foster new curricular areas formerly beyond our grasp.”

In the light of the challenges set forth by the pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the social unrest following the killing of George Floyd, I intend to expand our mentoring and outreach efforts by leading conversations and new initiatives to address this challenging, but exciting future.”  - Victor Jones

As for tools and resources applied to keep students and faculty engaged as well as connected the school used a combination of Zoom, ConceptBoard, and our LMS (Blackboard/Canvas). “Contrary to our pre-conceptions, CPPARC discovered that many courses can be taught online successfully. Online was not the catastrophe that many had speculated” adds Proctor. “Students are more focused both in-studio and class. Attendance is better. Time is saved by not commuting. The convenience of direct access to digital data (drawings/images) has been an advantage. The positives have us re-thinking how to strategically mix remote and in-person teaching, to combine the best of both for greater efficiency while also building a learning community.” 

M.Arch student Emily Bandy adds, “When transitioning to virtual learning, producing this similar environment required a level of adaptability that essentially, our time in the program had prepared us to confront. Although in different locations, both students and faculty were able to develop creative ways to overcome this barrier.” Fellow M.Arch student Jose Leon shares, “Covid-19 sent us all for a loop and could have potentially derailed our last semester. However, luckily we managed to adapt to the situation and worked collectively to have a successful final presentation. ”

A Public Institution that Delivers

At CPP its faculty are committed to not only providing a foundation that prepares for success but also stays committed to having students explore their own architectural interests through theory and application. "As we move forward, new ideas about architecture will transform the built environment, technologies will evolve, practice will surely change," shares Jones. "Our well-trained, creative, and socially responsible graduates will not only land terrific jobs, but they will also graduate prepared to make valuable contributions to the profession." 

For students who are looking to pursue an M.Arch degree what are some helpful notes, prospective students should keep in mind when applying?

(GP): Before you apply to any architecture program, try a little game of practice. Read about architecture, visit works of significance, and document your observations as sketches, notes, and photos. A few books worth your time include, Form, Space & Order, F.Ching; Why Architects Draw, Ed Robbins; Eyes of the Skin, Juhanni Pallasmaa; Thinking Architecture, P. Zumthor. 

Architecture is a passion for many, and this passion translates to professional behaviors that will send work your way, provide food for your mind, and place sustenance on your table.  - George Proctor

(GP): If you want to learn more after doing this, Architecture may be the right choice for you. Even if you do not become an architect, many people who attend architecture school find success applying the methods, skills, and knowledge acquired in architecture school in many other pursuits. Architecture is a passion for many, and this passion translates to professional behaviors that will send work your way, provide food for your mind, and place sustenance on your table. CPPARC MArch students should have a 3.0+ GPA for all their college work, a portfolio of creative work that shows their potential and ability to see, understand, and communicate. 

(VJ): My goal is to build a greater dialog between design disciplines. With Cal Poly Pomona’s Department of Architecture situated within the College of Environmental Design, students have access to a vast range of courses and design studios not only in architecture but in landscape architecture and urban planning as well.

The sense of commitment that each student must embrace is further heightened by the faculty’s depth of knowledge and their ability to recognize that each person’s journey and vision is unique. - Emily Bandy

Students seeking to pursue a master’s degree have a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge but also deepen their own architectural perspectives and areas of interest. When it comes to choosing the right M.Arch program curriculum and fit are two important factors. I asked all four graduate students why they pursued an M.Arch degree at CPP and what prospective students should keep in mind when applying. 

What drew you to the M.Arch program at Cal Poly Pomona?

EB: The strength of the M.Arch program at Cal Poly Pomona lies in the comprehensive approach that guides the program. Together, the dedicated students, knowledgeable staff, rigorous curriculum, and commitment to producing quality work and professionalism create unparalleled value. [...] The sense of commitment that each student must embrace is further heightened by the faculty’s depth of knowledge and their ability to recognize that each person’s journey and vision is unique.

JL: What draws most people to the M.Arch program at Cal Poly Pomona is its rich history within southern California Architecture. A wide range of world-renowned architects visits our campus as guest lecturers and teachers, like Pritzker prize winner Alejandro Aravena, Frank Gehry, Tom Kundig, Nader Tehrani, to name a few.  Cal Poly Pomona gives the best bang for your buck for being one of the lowest tuition within southern California!

The biggest takeaway is learning how to be resourceful and take control of your career path. Learning by doing is not just a catchphrase but a way of problem-solving within your academic and professional career. - Jose Leon

AN: Around the time I was looking online at M.Arch programs to apply to, I often came across mentions of the CPP architecture programs. That got me interested in looking into the graduate program here. Though the B. Arch program here is better known, I think I rightly guessed that this standard of education would carry over to the graduate program. The work I've seen from those who've been through this program has been impressive. Its location was also a factor since I knew that there would be exposed to a varied community as well as to opportunities at several architecture offices in the region.

ET: I was drawn to Cal Poly Pomona because of its nationally recognized architecture programs, high social mobility, and stellar student work. Additionally, when I was still in the research phase of my graduate applications, I was so excited by the department’s faculty and the diversity in their backgrounds and professional experiences. Ultimately, what sealed the deal was CPP’s “learn by doing” strategy. All my assumptions about the program’s rigor, depth, and academic edge have been proven and I couldn’t see myself studying anywhere else.

Unpacking Student Insights and Studio Culture

Aiming to dive into the student experience Bandy, Leon, Ninan, and Tatarevic share their takeaways and what excited them most about the program. We also discuss studio culture and how it changed after the pandemic hit.

EB: One of the most important lessons I have learned throughout the program is having the conviction to trust in our abilities. While there may never be one “correct” answer, there are multiple methods of achieving the intended outcome. Being able to collaborate with fellow peers, faculty, and professionals alike, each encourages us in different ways to have a unique voice and sense of authorship

JL: The biggest takeaway is learning how to be resourceful and take control of your career path. Learning by doing is not just a catchphrase but a way of problem-solving within your academic and professional career. The aspect that excited me the most about the program was the people who have passed through Cal poly Pomona's door. From teachers to the student and guest lectures, Cal Poly Pomona can expose its students to various points of view, which helps understand the architecture profession's broader scope.

In conversations, I've had while developing my thesis, it's been emphasized that an important element of architecture education is developing versatility in our approach to problem-solving. I've been told multiple times to not think of architecture as a narrow, specialized discipline and to gradually discover a unique solution to each project by following the design process. - Ajay C. Ninan

AN: In conversations, I've had while developing my thesis, it's been emphasized that an important element of architecture education is developing versatility in our approach to problem-solving. I've been told multiple times to not think of architecture as a narrow, specialized discipline and to gradually discover a unique solution to each project by following the design process. One way in which the program helps with developing an adaptable approach is by providing options to be exposed to other fields within the College of Environmental Design. I've had the opportunity to take an elective in urban planning and work on a studio project with landscape architecture students. Similarly, we also get glimpses of some alternative architecture practices, including Historic Preservation and community-based approaches.

ET: My biggest takeaway thus far is that architecture as a practice is so much more than designing a beautiful building. I didn’t have a B.Arch upon entering the program so each step forward has been exciting, challenging, and rewarding. I love that my weeks are packed with a wide variety of classes: history, theory, structures and construction, and design studio. It is a very rigorous program and each week I can look back on the week prior to identify how I’ve grown.  Trusting the process and being open to guidance/criticism have been key.  

My biggest takeaway thus far is that architecture as a practice is so much more than designing a beautiful building. I didn’t have a B.Arch upon entering the program so each step forward has been exciting, challenging, and rewarding. - Emina Tatarevic

Prior to Covid-19 what was studio culture like? How has it developed during remote learning?

EB: As part of the architectural discipline, studio culture is one of the most unique aspects of the field that differentiates it from any other. During my three years in the M.Arch program, being surrounded by such talented and creative individuals sparked a dynamic learning environment. Before the pandemic, the in-person studio provided a platform for spontaneous interaction and an elevated sense of commitment to our craft; for many of us, it was a home away from home. One of the most beneficial aspects that resulted from the transition was having a more integrated online studio in which the entire class would come together for hours on a single screen. While strikingly different than the traditional studio, we were able to create a sense of community and even a deeper understanding of how our fellow classmates work and think.

ET: Entering a rigorous graduate program under these conditions has been an adjustment but we’re all of the mentality that keeping each other uplifted and supported while we navigate this as a team is the best path. I’m looking forward to a time when we can do this in person, but I also recognize that this experience in remote learning will prepare me well for a world where remote work is more prevalent and digital communication is an invaluable asset. 

Some exciting outcomes from working remotely from home were the ability to listen in on your peers' conversation with the professor, which was not done often due to the ability to throw on some headphones to drown out the noise while you work. - Jose Leon

JL: The grad studio culture is an interesting one due to the small cohorts. The small cohorts allowed for our studio to grow together and get to know each other at a more personal level. Whether it is long nights in a studio or long walks from the IDC to building seven, students will always find a way to develop a connection with their peers. Another exciting part of the grad program was its cross-pollination of undergrad and graduate students in topic studios, giving the grad students the ability to develop connections with other students they usually would not work with. The mixture of different skills helps with sharing ideas and learning new skill sets from one another. Some exciting outcomes from working remotely from home were the ability to listen in on your peers' conversation with the professor, which was not done often due to the ability to throw on some headphones to drown out the noise while you work. The ability to listen in during thesis crits helped prepare ourselves for our turn to have our one on one virtual desk crit.

*Applications for Cal Poly Pomona’s M.Arch program are still accepting applications. The application deadline for Fall 2021 is on April 15th, 2021. To learn more about the program click here.