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The mission of the School of Architecture and Design is to educate architects, interior designers, and industrial designers through student-centered, accredited professional programs. We pursue this through a shared foundation and a pedagogy that fosters technical excellence, creative inquiry, and critical thinking in response to ecological, cultural, technological, and social contexts. Our vision is to advance ethical, innovative, and responsible practice that makes a lasting, positive impact on the professions, communities, and the designed environment.

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:

1. Collaboration: Design is a social act. That’s why our students work side-by-side with peers, faculty, and communities—whether in É«ÃÃAV or Nova Scotia—on projects like designing and building a treehouse and farmer’s market to revitalize rural tourism.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.