About the School of Architecture & Design

At UL Lafayette’s School of Architecture and Design, our mission is simple: to equip you with the skills, vision, and opportunities to create socially generous, culturally rich, life-affirming, and collaborative environments where everyone can thrive.

Our teaching is grounded in these four environments, brought to life through innovative technology, diverse projects, and real-world challenges.

Academic Programs

We offer undergraduate degrees in:

Architectural Studies
Interior Design
Industrial Design — the only program of its kind in Louisiana

For graduate students, we offer three tracks to earn your Master of Architecture —whether your background is in architecture or another field.

We also offer minors in each undergraduate discipline, giving you the flexibility to tailor your education to your passions.

Our Values

Design doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It grows from a set of shared values that shape our studios, our community, and our profession.

Our six core values are at the heart of everything we do:

Collaboration

Design is a social act. That’s why our students work side-by-side with peers, faculty, and communities—whether in Lafayette or Nova Scotia—on projects like designing and building a treehouse and farmer’s market to revitalize rural tourism.

Cultural Specificity

Great design responds to its context. In our Coastal Community Resilience Studio, students address Louisiana’s coastal challenges through an interdisciplinary lens that blends ecology, politics, economics, sociology, and anthropology.

Diversity

The best ideas come from different perspectives. We foster a studio culture where diverse voices are heard and respected, encouraging students to explore courses across the liberal arts to expand their worldviews.

Integrity

We believe in honesty, empathy, and accountability—values reflected in our Studio Culture Policy and the University’s Student Code of Conduct, ensuring a respectful and productive environment.

Environmental Responsibility

We take stewardship seriously. Each year, students in the Building Institute design and construct affordable, sustainable homes—like the COURhouse—integrating solar panels, passive cooling, and other energy-efficient features.

Critical Discourse

Open dialogue fuels innovation. From interior design students winning international awards for health-focused projects to faculty serving on local nonprofit boards, our community is actively shaping a vibrant and sustainable future.

Transform your ideas into spaces, products, and environments that make a difference. That’s what we do every day at the School of Architecture and Design.