Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture to Highlight New Initiatives

(October, 2006) /PRNewswire/ - The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture credits a rigorous, ongoing strategic planning initiative with a turnaround in enrollment and other positive developments at the school.

Victor Sidy, AIA, who assumed the post of dean in August 2005, and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation CEO Phil Allsopp, RIBA, hired this spring, have led the school-wide initiative. They believe the results have positioned the school for a successful continuing accreditation review in spring 2007.

"We are addressing a wide range of issues as part of a major rebuilding effort," says Sidy, "and we have already seen impressive results in important areas including enrollment, which has nearly tripled."

"Our initiatives for the school align with the Foundation's explicit strategy to reach out to the world beyond Taliesin and Taliesin West and partner with education and research centers, other Frank Lloyd Wright historic sites, and with civic leadership and corporations," notes Allsopp.

According to Sidy and Allsopp, as a result of planning efforts, the school has:

1. Adopted a financial plan for long-term sustainability that includes objectives for increasing enrollment, growing synergistically with compatible organizations, and building the endowment. Reportedly, the Foundation is preparing to assess its readiness for a major capital and endowment campaign;
2. Adopted an enrollment plan for incremental growth through enhanced programs and recruitment;
3. Facilitated a curriculum summit in summer 2006, which structured and clarified the experiential learning program and outcomes-based assessment, and set standards for hiring new faculty.

Additional goals include:

Identify innovative concepts in the fields of architecture and design that represent opportunities for future architectural projects, such as NewAmericanVillage;

Convene a Dean's Advisory Council to widen breadth of academic programs;

Strengthen ties to the network of practicing architects;

Recruit top faculty for key positions as the school grows;

Increase outreach to educational and other organizations such as the AIA; the British Columbia School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering; the Department of Energy's Build America Program; Hafele USA; the Royal Institute of British Architects; the Urban Land Institute; The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy; Unity Temple; and the University of Bath School of Architecture and Civil Engineering (UK).

"We are taking steps to articulate how the school's programs relate to the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright," adds Sidy, "in particular, how we interpret Wright's legacy and its impact on both the present and future. His legacy informs and frames what we do, yet we must keep it in its historic context. As a result the students enjoy a unique learning experience. We're not attempting to mold these students in Wright's image, but rather equip them to be independent and creative thinkers, to build on Wright's legacy of innovation and develop their own voice," he concludes.

About the FrankLloydWrightSchool of ArchitectureThe Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture at Taliesin is the realization of Wright's idea that architects should develop their skills through hands-on experience. Students of the school are educated through a program that includes architectural studio work, construction, social and cultural programs and supplementary classes. The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture offers programs leading to two degrees: the pre-professional Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) and the professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch). The school, including both degree programs, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The National Architectural Accrediting Board accredits the professional Master of Architecture degree. The school is operated by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Scottsdale, AZ. More information about the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture can be found at www.taliesin.edu. Source: FrankLloydWrightSchool of Architecture (www.taliesin.edu)

For additional information, contact Mark Lynch of A.L. Brourman Associates Inc.:
(412) 260-8451, [email protected].