Architecture School Vies for Top Ranking

By B. J. Almond

Rice University has the second-ranked undergraduate architecture program in the nation, according to the Design Futures Council’s 2007 report in its journal, DesignIntelligence.

Previously ranked No. 3, Rice’s undergraduate architecture program is now surpassed only by Cornell University’s. Rice’s graduate program in architecture, ranked seventh last year, tied Cornell and Washington University’s graduate programs for sixth place this year. The No. 1 spot went to Harvard University.

The rankings reflect a survey of leaders of more than 300 architecture firms who, during the past five years, have had direct experience in the hiring and performance of recent architecture graduates. Survey participants were asked about which accredited programs have best prepared students for today’s real-world practice. Only schools accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board were eligible.

Lars Lerup, dean of Rice’s School of Architecture and the William Ward Watkin Professor of Architecture, attributes Rice’s consistently high ranking to several factors, including a very careful and specialized admissions system that enables Rice to compete with top-ranked schools for the best students. Associate dean and professor of architecture John Casbarian adds, “We interview practically all undergraduate applicants, and the 24 we admit have demonstrated creativity, knowledge of the field and academic excellence.” Other factors include constant visibility through the school’s Web site and publications and the Preceptorship Program, which gives fourth-year students a full year of practical experience at leading architectural firms.

The Design Futures Council’s annual ranking of U.S. architecture and design schools is published in DesignIntelligence and on its Web site at www.di.net.