feel free to elaborate...

Thanks so much this is super helpful! Interesting to hear that sam fox is working to raise their game even further and yes in general they have been ranked above RISD although most recently RISD jumped from 19 to 8... I think both schools are strong but both have aspirations for competing with the top tier programs so it is good to hear that WashU has good foundations for that. 

I guess I am wondering how much the interdisciplinary nature of the school manifests itself in the studio sequence. I am definitely looking for a bit of exploration and avant-garde conceptual thinking while still being spacial/architectural (qualities that some RISD work almost seems to lack)

I'm not sure if it "manifests" in the core sequence as this is a professional program, and they're not really going to start off saying "let's not do architecture."

But if it's something you want to pursue, you will be encouraged and not punished, which is about the most I think can be hoped for! You can also audit to your heart's delight at WashU

When I was last there, the undergrad studios curriculum was very much determined by Sung Ho and his studio work. Maybe take a look? I think the M-Arch is less dominated by particular individuals, and again—really great MLA faculty who will be part of your education and reviews. Maybe instead of looking at what's provided, ask: what would you like or need for the work that you want to pursue? If it's about artistic freedom, then perhaps RISD (from your description)? But if it's more about learning how to "build," I would be inclined to suggest WashU in providing more "grounding," though of course it's still extreeeeemely open-ended where you take your projects!

C ontext: Heather Woofter (dean and director of graduate program) is married to Sung Ho so they're kind of a power couple in terms of running the school.

Thanks, I was referring more to the option studios as of course there are boxes that all these programs need to check off in their core curriculum. I have heard some people think of WashU as heavily focused on housing but that seems to mostly be down to that one studio (which most schools have some variation of). Obviously I don't want to be pigeon holed into the housing trajectory as I am much more interested in public space and the social implications of the visibility it does (or doesn't) provide.

While I am not familiar with the studios to be an authority on this, given my knowledge of the particular way Sam Fox has been running I will guess that For those kinds of issues WashU is a great choice. The school has increasingly focused on its own presence in the city, and while much of the institutional investment/relationship with the city is extremely problematic, there is a critical eye paid to public/urban issues. It’s inextricable, given the history of St Louis back in the day and very much now (Ferguson is only 30 min drive away, if that). You will find studios and faculty really committed to it, though I suspect they are more landscape studios. One of the former professors used to lead walking tours beyond the “WashU bubble” to really look at the urban landscape, for example to former site of Pruitt Igoe.

I think in terms of options studios WashU focuses more on ecology, urbanism, and landscape. As opposed to digital frontiers (though it’s quite a parametric school), new materials, and “form”/aesthetics. The m-arch to me is much closer to landscape architecture in vibes or at least representational style than many of the other schools, I feel. The pin ups somewhat trend towards these lot-scale drawings, you won’t find diagrams that depict singular “buildings” so much at
WashU. It’s always contextualizrd and more site specific (or attempting / pretending to be) than aesthetic exercises, though geometry is of course strong.

Great to hear, thanks so much! I guess my last question would be how your experiences have been with the sam fox alumni network?

Sam Fox the institution is really good to it’s alumni, and it’s pretty active about events and providing contact. The alumni and careers office won’t abandon you even if you went there a while back (Martin). I’ve gotten job opportunities in China despite not having a b arch partially because of it, though I’m not sure how much the actual alumni interchange on a regular basis by themselves. You will form tight friendships because of the smaller size and relative isolation in Midwest. You will get to keep your email and unlimited Box storage forever (which is actually a big and generous thing to provide, considering all these Ivies delete you after a year). You’ll be covered globally, because it has a very international intake and the sense of kinship fostered again due to size and isolation—curriculum is also not at ALL cut throat or competitive. You may not get along philosophically or design wise but I have never had the sense it was ever about doing better than the others. The alumni are usually excited to hear and meet another WUSTL graduate, even more Sam Fox. People fall in love with St Louis, Forest Park (do not underestimate how important this is for mental sanity given arch school trials, the art and arch school is also closest corner on campus just across street to this 7 mile circumference, relic of 1904 worlds fair with all its beaux arts pavilions and zoos and encyclopedic museums), and the laid back ness of Midwest so most people come out satisfied with experience and happy to dialogue with other alumni. I hope I haven’t misrepresented if any other grads or alumn want tos peak up! This is just my personal experience as a somewhat eccentric
undeegradtaue art student!

Not “competitive” in that toxic sense, but people work really hard. That’s the other thing WashU undergrads are really very dedicated workers, also because of that chip on the shoulder in comparison to Ivies/elitism effect, esp in Medschool and artsci generally.

But key point: if you ask for it WashU will give. If the institution not, the faculty will if you show up and show your passion or commitment. They are open and responsive to anyone who really show Care

As a former WashU student, I think you represented our school and program very well! Thank you.