<p>Any imput on CUA? From what I understand, it is the only program in DC.</p>
<p>It's the only one in the District, but nearby is the Univ of Maryland in College Park, which has what I'd call an average-quality program. CUA is probably comparable, but I know offices who have had trouble with CUA hires.</p>
<p>what kind of problems?</p>
<p>Generally that the CUA grads are unprepared for architectural office work, and unconversant with the technical and aesthetic issues they're likely to face. They probably do better in less illustrious offices. I know this sounds derisive, but at the moment I'm unable to think of a better way to put it. </p>
<p>In a way, Washington is a sort of 'wide-open' town for architecural grads from other cities. Because while there are two local schools, neither of them has the influence or reputation to dominate the hiring scene as happens in some other places. This, obviously, is very positive for grads considering moving to DC.</p>
<p>What are the 'illustrious' offices in DC?</p>
<p>Hmm...almost hesitate to list, because I'm sure I'll leave out some of the best, but examples include Hugh Newell Jacobsen, Shalom Baranes, David Schwarz, Hartman-Cox, Mark McInturff, Cunningham & Quill, Robert M. Gurney, and local offices of 'national' firms such as SOM, Ellerbe Becket, RTKL, Ehrenkrantz Eckstut, Gensler, HOK, Swanke Hayden Connell etc. As I said, I'm forgetting a lot and I'm not 'cutting edge' so I've doubtless missed the more 'hip' candidates... The 'national' firms listed are not really 'design' firms, and so I guess they're not 'illustrious'...</p>
<p>My son was accepted into a number of architecture programs, CUA was among them. As a consequence, we made a point of visiting the very serious candidates for him. These included RISD, RPI, K-State, CUA, U of Illinois U/C, IIT, etc.</p>
<p>Both my wife and I were very impressed with the CUA program. I have seen the facilitieis at these other schools and CUA has as good, and most likely better, facilities. The work that the students do is quite impressive, and frankly, better than many of the other schools.</p>
<p>The faculty was smart and engaged. The students were smart and friendly. We were informed that the students seeking employment had multiple offers and were getting significant signing bonuses. As such, I do not understand how the comments Marsden makes can be accurate as it would seem to be somewhat contradictory to the multiple offers/bonuses.</p>
<p>I think that CUA is a fine program that is a true up and comer.</p>
<p>I compelted a 3 week summer architecture program at catholic two summers ago and loved it! Its in a pretty shady area of DC, but it's a pretty secluded campus with the metro (train) located on campus. The metro was my favorite part of Catholic - it was two stops away from some of the greatest shopping and entertainment centers!</p>
<p>The architecture program itself wasa lot of fun too - I met some great people and made some pretty decent models. My favorite part was the "Wailing wall" where we did our critiques =) (get it?!) </p>
<p>All in all: it was a very friendly hands on program, but it was kind of short so I didn't really learn to much, but what I did learn was very helpful in starting me on an architecture path.</p>