Each year, the Architecture Program is involved in bringing prominent local architects and designers such as J. Carson Looney, Frank Ricks, Darrell Russell, and Jim Williamson into the design studios. This provides an opportunity for students to become exposed to wide-ranging ideas and design concepts. Students are also involved in the professional lecture series in concert with AIA Memphis and the Interior Design Program at The University of Memphis. Visitors under this program include Antoine Predock, Will Bruder, Merrill Elam, James Cutler, Marlon Blackwell, and Julie Snow. In addition, advanced elective design studios are available in which architectural journeys are taken both within the United States and abroad.
Special emphasis is placed on study abroad in Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Through a variety of programs, students may become involved in special community projects. Examples include an urban design project for a local Community Development Corporation, a series of revitalization proposals for Memphis Housing Authority, prototype designs for low cost infill housing for City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development, various riverfront projects, and several smaller individual projects. Student Work Examples of student work may be seen in the Architecture Program display cases and in the design studios. Visitors are welcome.