David R. Ravin School of Architecture
The David R. Ravin School of Architecture (SoA) educates its students to become licensed architects, practitioners in related fields, researchers in emerging technologies, and advocates for the built environment and its inhabitants. We offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs suited to different interests and career goals, capitalizing on our location in one of the fastest-growing and most diverse metropolitan areas in the United States, and on our institutional context: UNC Charlotte is the urban research institution of the University of North Carolina System, and the College of Arts + Architecture is the only college within the system to provide degrees in architecture, the fine arts, and the performing arts. As one of only two accredited architecture programs in North Carolina, and as the home of cutting-edge researchers, the SoA is a regional hub for the study of architecture: design, innovation, and impact.
On November 18, 2022, the UNC Charlotte School of Architecture was named for alumnus David R. Ravin ’94, president and CEO of Northwood Ravin LLC, a leading full-service development, construction and property management firm and one of the Charlotte area’s largest commercial real estate developers.
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about the david r. ravin school of architecture
One of two accredited architecture programs in North Carolina, the David R. Ravin School of Architecture capitalizes on its location in one of the fastest-growing and most diverse cities in the United States. Founded in 1971, the School celebrated its 50th anniversary in the 2021-22 academic year and has nearly 3,500 alumni who make contributions to architecture and related disciplines in nearly 700 cities worldwide. More than 500 architecture alumni live and work in Charlotte, with the school represented in nearly every local design office.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the David R. Ravin School of Architecture is to promote excellence in architecture and urban design education, scholarship, and practice in an inclusive and collaborative environment.
OUR VISION
The vision of the David R. Ravin School of Architecture is to be a nationally recognized program known for linking academic excellence and access, preparing students to be entrepreneurial designers and thinkers, and expanding the disciplinary capacities and contributions of architecture in addressing social, technological, and environmental challenges.
OUR COMMITMENT
Faculty and students at the David R. Ravin School of Architecture are committed to creating an open-minded and creative atmosphere to pursue research, explore new forms of building, and discover collaborative practices that nurture human potential. Our graduates understand where knowledge comes from and how to integrate their voice with others to influence the art and science of architecture. The School of Architecture opens opportunities to students through interdisciplinary programs, close alliances with the profession, and active programs in the community.
Hear from current students
“My favorite thing about UNC Charlotte is the extreme levels of diversity and inclusion. I was afraid of fitting into the large campus and community, but as I’ve spent time here, I’ve realized that UNC Charlotte is for everyone, no matter their background. I love the David R. Ravin School of Architecture specifically because they understand that we are humans first and students second – they work hard to include everyone in events and socials that take place.”
Jayrion Wilson
BA in Architecture
“I am under various scholarships and am truly grateful to be receiving the extra funding. It has been a relief knowing that some of my educational finances are taken care of, which allows me to push myself further and take up opportunities that are in the form of education or career advancement.”
Leonie Eisenring
BA in Architecture
“I love the School of Architecture’s culture. The warm, welcoming studio environment helped me immediately make friends. The Storrs family pushes me to work harder and design better through feedback and support. I am constantly being inspired from the different creative minds.”
Malak Fahmy
BA in Architecture
recent Architecture news
August 7, 2025
UNC Charlotte’s Master of Urban Design degree is unique in North Carolina.
July 30, 2025
Architecture Professor Sabri Gokmen mentored two OUR Summer Research Scholars.
July 10, 2025
The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) has announced that José L.S. Gámez, dean of the College of Arts…
May 28, 2025
Sean Gallagher ’00 of DS+R is the project director for the award-winning Canal Café.
Study abroad with the soa
Intercultural competency is critical in our increasingly globalized world. The SoA’s Rome + Istanbul program offers a unique opportunity at UNC Charlotte to spend an entire semester abroad, actively engaging with local students and faculty from multiple institutions. Other intercultural destinations that engage questions about the future of architecture and urbanism include Japan, Taiwan, Colombia, and Tanzania.
Licensure & Accreditation
The David R. Ravin School of Architecture is one of only two programs in North Carolina that maintains accredited status through the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). That accreditation body reviews the curriculum, facility, faculty, and program resources annually, and it conducts an intensive site visit every eight years. The SoA maintains full accreditation standards as prescribed by this board, and part of our responsibility is to provide detailed reports and updates to the public.
The David R. Ravin School of Architecture offers the following NAAB-accredited degree programs:
- Master of Architecture (M.Arch I), Undergraduate degree + NAAB-accredited 96 credit hours
- Master of Architecture (MArch Advanced Standing) Pre-professional architecture degree from UNC Charlotte + 40 graduate credit hours
- Master of Architecture (M.Arch II), Pre-professional architecture degree from a NAAB-accredite school + NAAB-accredited 60 graduate credit hours
The SoA also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture degree, with three concentrations, each of which leads into one of the three accredited tracks of the M.Arch. program.
Although the B.A. in Architecture is not accredited, some of its coursework is applied toward requirements of the accredited degree.
