Washington University’s Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design, part of the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, has been ranked 9th in the nation, according to DesignIntelligence, which publishes an annual survey on America’s Best Architecture & Design Schools.
The 2011 report, the 12th annual, surveyed deans and department chairs of 126 undergraduate and graduate programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. In addition, leaders from more than 200 architecture, landscape architecture, industrial design and interior design firms were polled on which programs have, over the last five years, best prepared students for professional practice.
In the 2010 rankings, Washington University tied for 11th, with the University of Pennsylvania.
“Architectural education can quite literally change the world, through the hands of students who then become professionals that in turn imagine, envision, design and build the environments in which we live,” says Bruce Lindsey, dean of the College of Architecture and Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design and the E. Desmond Lee Professor for Community Collaboration. “This ranking reflects the strong contributions that our young alumni are making today. It is a powerful testament to the impact of their work.”
The rankings are compiled using data from surveys conducted and analyzed by DesignIntelligence staff. Research for the surveys is aided by information provided the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the National Architectural Accreditation Board, the American Institute of Architecture Students, the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
Participants also were queried about how well programs rated in various skill sets, including design; sustainability; analysis and planning; construction methods and materials; research and theory; communication skills; and computer applications.
The top 10 graduate programs are:
1. University of Michigan
2. Harvard University
3. Yale University
4. Columbia University
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
6. University of Cincinnati
Cornell University
8. University of Pennsylvania
9. Washington University in St. Louis
10. University of California at Berkeley
University of Texas at Austin
The complete rankings are available in a print edition and as a downloadable pdf from di.net/archschools/schools.