University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture + Community Development

04/06/2026

We are so happy to announce that full-time faculty member Ceara O'Leary, AIA was awarded National AIA 2026 Young Architect recognition! "The AIA Young Architects Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers." Prof. O’Leary, AIA is one of the finest practitioners and educators in the United States connecting design, policy, community development and resilience, planning, and place-making that moves us toward a more equitable and inspiring built environment. Her thought leadership is shared nationally including AIA, ACSA, and ACD. CONGRATULATIONS Ceara!

The AIA Young Architects Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profess

03/20/2026

2026 SACD ANNUAL ALUMNI GATHERING

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
School of Architecture & Community Development | Loranger Exhibition Space

RSVP AT UDMARCHALUM2026.EVENTBRITE.COM
(Though RSVPs are not necessary. They do help us plan for food!)

It will be an evening of fellowship, food, and drink at our annual spring Alumni Gathering! This year, we are celebrating (once again) the careers of both Brigette Murphy-Barbee and Cheryl Baxter as they retire from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture and Community Development.

You will also hear a short State of the School talk!

Your attendance helps support the alumni council’s annual financial contributions to Study Abroad scholarships, AIAS, NOMAS, and students who want to take the LEED or WELL exams.

The Alumni Council also hosts a dinner every semester right before final project deadlines and provides in-depth ARE prep materials for all SACD alumni and graduates.

Included with your in-person RSVP are three tickets to use towards our 2026 giveaway of fun items from our sponsors.

…and as always, Alumnus Paul Ritz and I (Dan Pitera) will be making signature drinks to serve all of you! Mine is titled The Detroit Negroni in honor of SACD presence in Italy for 40 years. This year I will also be serving a mocktail version of this craft specialty.

03/13/2026

It is with deep sadness to announce that Fred Bidigare recently passed away. Fred’s paintings carried a quality that was simultaneously ephemeral and incisive. They seemed to capture fleeting moments while also pointing toward something deeper and enduring. This same sensibility defined his teaching. Fred had a remarkable ability to awaken curiosity and nurture creativity. Students—whether in the United States or in Poland—were drawn to the openness of his approach and the seriousness with which he treated their ideas.

His legacy lives on in both paint and student imaginations he helped ignite.

Peace to all who knew him and were inspired by his creative spirit.

12/05/2025

Congratulations, Michael!!! Alumnus Michael Ford, FAIA, NOMA was just awarded the National AIA 2026 Whitney M Young Jr. Award. This is one of the highest honor awarded by the American Institute of Architectsthe . It is "given to an architect or architectural organization that embodies social responsibility and actively addresses a pressing social issue." We are so proud of Michael and thrilled that the AIA recognized his commitment and transformation he has made through his Hip Hop Architecture Camp and beyond... Congratulations, Michael!!!

AIA has named Michael Ford, FAIA, NOMA, as the recipient of the 2026 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award.

11/21/2025

SACD was proud to be a partner with DetroitIsIt's Sustainable Urban Design Summit (SUDS). Looking forward to a great year ahead and seeing everyone at the 2026 SUDS!!!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

09/07/2025

Hoping to see you at our SACD Alumni Council Picnic in Roosevelt Park in front of Michigan Central! Today from 1-4:00.

09/02/2025

Steve’s Going Away Party is being POSTPONED…

We are sad to report that Steve Vogel has been ill. After conferring with his daughter, we are certain that Steve will not be ready to socialize by Friday…Thus, we are postponing this event until we know more.

If we can reschedule the event before he moves, we will let you know...

08/29/2025

Thank you, Detroitisit for inviting me to provide this opinion piece: Future Footprints: Equitable, Ecological and Inspiring Urbanism! You bring such wonderful attention to these critical issues. I look forward to participating in the Sustainable Urban Design Summit (SUDS) on November 6, 2025!

08/27/2025

Steve Vogel, FAIA—former Dean of the SACD for 18 years…is moving to New England! Please join us on Friday, 05 September 2025 from 6:00-8:30 to send him off with a wonderful warm goodbye!

Hope to see you next Friday!!!

08/27/2025

Steve Vogel, FAIA—former Dean of the SACD for 18 years…is moving to New England! Please join us on Friday, 05 September 2025 from 6:00-8:30 to send him off with a wonderful warm goodbye!

Hope to see you on the 5th!!!

03/27/2025

It going to be a beautiful day today!!! Why not stop by the SACD 2025 Alumni Gathering tonight starting at 6:00. We will be in the Exhibit Space...

If you have not RSVP's, DO NOT WORRY! Come anyway!

We hope to see you!