UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture

What UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture does

The UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA) is an academic department within the University of British Columbia, a public research university located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people in Vancouver, British Columbia. Founded in 1968 as the School of Architecture and renamed SALA in 2015 to reflect its combined architecture and landscape architecture mandate, the school delivers professional degree programs including the Master of Architecture (MArch, 117 credits), Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA, 108 credits), a Dual Degree MArch+MLA option, a Bachelor of Design (BDes), and a Master of Urban Design. The MArch program is accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (renewed for three years in 2025 under the Canberra Accord), and the MLA program is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. Programs are delivered through in-person studio-based instruction at UBC's Lasserre Building, MacMillan Building, and the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability, supported by facilities including the SALA Materials Lab (established 2023) and digital fabrication resources.

SALA's core technology stack centers on a design-build methodology combined with digital design, parametric modeling, fabrication, and sustainable material research. Distinctive research outputs include mycelium biocomposites (MycoToilet, 2018 BioDesign Challenge winner from over 1,000 submissions), Zippered Wood construction (2020 Architect Magazine R&D Award), the C-SHORE Western Red Cedar pavilion (2020 Core77 Design Awards), and the UD Co-Spaces urban design visualization tool with touch-screen and projected interfaces. Active research labs include the Biogenic Architecture Lab (Joseph Dahmen, founded 2021), HiLo Lab (Blair Satterfield), Landscape Ethics Studio (Fionn Byrne), UBC Coastal Adaptation Lab (Kees Lokman), greenskinslab (Daniel Roehr), elementslab (Cynthia Girling and Ronald Kellett), AIR studio (Inge Roecker), and JIM studio (James Huemoeller). The school offers well over 100 course support positions yearly, including teaching assistantships and faculty-led lab research roles.

SALA's business model is structured as a public university department rather than a commercial entity, with revenue drawn from three principal streams: degree program tuition (reviewed annually by the UBC Board of Governors with international students paying higher rates), research grants from Tri-Agency, Natural Resources Canada, SSHRC, Mitacs, and international sources, and design-build donor support from individuals and firms such as Thomas S. Annandale, Dialog, and Alan S. Bell. The go-to-market is sales-led recruitment through competitive applications (early-October to mid-January for most programs, September starts), information sessions, open houses, portfolio reviews, and study abroad programming at 12 international partner universities. Customer segments include prospective graduate architecture students, graduate landscape architecture students, undergraduate design students, Indigenous students supported by the ILANDS organization, and architecture industry professionals engaged through studio reviews and mentorship. Governance sits under UBC with Blair Satterfield serving as Director, pro tem from 2024 to 2025.

Name

UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Legal name

The University of British Columbia School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Website

https://sala.ubc.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA) is a public university department within the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, offering accredited professional degrees (MArch, MLA, Bachelor of Design, dual degrees) and operating research labs in biogenic architecture, climate adaptation, and sustainable design for students and faculty.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Architecture Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Architecture Schools (within Arts & Design institutions) (EDAHAJAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Architecture, Planning & Surveying (AIA, Planning, Land Surveyor CE) (EDAAALAG)

Keywords

• Architecture education
• Landscape architecture programs
• Design-build training
• Graduate architecture degrees
• Sustainable design research

Headquarters

HQ city

Vancouver, BC

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Degree Program Tuition: The school generates revenue primarily through tuition fees from its Master of Architecture (117 credits), Master of Landscape Architecture (108 credits), Bachelor of Design, and other professional degree programs. Tuition is reviewed annually by UBC Board of Governors.
2. Research Grants and Funding: Faculty research supported by various agencies including Tri-Agency in Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Mitacs, and international sources. Grants fund projects like coastal adaptation research and sustainable materials development.
3. Design-Build Donor Support: Design-build program supported by individual donors and sponsors including Thomas S. Annandale, Alan S. Bell, Dialog, and others who contribute to enable hands-on student construction experiences.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

UBC SALA is an academic school offering accredited professional degree programs in architecture and landscape architecture, including the Master of Architecture (117 credits), Master of Landscape Architecture (108 credits), a Dual MArch+MLA degree, and the Bachelor of Design. It supplements degree programs with enriched educational experiences such as the Design+Build Program, study abroad courses, international exchanges with 12 partner universities, co-op, mentorship, and over 100 course support positions annually. The school supports faculty-led research labs covering sustainable materials, mycelium biocomposites, coastal adaptation, and urban design tools.

Product overview

The UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA) is an educational institution offering professional degree programs in architecture and landscape architecture, not a commercial product company. Its offerings consist of academic degree programs (Master of Architecture, Master of Landscape Architecture, Dual Degree, Bachelor of Design, and non-degree programs including study abroad and exchanges), enriched educational experiences (Design+Build Program, mentorship, co-op), research labs (Biogenic Architecture Lab, HiLo Lab, Landscape Ethics Studio, UBC Coastal Adaptation Lab, greenskinslab, elementslab), and specialized facilities/resources (SALA Materials Lab, Print/Plot/Scan Services). Notable research projects include MycoToilet and UD Co-Spaces visualization tool. The institution focuses on design education, research in sustainable design, and community engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Master of Architecture (MArch) A professional graduate degree program leading to certification with the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), typically a three-year program requiring 117 credits including design studios, history and theory courses, technical systems, and a graduate project. Designed for students seeking licensure with provincial bodies such as AIBC in British Columbia.
• Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) A professional design education program accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council (LAAC) of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA), requiring 108 credits including design studios, technical courses, and a graduate project. The degree is recognized as equivalent to American ASLA-accredited programs under a reciprocity agreement.
• Dual Degree (MArch + MLA) A combined Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture option allowing students to pursue both professional degrees concurrently. Developed during Leslie Van Duzer's tenure as Director (2010-2015).
• Bachelor of Design (BDes) An undergraduate four-year design program offered by SALA. Students are represented by DESUS (elected government) and may proceed to graduate studies. The program focuses on foundational design skills, interdisciplinary design thinking, visual communication, and portfolio development.
• Design + Build Program A hands-on design and construction program providing students with direct building experience. Projects include design-build work on Keats Island and Gambier Island, with student teams developing designs and completing construction. Includes project types such as storage facilities, pavilions, SALAntern beacon structures, amphitheaters, and SALAmander installations.
• Non-degree Programs (Study Abroad and Exchanges)

Quantifiable outcome

• CACB accreditation for MArch program renewed in 2025 for three years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• University of New South WalescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partnership allowing SALA students to study architecture at University of New South Wales in Australia.
• University of MelbournecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partnership with University of Melbourne in Australia for architecture students.
• Université Libre de BruxellescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partnership with Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium.
• Technical University of MunichcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partnership with Technical University of Munich in Germany.
• Technical University of BerlincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partnership with Technical University of Berlin in Germany.
• University of TokyocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partnership with University of Tokyo in Japan.
• Osaka UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partnership with Osaka University in Japan.
• Wageningen UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partnership with Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
• National University of SingaporecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partnership with National University of Singapore.
• Lunds UniversitetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partnership with Lund University in Sweden.
• DIS CopenhagencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudy abroad partnership with DIS, Study Abroad in Scandinavia, Copenhagen.
• DIS StockholmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudy abroad partnership with DIS, Study Abroad in Scandinavia, Stockholm.
• Keats CampscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary design-build partner on Keats Island hosting student construction projects including SALAntern (2023) and ongoing design-build programs. Generously supports the program through site access and collaboration.
• Camp FircomcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign-build partner on Gambier Island hosting multiple SALA projects including Archery Pavilion (2017), Amphitheatre, Watercraft Storage Shelter (2018), and SALAmander (2016).
• SEEDS Sustainability ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary sponsor and supporter of C-SHORE pavilion project and other sustainability initiatives at UBC.
• UBC Sustainability InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in C-SHORE project supporting sustainable design research and campus sustainability.
• StructureCraftmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated LSL (laminated strand lumber) material for Fircom Amphitheatre project platforms.
• Bush, Bohlman & Partners LLPmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngineering partner for C-SHORE pavilion providing structural engineering expertise.
• UBC Go GlobalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUBC's central international programs office managing exchange and study abroad partnerships for SALA students.
• Yunesit'in GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Nations partner community working with John Bass on wildfire house prototype design for Tsilhqot'in plateau.
• Heiltsuk NationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Nations partner working with John Bass on community-led housing initiative with four one-bedroom houses under construction since 2019.
• Mowachaht/Muchalaht First NationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Nations partner in collaborative community-led projects.
• Nisga'a NationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Nations partner in collaborative projects.
• Nuxalk NationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Nations partner in collaborative projects.
• Fort Rupert Kwakiutl BandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Nations partner working with John Bass on projects including Fort Rupert Reconstruction Project.
• Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) First NationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous partner in Kees Lokman's Living with Water coastal adaptation research project exploring fair and integrated solutions to coastal flooding.
• Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First NationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous partner in Living with Water project alongside Skwxwú7mesh First Nation and municipal/provincial governments.
• Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSole organization recognized by Canadian architectural profession to accredit professional degree programs. CACB renewed MArch accreditation for three years in 2025.
• Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council (LAAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccrediting body of Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) that accredits SALA's MLA program. Recognized as equivalent to American ASLA-accredited programs.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning: US public-university architecture school with strong research programs in sustainable design, urban planning, and digital fabrication. Comparable to SALA in public-university setting, faculty-led research labs, and North American accreditation environment.
• Yale School of Architecture: Prestigious US architecture school offering accredited professional graduate programs with strong design studio culture. Comparable to SALA in accredited professional degree offerings and selective admissions process.
• University of Waterloo School of Architecture: Canadian architecture school offering professional graduate and undergraduate programs with co-op and studio-based pedagogy. Comparable to SALA in scale, national accreditation context (CACB), and emphasis on design-build and research.
• UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design: Public US research university school offering architecture and landscape architecture with strong environmental design focus. Comparable to SALA in public-university setting, climate-resilience research, and West Coast location.
• Harvard Graduate School of Design: Globally leading architecture and landscape architecture school offering accredited professional degrees. Directly comparable in program mix (MArch, MLA), research orientation, and faculty caliber, though operating at much larger scale.
• MIT School of Architecture and Planning: Elite US architecture school with strong research orientation including fabrication, sustainability, and urban design. Comparable to SALA in the technology-and-research-driven profile of its faculty labs.
• University of Toronto John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design: Canadian peer institution offering accredited professional graduate degrees in architecture and landscape architecture alongside urban design. Most direct comparable to SALA given shared national context, dual-discipline focus, and similar degree program mix.
• Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation: Major US architecture and planning school with strong urban design and preservation programs. Comparable to SALA in research-intensive culture and interdisciplinary scope.

Peers

• Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA School): London-based independent architecture school known for experimental design pedagogy and international faculty. Comparable to SALA in studio-based culture, design-research integration, and global applicant pool. Several SALA faculty hold AA Diplomas.

Regional players

• University of Hong Kong Faculty of Architecture: Asian architecture school offering accredited professional programs with strong urban design and landscape architecture. Comparable to SALA in dual architecture-landscape focus but operating in a different geographic market; SALA faculty member Natalia Echeverri previously served as Director of MLA at HKU.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ubcsala
• Facebookfacebook.com/ubcsala
• Instagraminstagram.com/ubcsala
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ubc-school-of-architecture-and-landscape-architecture

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture