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 Professor “LEEDs” the Way in Sustainable Building Design
UMD architecture Lecturer Dan Curry probably knows his teenage daughter’s high school better than she does. Years before she enrolled, he helped design it, a fact he likes to jokingly remind her whenever they pass by Benjamin Banneker Academic in Washington, D.C., despite her eye rolls.“I’ll joke, ‘...View Article Details for UMD Professor “LEEDs” the Way in Sustainable Building Design Matthew Bell Named Distinguished University Professor
Written by Sala LevinArchitect and Professor Matthew Bell, FAIA FCNU has been named a University of Maryland Distinguished University Professor (DUP), the highest appointment bestowed on a tenured faculty member, for his significant contributions to the design industry and through his 37-year teachi...View Article Details for Matthew Bell Named Distinguished University Professor Marcus Cross Promoted to Assistant Clinical Professor
Residential and commercial architect Marcus Cross M. Arch ‘05 has been promoted to assistant clinical professor by the University of Maryland’s Architecture Program. A longtime collaborator of the program and Master of Architecture alum, Cross will continue to bring his expertise to a variety of des...View Article Details for Marcus Cross Promoted to Assistant Clinical Professor
Events
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Affordable and Connected Communities 2026
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
This public event is hosted by the National Center for Smart GrowthDetails on the summit are found on NCSG's website. The National Center for Smart Growth (NCSG) at the University of Maryland invites you to an exciting upcoming regional event, Affordable and Connected Communities: Transit, Developme...
2026-09-10T12:00:002026-09-10T12:00:00View Event Details for Affordable and Connected Communities 2026 -
NCSG Fall Colloquium Series
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
This colloquium series is open to the public. Join National Center for Smart Growth (NCSG) students, staff and faculty every month during the academic semester to hear more about ongoing research from NCSG and our many partners. NCSG’s research colloquium is a dedicated space curated by NCSG’s Execu...
2026-09-17T12:00:002026-12-10T12:00:00View Event Details for NCSG Fall Colloquium Series -
Prospective Student Information Session (In-Person)
1 - 3 p.m.
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.
2026-09-18T12:00:002026-09-18T12:00:00View Event Details for Prospective Student Information Session (In-Person)