The Department of Architecture, Urban Planning + Design offers educational excellence for students who seek a career in the professions of architecture, urban planning and design, historic preservation, landscape architecture, interior architecture, and product design. We seek to produce planning and design professionals who will bring a fresh approach to the spatial problems of the 21st century. This requires teaching students to question standard assumptions and to reconsider old solutions. We aim to produce innovators who will address the challenges of an urbanizing world. Our department builds partnerships with neighborhoods, communities, and municipalities in the Kansas City region and beyond to engage in applied research and give students experience in their chosen field of study.

Welcome from the Chair

The Department of Architecture, Urban Planning + Design provides pathways to the design professions in Greater Kansas City. We offer the only accredited professional Urban Planning + Design program in Missouri. Our architecture program leads to the shortest pathway to accredited architecture degrees of any state-funded university program in Missouri. Our Urban Studies program is an undergraduate minor perfect for a future in community development. Whether you are interested in designing stadiums, improving transportation, or planning for a resilient neighborhood; your career in building the future and changing the world starts here.

Kansas City is a global design center. Studying architecture, planning + design in Kansas City gives you the chance to intern with international leaders in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Kansas City is also a city of neighborhoods. We believe in project-based education where you partner with communities to solve problems. No matter what program you choose within our Department, you will be working in the local context. These experiences give you the skills for success after you graduate. Our graduates have a great record securing jobs in greater Kansas City and around the country.

The best way to find out more about our Department and programs is to contact UMKC admissions (https://www.umkc.edu/admissions/contact-us/index.html) and schedule a visit.

Michael Frisch, Ph.D, AICP

Department Chair, Architecture, Urban Planning + Design

Associate Professor, Urban Planning + Design