Student Organizations - School of Architecture
Source: https://arch.illinois.edu/culture/student-organizations
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:13
Student Organizations - School of Architecture
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Student Organizations
The School of Architecture maintains some of the most active student organizations of any architecture program in the country. Through participation in these organizations, students enrich and enhance their academic experience.
Alpha Rho Chi
Alpha Rho Chi
is a national co-educational fraternity that caters to students in architecture and the allied arts. This professional/social organization was founded in 1914 through the joint effort of students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. The Illinois Anthemios chapter is one of the strongest of the 32 active chapters. With an expanding membership and devoted active members, the chapter and chapter house are experiencing constant improvement and renovation.
The chapter house, which appears on the National Register of Historic Places, represents the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement. Built between 1927 and 1931 by Joseph William Royer, it is modeled after the famous Red House in Bexley Heath, England. The exterior is ornamented with various colors and textures of brick, and the clay roofing tiles strengthen the house’s handcrafted theme.
The chapter holds a variety of programs, ranging from lectures and art shows to design critiques, as well as many social functions.
If you are interested or have any questions, please email
joinapx@gmail.com
or fill out the interest form
here
.
2025-2026 APX Board
Worthy Architect: Kendall Rusch
UIUC email:
rusch2@illinois.edu
APX email:
wa.anthemios@gmail.com
Worthy Associate Architect: Sophia Guerrettaz
UIUC email:
smg11@illinois.edu
APX email:
waa.anthemios@gmail.com
Worthy Estimator: Jonathan Gronski
UIUC email:
gronski3@illinois.edu
APX email:
we.anthemios@gmail.com
Worthy Scribe: Jaclyn Manning
UIUC email:
jaclynm3@illinois.edu
APX email:
wscribe.anthemios@gmail.com
Worthy Clerk: Nicola Kameneckas
UIUC email:
nicolak2@illinois.edu
APX email:
wc.anthemios@gmail.com
Worthy Pledge Trainers: Katherine Georgitsos & Adam Lupatkin
UIUC emails:
kgeor6@illinois.edu
&
adamsl2@illinois.edu
APX email:
wpt.anthemios@gmail.com
Worthy Formal Superintendent: Vincent Van Deel
UIUC email:
vandeel2@illinois.edu
APX email:
anthemiosritualdirector@gmail.com
American Institute of Architecture Students
The
American Institute of Architecture Students
(AIAS) is a national organization that represents student opinions on the Boards of Directors of the American Institute of Architects, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, the National Architectural Accrediting Board, and various other organizations involved with the discipline and profession of Architecture. Being a national member of AIA and AIAS is common among architects nationwide.
The University of Illinois chapter of AIAS regularly holds T-shirt design contests, portfolio workshops, social events, study groups, a Chicago firm crawl, and more. There are numerous competitions, scholarship opportunities, fellowship opportunities, and job opportunities exclusively available to AIAS students.
If you have any questions or are interested, please send an email to
uiuc@aias.org
.
2025-2026 AIAS Board
President: Clare Smith
Vice-President: Alex Walawender
Treasurer: Eddie Walsh
Secretary/Membership Director: Laura Heuser
Marketing Director/Social Media Manager: Reese Bechtlofft
Faculty Advisor: Tait Johnson
Architecture Student Advisory Council
The Architecture Student Advisory Council (ASAC) exists to improve communication between the students, staff, faculty, and administration of the school. ASAC provides a forum for discussion of a wide range of issues. ASAC conducts student activities, organizes student actions, solicits student opinions, and makes recommendations to the administration. ASAC executive officers play an advisory role to the administration.
ASAC solicits student opinions about faculty excellence through their annual Excellence In Teaching awards program; these awards are presented at the Annual Architecture Awards (A3).
2025-2026 ASAC Board
Track 1 – Kiran Binani
Track 2 – Emma Busath
2nd Year Graduate Representative: Michael Cachur
Senior Representatives: Emilie Cooper and Jake Chi (Barcelona) and Adam Lupatkin (Campus)
Junior Representatives: Camille Rose and Jasmine Davis
Sophomore Representatives: Katja Siebrits and Emily Do
Freshmen Representatives: Yash Khanna and Alim Yoo
Architecture Student Ambassadors
The Architecture Student Ambassadors program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) serves as a vital link between the School of Architecture and prospective and newly admitted students. This program provides an immersive experience, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the academic and social aspects of life at UIUC’s College of Fine and Applied Arts. Ambassadors lead detailed campus tours, hold Q&A sessions, conduct workshops, and participate in university events to highlight the strengths and opportunities within the architecture program. They also act as mentors, providing support and guidance to new students as they transition into university life.
A standout feature of the program is the Letter Writing Campaign, where ambassadors write personalized letters to admitted students, expressing excitement about their acceptance, and offering a warm welcome. These letters also encourage new students to reach out with any questions, fostering a sense of belonging even before they arrive on campus. By creating a welcoming and informative environment, the Architecture Student Ambassadors play a crucial role in attracting and encouraging prospective students to choose UIUC for their architectural education. Their efforts significantly influence students’ decisions to join the university, contributing to the overall growth and diversity of the architecture program
Please use this link for any questions, such as joining:
uiuc.architectureambassadors@gmail.com
2025-2026 Student Ambassadors:
Co-Presidents: Adam Lupatkin and Stephanie Oberheu
Secretary: Yifan Yao
Architecture Student Association (ArchSA)
The Architecture Student Association (ArchSA) is a student-led organization dedicated to building a supportive, engaged, and collaborative community for architecture students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. ArchSA focuses on peer connection, academic support, professional development, and student life beyond the studio.
ArchSA develops programs and events that enhance the architecture student experience, including peer mentorship, academic support initiatives, lectures and skill-sharing sessions, social events, and fundraisers. Through these efforts, ArchSA creates opportunities for students to learn from one another, connect across academic years, and engage with the broader architecture community.
The organization is structured into four collaborative teams, each responsible for both a core program and an executive role. The Arch Student Blog & Marketing Team manages student-focused content, social media, and visual communication. The Merch & Product Design + Public Relations Team designs and produces architecture-themed merchandise while maintaining connections with other student organizations. The Social Events + Fundraising Team plans social gatherings, community events, and fundraisers throughout the year. The Academic Director Team oversees the mentorship program, academic support initiatives, and lectures or study sessions tailored to student needs.
ArchSA meetings are held every Thursday from 5:00-5:45 PM.
Getting involved is easy, students can join the ArchSA Discord and attend a meeting to become a part of the organization. All architecture and landscape architecture students are welcome, regardless of year or experience level.
Discord:
https://discord.gg/ycMrth2k
To learn more about each team and find the best fit, visit the ArchSA Teams Introduction page:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_J4_wfWE31XI2W6uB81uYleYc00C5uszncTQ2KvBRKs/edit?tab=t.kyo6pa5soike#heading=h.6tulxwz4w01x
Leadership
President: Christine Lee
Vice President: Emily Do
Secretary: Courtney Taylor
Treasurer: Sophie Liu
Membership Director: Danel Talapkaliyeva
Contact Us
Instagram: @archsa_uiuc
https://www.instagram.com/archsa_uiuc/
Email:
uiucarchsa@gmail.com
Discord:
https://discord.gg/ycMrth2k
Gargoyle Architecture Honor Society
Founded in 1918, the University of Illinois chapter of the national Gargoyle Architecture Honor Society is an academically elite group of Architecture students and faculty who have demonstrated an uncommon degree of scholarship and excellence in their everyday activities. Gargoyle recognizes academic excellence and proficiency in Architecture and promotes an attitude of responsibility, professionalism, and service. Although membership is by invitation only, Gargoyle sponsors and encourages activities that promote and reflect the ideals of the organization throughout the school.
If you are interested or have any questions, please email
gargoyleuiuc@gmail.com
2025-2026 Gargoyle Board
President
: Caroline Hooks (BS 2026)
Vice President
: Lindsey Huelsmann (BS 2026)
Treasurer
: Kaitlyn Reedy (BS 2026)
Secretary
: Ashley Weidner (BS 2026)
Public Relations Manager
: Itzel Cruz Davalos (BS 2027)
Hispanic Organization of Urban Studies and the Environment
HOUSE is a Hispanic and Afro-Latinx involvement in the development of environmental professionals in the fields of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning and the Arts, and acts as a support network that helps students with their day to day academic challenges and addresses ways that students can play a role as future professionals.
Interested in joining?! Click here!
Instagram: @house_uiuc
Email us at: houseuiuc2018@gmail.com
2025-2026 HOUSE Board
President: Johanna Gonzalez
│
jgonz267@illinois.edu
External Vice President: Edward Medina
│
emedi7@illinois.edu
Treasurer: Karla Medrano
│
kmedr3@illinois.edu
Secretary: Deney Maya
│
dmaya@illinois.edu
Social Media Manager: Erika Leon Aguilera |
eleon38@illinois.edu
LCASO
Representative/Membership Director: Lizette Herrera |
lherr5@illinois.edu
The National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS)
NOMAS is dedicated to racial and cultural pluralism in the architecture profession. NOMAS is an academic, professional, and service organization that seeks to provide the collective voice of minority architecture students within the school by building a sense of community based on shared experiences unique to minority students. Through strong leadership, service, and networking with minority professionals, NOMAS serves as an anchor for the accomplishments of minority students.
The Illinois chapter was founded in 1978 by Ernest Clay. As a Project 500 student at Illinois in the mid-1960s, Clay was one of the first African-American students to enroll in the school, and he later became an accomplished architect and professor. It is on this spirit of accomplishment that the proud tradition of NOMAS seeks to build its foundation.
Please contact us for questions regarding joining, events or more at nomas.illinois@gmail.com
2025-2026 NOMAS Board
President: Naomi Rugutt
Vice President: Sasha Reese
Secretary: Osi Ubaghara
Treasurer: Miya Muhammad
Event Coordinator: Guadalupe Rodriguez
Marketing Director: Eillen Nigos
Ricker Report
Ricker Report is the School of Architecture’s award winning independent student-run journal.
Originally, Ricker Notes was a periodical for the School of Architecture edited and published by students, who included feature articles, news, poetry, drawings, and book reviews. The title “Ricker” refers to Nathan Clifford Ricker, the first graduate of an architecture program in the United States (in March of 1873).
In 2018, Ricker Notes returned in the form of Ricker Report. The goal of the new Ricker Report is to connect architecture, engineering, and other disciplines while featuring students, alumni, and other talented professionals.
Ricker Report is dedicated to the memory of Emeritus Professor James Warfield and Architecture Ricker Librarian Chris Quinn. Their passion and loyalty to the School of Architecture, Ricker Library, and the University of Illinois continues to inspire students each day.
2025-2026 Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief: Emilie Cooper
Art Director: Xiaoyi Zhu
Director of Operations: Laura Heuser
Lead Editor: Brady Monahan
Editors: Pushpanjli, Henry Sloan, Julia Davis
Graphic Designers: Fran Austriaco, Giorgio Riccardo D’Attoma
Faculty Advisor: Joseph Altshuler
Root to Roof
Root to Roof is a student-led design-build organization serving the broader community. Our mission is to engage future architects to think critically about locally harvested lumber, hand-crafting, and the principles of sustainability through active project planning and participation. The impact includes: 1) Providing students with tangible experience and encouraging civic engagement; 2) Using the power of design and craft to create solutions for community needs. The organization will start with small-scale intervention projects. Root to Roof eventually aims to create quality, energy efficient large-scale solutions to solve for issues of homelessness and poverty in the local area.
2025-2026 Root to Roof Board
President: Ava Unverzagt
Vice President: Ainsley Rothrock
Treasurer: Kaia Rytel
Membership Coordinator: Anna Creech
Secretary: Owen Smyth
Faculty Advisor: Lowell Miller
Instagram
: @roottoroof_
Website
:
roottoroof.com
Get Involved –
https://illinois.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/roottoroof
Society for Business and Management in Architecture (SBMA)
The primary goal of the Society for Business and Management in Architecture (SBMA) is to inform and educate architecture students about the vast array of opportunities available to them in the fields of firm management, real estate, construction management, development, and law. To accomplish this goal, SBMA bridges the gap between architecture and business, enabling architecture students to develop into future business leaders. SBMA introduces architecture students to the business world, providing information about professional and corporate environments. SBMA provides a forum for collaboration and networking through a regular series of events involving successful professionals and the student body.
Every student will eventually interact with the business world. A sound understanding of business principles is becoming increasingly necessary for future architects, especially those who aspire to own or manage their own firm. An architectural education also provides a good foundation for careers in real estate, construction management, and development. The University of Illinois offers outstanding programs in both architecture and business; SBMA brings the resources of these programs together to provide valuable knowledge to its members. Several members of SBMA participate in the three-year M.Arch/MBA program. SBMA advocates a new approach to the architecture profession: uniting solid design judgment with savvy business expertise.
2025-2026 SBMA Board
President: Pushpanjli
Vice-President: Julia Davis
Secretary: Lizbeth Delgado
Treasurer: Taylor Hug
Event Chair: Naomi Rugutt
Graphic Chair: Margret Schmidt
Advisor: Randy Deutsch
Solar Decathlon
Solar Decathlon Illinois RSO (registered student organization) is a multi-disciplinary organization that formed after the University’s involvement in three past Solar Decathlon competitions. Starting in 2002, the US Department of Energy sponsors a biannual competition where twenty Universities from around the world design and construct an innovative and efficient net-zero home. They are transported to a central location and over the course of a week the homes are judged in ten different criteria including energy balance, architecture, communications, and market appeal to name a few.
The RSO works to recruit future team members, maintain sponsor relations, and help maintain the three past homes that are near campus. We work to educate the campus and community about the importance of sustainable energy efficient homes and hope to provide a strong foundation for future Illinois Decathlon teams. New members are always welcome and there are many opportunities for involvement including working on past homes, marketing efforts, or even being part of the next design team. Contact
uiucsolardecathlon@gmail.com
with questions or requests for information.
2024-2025 Solar Decathlon Board
President: Eshana Jain
Vice President: Karina Jang
Treasurer: Gabriel Villanueva
Communications Director: Aarya Patel
Sponsorship Director: Lizet Alvarez
Sponsorship Deputy: Aditi Chockalingham
Marketing Director: Jisu Hong
Social Chair: Benny Winer
Women in Architecture
The mission of Women in Architecture (WIA) is to cultivate and promote the development and leadership of women design professionals by providing a forum for empowering, networking, and mentoring to enhance the architectural community. Though we are a student organization, we also connect with the larger organization in Chicago to present different networking opportunities with working professionals. For more information on the Chicago organization, check out their
website
.
Please fill out
this form
if you are interested in joining our organization.
If you have any questions about WIA at UIUC, feel free to reach out to us at
wia.illinois@gmail.com
.
2025-2026 WIA Board
Co-Presidents
: Sunaina Isaac & Sarah Kerlin
Vice President
: Victoria Perez
Treasurer
: Clare Smith
Event Coordinator
: Isabella Coletta
Social Media Coordinator
: Iman Qazi
Inactive Student Organizations
American Institute of Steel Construction
ARCHChina
Construction Management Association of American
Global Architecture Brigades
Rho Epsilon
Society for Evidence-Based Architecture
Society of Architectural Historians
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Student Organizations
The School of Architecture maintains some of the most active student organizations of any architecture program in the country. Through participation in these organizations, students enrich and enhance their academic experience.
Alpha Rho Chi
Alpha Rho Chi
is a national co-educational fraternity that caters to students in architecture and the allied arts. This professional/social organization was founded in 1914 through the joint effort of students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. The Illinois Anthemios chapter is one of the strongest of the 32 active chapters. With an expanding membership and devoted active members, the chapter and chapter house are experiencing constant improvement and renovation.
The chapter house, which appears on the National Register of Historic Places, represents the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement. Built between 1927 and 1931 by Joseph William Royer, it is modeled after the famous Red House in Bexley Heath, England. The exterior is ornamented with various colors and textures of brick, and the clay roofing tiles strengthen the house’s handcrafted theme.
The chapter holds a variety of programs, ranging from lectures and art shows to design critiques, as well as many social functions.
If you are interested or have any questions, please email
joinapx@gmail.com
or fill out the interest form
here
.
2025-2026 APX Board
Worthy Architect: Kendall Rusch
UIUC email:
rusch2@illinois.edu
APX email:
wa.anthemios@gmail.com
Worthy Associate Architect: Sophia Guerrettaz
UIUC email:
smg11@illinois.edu
APX email:
waa.anthemios@gmail.com
Worthy Estimator: Jonathan Gronski
UIUC email:
gronski3@illinois.edu
APX email:
we.anthemios@gmail.com
Worthy Scribe: Jaclyn Manning
UIUC email:
jaclynm3@illinois.edu
APX email:
wscribe.anthemios@gmail.com
Worthy Clerk: Nicola Kameneckas
UIUC email:
nicolak2@illinois.edu
APX email:
wc.anthemios@gmail.com
Worthy Pledge Trainers: Katherine Georgitsos & Adam Lupatkin
UIUC emails:
kgeor6@illinois.edu
&
adamsl2@illinois.edu
APX email:
wpt.anthemios@gmail.com
Worthy Formal Superintendent: Vincent Van Deel
UIUC email:
vandeel2@illinois.edu
APX email:
anthemiosritualdirector@gmail.com
American Institute of Architecture Students
The
American Institute of Architecture Students
(AIAS) is a national organization that represents student opinions on the Boards of Directors of the American Institute of Architects, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, the National Architectural Accrediting Board, and various other organizations involved with the discipline and profession of Architecture. Being a national member of AIA and AIAS is common among architects nationwide.
The University of Illinois chapter of AIAS regularly holds T-shirt design contests, portfolio workshops, social events, study groups, a Chicago firm crawl, and more. There are numerous competitions, scholarship opportunities, fellowship opportunities, and job opportunities exclusively available to AIAS students.
If you have any questions or are interested, please send an email to
uiuc@aias.org
.
2025-2026 AIAS Board
President: Clare Smith
Vice-President: Alex Walawender
Treasurer: Eddie Walsh
Secretary/Membership Director: Laura Heuser
Marketing Director/Social Media Manager: Reese Bechtlofft
Faculty Advisor: Tait Johnson
Architecture Student Advisory Council
The Architecture Student Advisory Council (ASAC) exists to improve communication between the students, staff, faculty, and administration of the school. ASAC provides a forum for discussion of a wide range of issues. ASAC conducts student activities, organizes student actions, solicits student opinions, and makes recommendations to the administration. ASAC executive officers play an advisory role to the administration.
ASAC solicits student opinions about faculty excellence through their annual Excellence In Teaching awards program; these awards are presented at the Annual Architecture Awards (A3).
2025-2026 ASAC Board
Track 1 – Kiran Binani
Track 2 – Emma Busath
2nd Year Graduate Representative: Michael Cachur
Senior Representatives: Emilie Cooper and Jake Chi (Barcelona) and Adam Lupatkin (Campus)
Junior Representatives: Camille Rose and Jasmine Davis
Sophomore Representatives: Katja Siebrits and Emily Do
Freshmen Representatives: Yash Khanna and Alim Yoo
Architecture Student Ambassadors
The Architecture Student Ambassadors program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) serves as a vital link between the School of Architecture and prospective and newly admitted students. This program provides an immersive experience, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the academic and social aspects of life at UIUC’s College of Fine and Applied Arts. Ambassadors lead detailed campus tours, hold Q&A sessions, conduct workshops, and participate in university events to highlight the strengths and opportunities within the architecture program. They also act as mentors, providing support and guidance to new students as they transition into university life.
A standout feature of the program is the Letter Writing Campaign, where ambassadors write personalized letters to admitted students, expressing excitement about their acceptance, and offering a warm welcome. These letters also encourage new students to reach out with any questions, fostering a sense of belonging even before they arrive on campus. By creating a welcoming and informative environment, the Architecture Student Ambassadors play a crucial role in attracting and encouraging prospective students to choose UIUC for their architectural education. Their efforts significantly influence students’ decisions to join the university, contributing to the overall growth and diversity of the architecture program
Please use this link for any questions, such as joining:
uiuc.architectureambassadors@gmail.com
2025-2026 Student Ambassadors:
Co-Presidents: Adam Lupatkin and Stephanie Oberheu
Secretary: Yifan Yao
Architecture Student Association (ArchSA)
The Architecture Student Association (ArchSA) is a student-led organization dedicated to building a supportive, engaged, and collaborative community for architecture students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. ArchSA focuses on peer connection, academic support, professional development, and student life beyond the studio.
ArchSA develops programs and events that enhance the architecture student experience, including peer mentorship, academic support initiatives, lectures and skill-sharing sessions, social events, and fundraisers. Through these efforts, ArchSA creates opportunities for students to learn from one another, connect across academic years, and engage with the broader architecture community.
The organization is structured into four collaborative teams, each responsible for both a core program and an executive role. The Arch Student Blog & Marketing Team manages student-focused content, social media, and visual communication. The Merch & Product Design + Public Relations Team designs and produces architecture-themed merchandise while maintaining connections with other student organizations. The Social Events + Fundraising Team plans social gatherings, community events, and fundraisers throughout the year. The Academic Director Team oversees the mentorship program, academic support initiatives, and lectures or study sessions tailored to student needs.
ArchSA meetings are held every Thursday from 5:00-5:45 PM.
Getting involved is easy, students can join the ArchSA Discord and attend a meeting to become a part of the organization. All architecture and landscape architecture students are welcome, regardless of year or experience level.
Discord:
https://discord.gg/ycMrth2k
To learn more about each team and find the best fit, visit the ArchSA Teams Introduction page:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_J4_wfWE31XI2W6uB81uYleYc00C5uszncTQ2KvBRKs/edit?tab=t.kyo6pa5soike#heading=h.6tulxwz4w01x
Leadership
President: Christine Lee
Vice President: Emily Do
Secretary: Courtney Taylor
Treasurer: Sophie Liu
Membership Director: Danel Talapkaliyeva
Contact Us
Instagram: @archsa_uiuc
https://www.instagram.com/archsa_uiuc/
Email:
uiucarchsa@gmail.com
Discord:
https://discord.gg/ycMrth2k
Gargoyle Architecture Honor Society
Founded in 1918, the University of Illinois chapter of the national Gargoyle Architecture Honor Society is an academically elite group of Architecture students and faculty who have demonstrated an uncommon degree of scholarship and excellence in their everyday activities. Gargoyle recognizes academic excellence and proficiency in Architecture and promotes an attitude of responsibility, professionalism, and service. Although membership is by invitation only, Gargoyle sponsors and encourages activities that promote and reflect the ideals of the organization throughout the school.
If you are interested or have any questions, please email
gargoyleuiuc@gmail.com
2025-2026 Gargoyle Board
President
: Caroline Hooks (BS 2026)
Vice President
: Lindsey Huelsmann (BS 2026)
Treasurer
: Kaitlyn Reedy (BS 2026)
Secretary
: Ashley Weidner (BS 2026)
Public Relations Manager
: Itzel Cruz Davalos (BS 2027)
Hispanic Organization of Urban Studies and the Environment
HOUSE is a Hispanic and Afro-Latinx involvement in the development of environmental professionals in the fields of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning and the Arts, and acts as a support network that helps students with their day to day academic challenges and addresses ways that students can play a role as future professionals.
Interested in joining?! Click here!
Instagram: @house_uiuc
Email us at: houseuiuc2018@gmail.com
2025-2026 HOUSE Board
President: Johanna Gonzalez
│
jgonz267@illinois.edu
External Vice President: Edward Medina
│
emedi7@illinois.edu
Treasurer: Karla Medrano
│
kmedr3@illinois.edu
Secretary: Deney Maya
│
dmaya@illinois.edu
Social Media Manager: Erika Leon Aguilera |
eleon38@illinois.edu
LCASO
Representative/Membership Director: Lizette Herrera |
lherr5@illinois.edu
The National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS)
NOMAS is dedicated to racial and cultural pluralism in the architecture profession. NOMAS is an academic, professional, and service organization that seeks to provide the collective voice of minority architecture students within the school by building a sense of community based on shared experiences unique to minority students. Through strong leadership, service, and networking with minority professionals, NOMAS serves as an anchor for the accomplishments of minority students.
The Illinois chapter was founded in 1978 by Ernest Clay. As a Project 500 student at Illinois in the mid-1960s, Clay was one of the first African-American students to enroll in the school, and he later became an accomplished architect and professor. It is on this spirit of accomplishment that the proud tradition of NOMAS seeks to build its foundation.
Please contact us for questions regarding joining, events or more at nomas.illinois@gmail.com
2025-2026 NOMAS Board
President: Naomi Rugutt
Vice President: Sasha Reese
Secretary: Osi Ubaghara
Treasurer: Miya Muhammad
Event Coordinator: Guadalupe Rodriguez
Marketing Director: Eillen Nigos
Ricker Report
Ricker Report is the School of Architecture’s award winning independent student-run journal.
Originally, Ricker Notes was a periodical for the School of Architecture edited and published by students, who included feature articles, news, poetry, drawings, and book reviews. The title “Ricker” refers to Nathan Clifford Ricker, the first graduate of an architecture program in the United States (in March of 1873).
In 2018, Ricker Notes returned in the form of Ricker Report. The goal of the new Ricker Report is to connect architecture, engineering, and other disciplines while featuring students, alumni, and other talented professionals.
Ricker Report is dedicated to the memory of Emeritus Professor James Warfield and Architecture Ricker Librarian Chris Quinn. Their passion and loyalty to the School of Architecture, Ricker Library, and the University of Illinois continues to inspire students each day.
2025-2026 Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief: Emilie Cooper
Art Director: Xiaoyi Zhu
Director of Operations: Laura Heuser
Lead Editor: Brady Monahan
Editors: Pushpanjli, Henry Sloan, Julia Davis
Graphic Designers: Fran Austriaco, Giorgio Riccardo D’Attoma
Faculty Advisor: Joseph Altshuler
Root to Roof
Root to Roof is a student-led design-build organization serving the broader community. Our mission is to engage future architects to think critically about locally harvested lumber, hand-crafting, and the principles of sustainability through active project planning and participation. The impact includes: 1) Providing students with tangible experience and encouraging civic engagement; 2) Using the power of design and craft to create solutions for community needs. The organization will start with small-scale intervention projects. Root to Roof eventually aims to create quality, energy efficient large-scale solutions to solve for issues of homelessness and poverty in the local area.
2025-2026 Root to Roof Board
President: Ava Unverzagt
Vice President: Ainsley Rothrock
Treasurer: Kaia Rytel
Membership Coordinator: Anna Creech
Secretary: Owen Smyth
Faculty Advisor: Lowell Miller
: @roottoroof_
Website
:
roottoroof.com
Get Involved –
https://illinois.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/roottoroof
Society for Business and Management in Architecture (SBMA)
The primary goal of the Society for Business and Management in Architecture (SBMA) is to inform and educate architecture students about the vast array of opportunities available to them in the fields of firm management, real estate, construction management, development, and law. To accomplish this goal, SBMA bridges the gap between architecture and business, enabling architecture students to develop into future business leaders. SBMA introduces architecture students to the business world, providing information about professional and corporate environments. SBMA provides a forum for collaboration and networking through a regular series of events involving successful professionals and the student body.
Every student will eventually interact with the business world. A sound understanding of business principles is becoming increasingly necessary for future architects, especially those who aspire to own or manage their own firm. An architectural education also provides a good foundation for careers in real estate, construction management, and development. The University of Illinois offers outstanding programs in both architecture and business; SBMA brings the resources of these programs together to provide valuable knowledge to its members. Several members of SBMA participate in the three-year M.Arch/MBA program. SBMA advocates a new approach to the architecture profession: uniting solid design judgment with savvy business expertise.
2025-2026 SBMA Board
President: Pushpanjli
Vice-President: Julia Davis
Secretary: Lizbeth Delgado
Treasurer: Taylor Hug
Event Chair: Naomi Rugutt
Graphic Chair: Margret Schmidt
Advisor: Randy Deutsch
Solar Decathlon
Solar Decathlon Illinois RSO (registered student organization) is a multi-disciplinary organization that formed after the University’s involvement in three past Solar Decathlon competitions. Starting in 2002, the US Department of Energy sponsors a biannual competition where twenty Universities from around the world design and construct an innovative and efficient net-zero home. They are transported to a central location and over the course of a week the homes are judged in ten different criteria including energy balance, architecture, communications, and market appeal to name a few.
The RSO works to recruit future team members, maintain sponsor relations, and help maintain the three past homes that are near campus. We work to educate the campus and community about the importance of sustainable energy efficient homes and hope to provide a strong foundation for future Illinois Decathlon teams. New members are always welcome and there are many opportunities for involvement including working on past homes, marketing efforts, or even being part of the next design team. Contact
uiucsolardecathlon@gmail.com
with questions or requests for information.
2024-2025 Solar Decathlon Board
President: Eshana Jain
Vice President: Karina Jang
Treasurer: Gabriel Villanueva
Communications Director: Aarya Patel
Sponsorship Director: Lizet Alvarez
Sponsorship Deputy: Aditi Chockalingham
Marketing Director: Jisu Hong
Social Chair: Benny Winer
Women in Architecture
The mission of Women in Architecture (WIA) is to cultivate and promote the development and leadership of women design professionals by providing a forum for empowering, networking, and mentoring to enhance the architectural community. Though we are a student organization, we also connect with the larger organization in Chicago to present different networking opportunities with working professionals. For more information on the Chicago organization, check out their
website
.
Please fill out
this form
if you are interested in joining our organization.
If you have any questions about WIA at UIUC, feel free to reach out to us at
wia.illinois@gmail.com
.
2025-2026 WIA Board
Co-Presidents
: Sunaina Isaac & Sarah Kerlin
Vice President
: Victoria Perez
Treasurer
: Clare Smith
Event Coordinator
: Isabella Coletta
Social Media Coordinator
: Iman Qazi
Inactive Student Organizations
American Institute of Steel Construction
ARCHChina
Construction Management Association of American
Global Architecture Brigades
Rho Epsilon
Society for Evidence-Based Architecture
Society of Architectural Historians
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