I think Robert McCarter is in charge of the grad architecture program there. When he left the University of Florida, I know he was quite unpopular with the student body.

Sorry druf, you're wrong on both accounts.

I'm fairly certain Kathryn Dean of Dean/Wolff Architects (NYC) is the Director of the Graduate Arch program. Robert McCarter is the Ruth and Norman Moore Professor of Architecture. He may have been the chair of the grad program at WashU in the past...not sure though.

And druf, I really can't imagine that McCarter was unpopular with the student body at large, as you suggest. He was highly esteemed while I was there (01 - 05). Popularity and the like aside, McCarter is a wealth of knowledge and a significant asset to WashU, as he was to UF (bear in mind he brought many of the school's most talented professors to the program when he was the director, beginning in the early 90's).

*full disclosure - i'm heading to WashU in the Fall for a the dual M.Arch/MUD program. McCarter's presence

Alshoaja - since I'm not there yet, I may not be the best person to respond to your exact inquiry...but i'll think on it and try to repond later.

Oops...cell phone posting...

That should read 'McCarter's presence was a factor in my deciding to go to WashU.'

Thanks druf for responding.

Thanks AP and congrats! WashU is my dream school! Maybe we could exchange email addresses sometime and I could get some advice on how you got accepted. Until then I look forward to seeing your response!

yeah, the idea of mccarter being "unpopular with the student body" at uf is absurd...

Well, speaking as a Wash U student with one year into the MArch program and just beginning the MSW program, I can tell you that the programs lack in the communication you would hope for while designing your curriculum. I have found only 2 other students pursuing the same dual degree, although I believe it is something the school is wishing to expand. And both programs are more than eager to assist you.

The dean of architecture, Bruce Lindsey is working hard to tie social curriculum into the community, including a 6 semester commitment to help a nearby st louis neighborhood beginning last semester.

I can't speak much for the social work program yet, but it is ranked highest in the nation, and I have had two fabulous professors thus far. Usually, the architecture dual degrees will design their own specific curriculum to integrate with the architecture courses.

I hope this helps. Overall, I've been very satisfied with Wash U.

eh, I am thinking of applying to Wash U for admissions in the fall of 2010.
I have some questions about Wash U and hope you (or anybody else who is able and willing) can help address these issues, as follows :

1. Wash U is BIG on sustainability, or so I heard. Given that you have been there for a year, how true is this?

2. How's the studio culture like? do students from various departments (e.g. LA and UD) have opportunities to interact, share ideas and even work on cross departmental projects?

3. St Louis. I know this place has changed a lot,but hows life in SL?

4. Which profs are really into sustainable developments? Wld you know?

Hope that you can help ! I am thinking of applying to Wash U but am also looking at UPenn, Yale and UC Berkeley. Yes, schools which are known to have a greater focus on sustainability as it's relevant to my area of work on green buildings and sustainable development. I am not too sure which schools to apply to, but Wash U's program is appealing! It helps to know you r satisfied with Wash U too.

Hey, this thread caught my eye (I'm an undergrad alum).

Can't speak to most of the questions people are asking, but wanted to throw in that I think Wash U is absolutely the best thing about St. Louis, for better and for worse (meaning, the city is fine, but you may prefer somewhere more dynamic once you're done).

Just my $.02.

As recent graduate of Wash U's M. Arch 2 program (May '09,) a former member of the Graduate Admission Committee, and former student of Robert McCarter, I hope I can answer some of your questions/concerns.

I decided to attended Wash U (over Penn and Michigan) because it was the only graduate program that offered a full-semester study abroad, in Buenos Aires, Seoul, Helsinki, or Barcelona. I participated in the Buenos Aires semester in Fall '08 and can honestly say it was my best semester of grad school. I felt as a group, our studio projects were extremely impressive. All classes are in English and the professors are affiliated with the university. They were some of the best I've ever had. They were educated in the U.S., the UK, and South America. If you are accepted at a M.Arch 2+ (5 semesters) or M.Arch 3 (7 semesters,) you can attend 2 abroad programs. After graduating I felt I received an excellent education at Wash U.

To clarify, Katherine Dean is the Director of Design for the School of Architecture (Grad and Undergrad) and Robert McCarter is the Chair of Graduate Architecture and a lecturer. Both also teach studios. Their titles seem to chance every semester since school is in process of switching around its hierarchy. I highly recommend taking Robert McCarter's history/theory courses. He is an expert on Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Kahn, and Carlos Scarpa, along many others.

As for sustainable coursework, Wash U is working to increase "sustainable awareness." At least a couple courses on sustainable practices are offered each semester and are highly encouraged to be integrated into studio projects. Last year several candidates were interviewed to be a "Head" of sustainability for the school. (I'm not sure of the outcome.) Jenny Lovell is expert in Sustainable Building Envelope Technologies and Michael Repovich lectures on Sustainable Development and Climate and Light. There is also a LEED AP workshop.

When applying - PORTFOLIO content is the most important. Although group work and professional work help, there is a very emphasis on individual academic work. Do not put any unnecessary graphics in the portfolio. You don't want any distractions from the content! A strong personal statement is key as well. Tell them why you want to attend Wash U specifically. General personal statements, which were probably sent to several schools, are irritating to read. It shows the applicant was lazy and did not do their research. Discuss why you would be successful at Wash U. Professional experience is a plus, but not a requirement by any means. Grades are somewhat important, have at least a 3.0. We rarely looked at GRE scores. Take the test seriously but don't stress too much over it. Overall importance: 1) Portfolio 2) Personal Statement 3) Recommendations 4) Grades 5) GRE

St. Louis isn't my favorite city, but you're there to get a masters' degree, not for its quality of life!

Hope this helped and good luck!

Thank you so much for this response!!! This really helps me a lot!

Thank you, Megn252. I am very interested in WashU, particularly for the Helsinki and Buenos Aires study abroad programs. Your response is very helpful.