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’s “Green” Grants Fund Gardens, Clean Energy and More Across Maryland Communities
Written by Katherine ShaverEastern Shore environmentalists hoping to lure more bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators to Salisbury, Md. just got $20,000 in help.A new grant from the University of Maryland’s “greening” program will bring to the city gardens of native flowering plants where pollinators can find food and nesting space. Salisbury is one of eight Maryland cities and towns awarded $5,000 to $20,000 from Sustainable Maryland to help protect wildlife, combat climate change, and make the state more environmentally resilient.View Article Details for UMD’s “Green” Grants Fund Gardens, Clean Energy and More Across Maryland Communities 
Old School Gets New Era
Left-handed or particularly tall students at the University of Maryland who’ve taken a class in Reckord Armory’s lecture hall know how tough it is to find a decent seat, thanks to its low ceiling clearance and right-handed fold-out desks.But for students who are hearing-impaired, use a wheelchair or manage another challenge, the dimly lit, World War II-era auditorium presents more than an inconvenience; it could make or break whether they can hear the professor, see the mathematical formula on the board, or arrive at their next class on time.View Article Details for Old School Gets New Era 
UMD Researchers Set Their “Sites” on More Affordable Housing Along Purple Line
A $75,000 grant from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) will help researchers at the University of Maryland’s National Center for Smart Growth (NCSG) investigate methods for the redevelopment of affordable housing along the Purple Line Corridor.View Article Details for UMD Researchers Set Their “Sites” on More Affordable Housing Along Purple Line
Events
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Career Fair Prep: Communications
This event is open to the MAPP Community onlyGet tips and tricks on your elevator pitch, discussing your intent and interests, and speaking with prospective employers ahead of the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation Career Fair.February 11, 2026February 11, 2026View Event Details for Career Fair Prep: Communications -
First Generation Student Networking Event
This event is for the MAPP Community onlyFebruary 11, 2026February 11, 2026View Event Details for First Generation Student Networking Event -
NOMAS Mock Interview Night
This event is open to the MAPP and UMD Community onlyNOMAS will be inviting two professionals from the architecture field to help conduct mock interviews. Students will practice interviewing, then receive feedback on how to improve their skills.February 16, 2026February 16, 2026View Event Details for NOMAS Mock Interview Night