A $300,000 philanthropic investment from University of Texas at Arlington alumnus Dallas St. Clair will support a dynamic studio environment where College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA) students engage in design exploration and collaborative learning.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony last week celebrated the naming of the 2,733-square-foot demonstration space, now officially known as the Dallas St. Clair Studio. The gift will fund a visiting professor position, bringing an award-winning practicing architect to campus to enrich the academic experience through hands-on teaching.
"Empowering the next generation of architects is my way of giving back to the university that shaped my journey," said St. Clair ('06 BS, Architecture). "I hope this studio inspires students to create innovative designs that uplift communities and improve lives."
Located in the CAPPA Building, the Dallas St. Clair Studio is a dedicated workspace for graduate architecture students, featuring assigned desks, faculty stations with large smart screens and 24/7 access that facilitates immersive project development. It accommodates 70 students and is equipped with 3D printers and a plotter to enable work ranging from affordable housing to sustainable design and alternative construction methods.
"The Dallas St. Clair Studio represents the type of transformative partnership that propels CAPPA forward," CAPPA Dean Ming-Han Li said. "We are deeply grateful for Mr. St. Clair's generosity, which will enhance our students' learning environment and prepare our graduates for professional practice."
A Dallas resident, St. Clair is an active volunteer for numerous charitable organizations, including Children's Medical Center and Operation Kindness. In recognition of his service and philanthropy, Operation Kindness named him Volunteer of the Year in April 2024 and later that year dedicated its pet food pantry in his honor.
The ribbon cutting kicked off CAPPA's 10-year anniversary celebration. With a theme of "A Decade Together, A Future of Possibilities," the yearlong observance will include a leadership summit, community engagement workshops and exhibitions that highlight CAPPA's growth and impact.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
