Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) was founded in 1890 as a land-grant institution.  The School of Architecture offers NAAB accredited bachelor (5-year) and Master of Architecture (2- and 3.5-year) degrees and the pre- and post-professional bachelor of science in Architectural Studies and the Master of science in Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture degrees.   Florida’s State University system designated the School of Architecture as a “Center of Excellence” on the FAMU campus.  The School is housed in the Walter L. Smith Architecture Building, providing 100,000 square feet of classroom, studio, gallery, building construction lab and model shop.  An $11 million renovation of the building was completed in 2002.

The School’s Institute for Building sciences (IBS) coordinates research, service and continuing education.  Faculty and students have participated in Institute research and service projects for state and federal government agencies, non-profit foundations, organizations, and industry.  Projects include surveys and laboratory-intensive evaluation of building materials and construction methods.

FAMU architecture and landscape students are routinely involved in community service projects including a summer field school in New Orleans, launched in 2008.  They are helping to restore historic structures in Holy Cross, a neighborhood located in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans that was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina. The restoration projects are being done in partnership with the PRC (Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans).  The Field School emphasizes hands-on learning from preservation professionals and traditional building trades craftspeople. The faculty will also lecture on many topics including the role of the traditional trades in preservation, problems faced in restoring historic structures, the use of traditional materials and methods, and issues of authenticity within the restoration process.

In 2008, FAMU architecture students worked with students at Tallahassee’s Woodville Elementary School to develop their ideas for a wildflower garden at the school.   Woodville is the oldest school in the district. The garden will include two areas of outdoor classroom activities, and one area will get an outdoor board for teachers to expand the classroom atmosphere. The chosen plants are meant to attract butterflies and birds so children get a VIP seat to the nature around them.

Dean:  Rodner Wright

Contact Information

1938 South MLK Boulevard

Tallahassee, Florida  32307

Telephone:  (850) 599-3244

Fax:  (850) 599-3436.