Are you deciding on applying to Cal Poly Pomona for architecture school? Well, I am going to give you a run through of what it's like to be a student at Cal Poly Pomona. The first bonus of going to college at Cal Poly Pomona is you're really close to all of the architectural landmarks in Southern California. Also our professors are amazing! They are hard on you in your first year of school, but that is because architecture school is no walk in the park, so they are trying to prepare you for the next five years. During your first year of school, you will probably have Robert Alexander or “Bob”, because he is the first year coordinator. Bob is an amazing teacher. He is always willing to help students if they come to office hours - but just a suggestion, make sure you email him your coming. Bob gives you all the skills that will make you successful for your whole architecture education at Cal Poly Pomona. There are a bunch of amazing professors at our campus besides just Bob. I haven’t been able to take all of the teachers that are at our school. I will highlight some of the teachers that are great. Alexander Ortenberg or “Sasha” and Irma Ramierz are teachers that teach several architecture history courses. Both of these teachers try to bring to life the sometimes dull classes of architecture history, but most importantly they want their students to succeed.
Other core classes that are required are sustainability courses, which describe different passive and active ways of tackling climate control through buildings by reducing emissions. Some of these teachers include Hofu Wu, Pablo Roche, and Eric Carbonnier, all of which are extremely passionate about their subject. Finally, there are your construction and structures courses which give architects the basic understanding of the structural stability for the building as well as the basics of construction. Some of these teachers include Marc Schulitz, Micheal Fox, and Juintow Lin.
The best part of this school is the community within the student population. Architecture students are there for each other no matter the year - everyone is willing to help each other out. We will become your second family, because this is a time intensive major. Our school architecture clubs are AIAS and NOMAS. AIAS stands for American Institute of Architecture Students. NOMAS stands for National Organization for Minority Architecture Students. We also have mentor and mentee programs where 4th and 5th year students help 1st and 2nd year students transition to their major and college in general. As students get farther along their schooling, we have firm week which aids students in receiving internships with local firms in SoCal. Overall, our school is a great choice to learn about architecture because of the students, teachers, and proximity to famous buildings in SoCal.
P.S. check out our student work page to see types of projects you will be working on when you choose Cal Poly Pomona.
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