Architectural design students at JMU think creatively through acts of making.

From handcraft to digital fabrication and from orthographic drawing to material prototypes, the techniques and medias our students learn are varied, exploratory and iterative.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art with a major in architectural design educates future design leaders. It is an intensive studio-based program focused on rigorous design processes. Architectural design is approached holistically– emphasizing investigations into the nature of materials and objects, space, history and theory, programmatic invention, functional poetics, and collaboration across disciplines. The curriculum instills purpose, craft, technical competencies, and versatile thinking. We are an inclusive program that develops skilled and empathetic architectural designers.

The major is a part of the School of Art, Design and Art History, an academic unit within the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

The Architectural Design Program is a pre-professional major that prepares students for graduate studies as well as entry-level positions in a variety of design fields including architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. Students should be aware that educational requirements for architectural licensing vary from state to state.

The JMU Architectural Design program is enhanced by frequent field trips as well as guest critics and speakers. Vibrant student organizations including a chapter of the National Organization for Minority Architecture Students and the American Institute of Architecture Students provide leadership opportunities for students and connections to the profession.