We Build Better
Connections / Partnerships / Downtowns / Street Culture / Futures
The University of Maryland’s School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation combines world-class resources, hands-on interdisciplinary opportunities and close-knit learning environments—all just minutes from the energy and opportunity of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis. We drive innovation in design, research and community engagement to build a better future.
Design Excellence
From stunning skylines to walkable neighborhoods, our students, faculty and alumni set the bar for creativity, impact and innovation.
World-Class Faculty
Learn from leaders. Our faculty are acclaimed scholars, award-winning practitioners and forward-thinkers shaping the future of the built environment.
Campus to Capitol
Just minutes from D.C., Baltimore and Annapolis, our students learn in a living laboratory of history, design and development—connecting them to the people and places shaping the future of the built environment.
Get to Know Us
By combining hands-on learning with groundbreaking research, we empower students and scholars to shape thriving, just and resilient places.
Undergraduate Programs
UMD’s undergraduate degrees in architecture and real estate development are interdisciplinary, engaging and give students the tools to shape the cities and communities of the future.
Graduate Programs
From designing city skylines to driving neighborhood revitalization, our competitive, professional graduate programs in architecture, planning, preservation and real estate prepare students for careers that shape vibrant, just places.
Research Centers & Institutes
Our research centers and institutes forward groundbreaking research within the built environment that advances dynamic, sustainable and just places.
Emily Wang and Valeria Castillo-Hernandez's project model for a camping ground and nature lodge designed for people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Julio Miguel T. Alumbro won the Spring 2025 Thesis Prize Award for his project “The “Church” in the Diaspora.”
Deisy Valasquez's housing development for Antigua, Guatemala won the Fall 2024 Thesis Prize Award.
"The Jacquelynn Residences at Uptown Place," Master of Real Estate Development student, Jack Tintle's independent senior living development. Winner of the Fall 2024 Colvin capstone competition.
Historic preservation students designed a Zine for the sounds of Prince George’s County.
A model created by an ARCH403 Design Studio student for their final project, focusing on the design of an observatory at Monocacy Battlefield.
Student Work
See our students’ ideas come to life—bold designs, thoughtful planning and creative solutions shaping our communities. From concept to creation, explore the innovative work of our students across architecture, planning, preservation and real estate.
News
UMD Studio Course Recognized for Excellence in Sustainability by the American Planning Association
A Fall 2024 urban planning studio that offered local stakeholders in Langley Park, Md., a roadmap for enhancing economic, social and environmental sustainability was honored last month with an Excellence in Sustainability Award from the American Planning Association. “Equitable Development for Langley Park, Md.” was one of just six projects nationally awarded this year, recognized alongside a heritage trail plan in Chicago, climate planning guidance in Olympia, Wa., and others.View Article Details for UMD Studio Course Recognized for Excellence in Sustainability by the American Planning Association 
The Neighborhood Impact When School's Out—Forever
For most U.S. cities, a public school is as multifunctional as a Swiss Army knife. Beyond a place for learning history and algebra, schools often double as disaster shelters, host community meetings, serve as neighborhood parks and polling sites, and even house food pantries. Yet since 2000, thousands of public schools have been closed across the country, falling victim to aging buildings, the rise of charter schools, shrinking budgets and plunging birth rates.View Article Details for The Neighborhood Impact When School's Out—Forever 
Dawn Jourdan Reappointed as Dean of School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
Dr. Dawn Jourdan, an expert in the legal aspects of land use, affordable housing, preservation and aesthetics regulations, has been reappointed for a second five-year term as dean of the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.View Article Details for Dawn Jourdan Reappointed as Dean of School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
Events
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Affordable and Connected Communities 2026
This public event is hosted by the National Center for Smart GrowthSeptember 10, 2026September 10, 2026View Event Details for Affordable and Connected Communities 2026 -
Prospective Student Information Session (In-Person)
This event is open to the public.Join the School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation for an in-person undergraduate student information session. Learn about our various programs, get questions answered and tour the building.September 18, 2026September 18, 2026View Event Details for Prospective Student Information Session (In-Person) -
Architecture Lecture Series: Fall 2026
Spring 2026 Architecture Lecture Series:September 23, 2026Johannes WidodoNational University of Singapore College of Design and EngineeringSeptember 23, 2026November 4, 2026View Event Details for Architecture Lecture Series: Fall 2026