2012 Design Intelligence Rankings out

KandKsmom · 11-03-2011, 07:36 PM

I don't believe that making this yearly list automatically qualifies a school as having a great program, but I thought I would post it so as to possibly be of help to families starting to look at different arch programs around the country. I think with the UG programs, they only include the 5 year B.Arch.

America’s Best Architecture Schools 2012 | Features | Architectural Record

mrsleonore · 11-09-2011, 10:02 PM

is anyone interested in splitting the cost of the downloadable pdf file of the rankings? They want $45 for it. That's a bit too steep for me.

Marsden · 12-02-2011, 09:17 PM

I wouldn't waste a penny on it. The info in the Record article you linked is enough...enough to say the DI rankings are becoming more reasonable than in previous years. There are far fewer terrific anomalies now.

Quote:

Cornell University again dominated the undergraduate rankings. In the past nine years, Cornell has placed first seven times. It was followed this year by the University of Texas at Austin; Virginia Tech; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; Rice University; Rhode Island School of Design; Southern California Institute of Architecture and Syracuse University (tied for seventh); Iowa State University; and Pratt Institute.

In graduate architecture education, Harvard University edged out Yale University and the University of Michigan (the only other two schools that have been ranked first in the history of the DesignIntelligence survey). Yale placed second, followed by Columbia University, Washington University in St. Louis, and Kansas State University. Tied for sixth were Cornell and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania tied for eighth, followed by the University of Cincinnati.

But it's more important to learn about specific schools and how their characters relate to yours. I'd also add that location can be a bit of a handicap or a benefit, if you're planning on practicing somewhere other than your hometown.

higgins2013 · 12-04-2011, 01:38 PM

Rankings aren't that important. Most architectural firms recruit from the architectural pool within their immediate market - from local schools and from resumes received. Often positions are filled by referrals from current employees, and for entry-level positions, from professor contacts. Your portfolio, CAD skills, and demeanor will be more important than your undergraduate degree institution. Some M.Arch recruitment occurs at Ivy League schools, including summer internships. But many professors help their best students secure internships and entry-level positions too.

Note that architectural education is only an entry step towards architectural practice. There's a significant disconnect between college-based architectural "education" and the actual architectural practice experience. Your CAD skills may be the most important element in your initial architectural employment success and advancement.

capitano · 12-10-2011, 04:50 PM

I am a tad pressed that Pratt was moved from #7 to #10, and RISD was moved from #11 to #6.

I am in love with both schools equally, so this list was the deciding factor (as of last year). Now RISD is ahead of Pratt. I'm so stressed now, I have to severely alter my portfolio within the next week an a half.

rick12 · 12-10-2011, 06:25 PM

I'm curious if the folks saying this issue is worthless have actually read it? I have the issue and has a lot of interesting information beyond the initial rankings. Things like;

-regional rankings of schools
-how professionals in each region ranked their favorite programs
-a student survey of 34 schools asking what they thought of the program and if they thought they were well prepared (there are some real surprises here)
-the strongest schools in multiple areas (communication, design, sustainability, computer applications, research, etc.)
-major trends affecting schools and the profession
-sampling of national industry leaders showing what schools they attended (I may have some bias because I was one of the people profiled)

All this information is also listed for landscape architecture programs as well as industrial design programs. It has gone way beyond the early days when it was just a survey, and answers about 75% of the questions that get asked here.

Is $45 is too much when people are going to spend into the six figures on their professional degree? I wish it had been around when I was looking at programs.

rick

Mom of 2 · 12-11-2011, 12:06 AM

I agree with rick12. Before my son applied to both undergrad & grad programs, he purchased it. Much of the information was useful to him in evaluating where to apply and ultimately, where to attend.

IDmaybe · 05-22-2012, 07:57 PM

No library could get me the articles I wanted from this issue or get me a copy so I bought it. I will sell it for half price plus shipping. It has the 2012 school rankings, etc.

Mysticalkites · 05-23-2012, 01:25 PM

Does anyone know when the 2013 ranks come out?

TskDbx · 05-23-2012, 06:22 PM

Probably around early November, as it did last year.