The History of Our College
The College of Architecture and Design has a rich legacy that has shaped the field of architecture, design, and education.
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a hub of innovation, the college has continuously evolved, fostering creativity, leadership, and a commitment to progressive design. This journey spans decades, and its impact can be seen in the work of its esteemed alumni and the transformative projects they’ve led across the globe.
The 60’s + 70’s
Established as the New School of Architecture in 1965 under the direction of Dean Bill Lacy, the UT architecture program created a legacy of progressive design that stands today.
The ’60s and ’70s were an era that reaped success to its graduates; its alumni have designed award-winning work around the globe. They stood on the shoulders of those who came before and strengthened the foundation for those who came after.
The 80’s
In 1981, the college moved to its current location in the Art + Architecture Building, an award-winning structure designed as a part of a competition by alumnus Doug McCarty and his father, legendary Knoxville modernist Bruce McCarty, of McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects and Interior Designers.
During this time, the college continued to grow and expand its influence, developing stronger ties with the professional world and enriching the student experience with more opportunities for engagement in real-world projects.
The 90’s
The 1990s was a decade of significant growth and diversification for the college. A major milestone came in 1991 with the establishment of a formal partnership between the College of Architecture and Design and Krakow University in Poland. This partnership created one of the longest-running and most impactful study abroad programs in the college’s history, allowing students to experience international design and culture while gaining valuable global perspectives.
In 1997, the School of Interior Design became part of the college, now known as the School of Interior Architecture. This marked an important expansion, broadening the scope of the college’s offerings and emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of design education.
In 1999, reflecting its broadened focus and the growing importance of design in various fields, the college officially changed its name to the College of Architecture and Design. This name change better represented the wide range of design disciplines and programs offered within the college, from architecture to interior architecture, landscape architecture, and more.
2000’s
In 2008, the college, in partnership with the Herbert College of Agriculture, launched the School of Landscape Architecture. This new program brought a fresh focus on sustainable design, land use, and the intersection of architecture and the natural environment, addressing the growing demand for environmental stewardship in design.
2010’s
One of the most exciting developments came in 2013, when the college acquired the Fab Lab building in downtown Knoxville. The 20,000-square-foot space was transformed into a state-of-the-art maker facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology for students and faculty. The opening of the Fab Lab revolutionized how students engaged with design and fabrication, providing them with unprecedented access to tools, machinery, and resources to bring their creative visions to life. It has become a focal point for innovation within the college, fostering a hands-on, collaborative approach to learning.
In the fall of 2019, Graphic Design was added to the college, bringing a new dimension to the curriculum. This addition brought new design perspectives to the college, allowing students to explore the intersection of graphic design, architecture, and technology. The integration of graphic design into the college’s offerings has further enriched the interdisciplinary approach to education and continues to challenge students to think critically and creatively across various design disciplines.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, the College of Architecture and Design is committed to continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence. With a forward-thinking approach to education, research, and design, the college remains dedicated to producing leaders who will shape the future of architecture, design, and the built environment.