Mark Cabrinha, Department Head

Mark Cabrinha Appointed Head of the Architecture Department

Mark, an alumnus of our architecture program, earned his Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois and his Ph.D. in Architectural Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Before joining the faculty at Cal Poly his professional practice focused on developing innovative learning environments for K-12 schools. Over the last five years as CAED Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, he has been the primary liaison between the college and university for student success and strategic college initiatives including shepherding the college’s Diversity Strategic Plan. Before his position as Associate Dean, Mark’s studio teaching coupled his passion for integrated design, digital fabrication, and rethinking the space of education through his open-source learning lab. His research has focused on the impact of technology on design culture through the lens of digital fabrication. 

As Department Head, Mark will lead the department’s priorities, including the comprehensive restructuring of the curriculum in the transition to semesters, while focusing on a new architectural accreditation process that draws on the program's unique identity and quality. The restructuring provides a significant opportunity to engage faculty and students in a renewed architecture curriculum that continues its emphasis on design excellence, design integration, and sustainability while expanding learning opportunities that address pressing societal needs and emerging professional imperatives. 
 
The college extends its deep appreciation to Margot McDonald for her leadership and for all she has contributed and accomplished as Head of the Architecture Department.