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The Robert R. Taylor

School of Architecture and Construction Science

Departments

Architecture

Our Architecture Program provides training in the art and science of architectural design. Graduates enter the profession as capable architect interns, qualified to become registered architects.

Construction Science

This program produces construction professionals as who know construction standards and safety and are ready for project management.

Dean's Office

Using the new techniques and processes put in place, Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ will produce an even higher percentage of licensed architects in the southeast.

Overview
Vision & Mission
Contact Us
Meet the Dean
Faculty and Staff
Virtual Tour

About TSACS

Wilcox A buildingThe Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science (TSACS) is named after Robert Robinson Taylor, the first accredited African-American architect, and the first Black to receive an Architecture degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Robert R. Taylor is credited with developing Tuskegee’s program in architecture and was often placed in charge of the day-to-day operation of the school in the absence of the founding Principal and first President, Dr. Booker T. Washington. Robert R. Taylor designed most of the buildings on Tuskegee's campus built prior to 1932.

  

The Vision and Mission of TSACS

Vision:

The Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science (TSACS) prepares pioneering leaders to shape the future of the design profession and the built environment. Our graduates will apply technical proficiency, innovative spirit, and advanced technology to solve complex challenges, creating resilient, equitable, and intelligent environments for all.

Mission:

The mission of the Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science (TSACS) is rooted in the legacies of Booker T. Washington's "learning by doing" and Robert Taylor's "design-build" philosophy. We cultivate technically proficient and socially conscious professionals for the built environment through excellence in education, experiential learning, advanced research, and cutting-edge technology. Our graduates are empowered to be innovative leaders who design and build with integrity and excellence for the benefit of communities and the global environment.

Contact TSACS

Office of the Dean: Wilcox Building A, Room 101
Dean: Dr. Catherine Armwood, carmwood@tuskegee.edu 
Office Manager: Ms. Tamara Flowers, tflowers2@tuskegee.edu 
Phone: 334-727-8014
Fax: 334-725-5980

Office of Department Chairs: Wilcox Building C, Room 115
Chair of Architecture: Dr. Kwesi Daniels, kdaniels@tuskegee.edu 
Chair of Construction Science: Mr. Rogers Hunt III, rhunt3@tuskegee.edu 
Office Manager:
Ms. Terrell Jones, tjones3@tuskegee.edu 
Phone: 334-727-8330
Fax: 334-724-4198

Catherine Armwood, Ph.D.

Dr. Catherine Armwood headshotDean of the Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science

Dr. Catherine Armwood was selected Dean of the Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science effective Aug. 8, 2025. She was previously Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at the College of Engineering at Tennessee State University. She received her bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Tennessee State University and her doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Dr. Armwood has extended research and interest in masonry and cementitious structures, sustainability, and broadening the participation in STEM, workforce development, service learning and professional development for faculty and students.

  

TSACS Faculty and Staff

Click on the link below to view the Faculty and Staff Listing for the Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science.

TSACS Faculty & Staff Listing

     

   

Take the Historical Tour

This historical tour reimagines Tuskegee’s campus as it existed from its founding in 1881 to the death of Booker T. Washington in 1915. It is a joint, interdisciplinary project between Tuskegee’s architecture and history programs. The tour was completed by Tuskegee faculty and students in these areas, along with the generous support of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 

 

Other Programs

BA in Design

This program explores a creative and scientific approach to design to change existing unfavorable conditions into desired conditions to enhance the quality of human lives.

African American History in Architecture Minor

The Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science introduces African American History in Architecture Minor.

Historic Preservation Minor

Another program introduced by the Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science is the Historic Preservation Minor.

African American History in Architecture Minor

The Robert R Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science received a $60,000 H.E.L.P. (Homebuilding Education Leadership Program) grant from the National Housing Endowment. The grant helped create a Residential Construction Minor in the Construction Science Department. Three new courses were developed, including Emerging Trends in Residential Building, Residential Sustainability, and a residential building lab.   

to read more.

African American History in Architecture Minor - 18 credit hours

This minor focuses on the university’s architectural history; blending an integration of architecture, art, philosophy, and humanities offerings that explore ways of thinking, researching, and writing about the diverse experiences of African Americans and human culture.  This interdisciplinary minor has a concentration on the Tuskegee Architects and the history of the Built Environment in the South.​ 

The African American History in Architecture Minor at Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

Mandatory Courses

Introductory Level Courses (9 semester credit hours)

HIST 105 Black Experience in the Americas                                        3 Credits

(*HIST 103/104 can be substituted)

ARCH 200/HUM 200 The Legacy of Booker T. Washington FA/20           3 Credits

ARCH 221 Ethnic Americans and the Built Environment FA/21              3 Credits

Choose one of the following 200/300 level History/Architecture courses (3 semester credit hours):

HIST 201 Introduction to Historical Research                                      3 Credits

ARCH 368 Humanities in Architecture FA/20                                       3 Credits

MUSC 304 Afro-American Music                                                         3 Credits

FPAR 110 The Black Aesthetic                                                            3 Credits

Choose two Upper Division Courses – Level 300 (6 semester credit hours):

HIST 317 African American History 1877 to Present                             3 Credits

HIST 318 African American Scientists and Inventors                            3 Credits

ARCH 369 Culturally-Responsive Practices                                           3 Credits  (*Special Focus on the Built Environment at TU)

ENGL 330 Black American Literature I                                                 3 Credits

ENGL 331 Black American Literature II                                                3 Credits

Total Number of Credits:                                                               18 Credits

Click HERE for the fillable curriculum sheet.
    

Historic Preservation Minor

The Robert R Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science received a $60,000 H.E.L.P. (Homebuilding Education Leadership Program) grant from the National Housing Endowment. The grant helped create a Residential Construction Minor in the Construction Science Department. Three new courses were developed, including Emerging Trends in Residential Building, Residential Sustainability, and a residenThe Robert R Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science received a $60,000 H.E.L.P. (Homebuilding Education Leadership Program) grant from the National Housing Endowment. The grant helped create a Residential Construction Minor in the Construction Science Department. Three new courses were developed, including Emerging Trends in Residential Building, Residential Sustainability, and a residential building lab.tial building lab.

to read more.

Historic Preservation Minor - 18 credit hours​

This minor focuses on the preservation of the historic heritage of the Tuskegee buildings. The courses were developed to create an innovative educational system, which will be a leader among other HBCUs in developing craft training skills and service, through its undergraduate, research, and outreach programs. This minor preserves the university’s legacy through the integration of craft training skills and other interdisciplinary education programs. Students will receive a certification in Historic Preservation upon completion of the minor.  The three core focus areas for the minor are 1. Preservation through Social Activism: 2. Preservation through Trades/Practices; and 3. Preservation through International Awareness.

Students who wish to earn a Historic Preservation minor with a concentration in the Built Environment must complete 18 credit hours with a “C” grade or higher.  Students must complete the following introductory level courses: HIST 0105, HIST 0201, ARCH 252.  In addition, students must meet the “Depth Requirement” of 9 semester credit hours in the Upper Division Courses (300 level courses) ARCH 352, ARCH 364, ARCH 365.

Mandatory Courses

Interdisciplinary Courses (9 semester credit hours)

HIST 0105: The Black Experience in America                   3 Credits

HIST 0201: Intro to Historical Research                          3 Credits

ARCH 252: Architecture History I              `                   3 Credits

Depth Courses

ARCH 352: Architecture History II                                  3 Credits

ARCH 364: Historic Preservation I                                  3 Credits

ARCH 365: Historic Preservation II                                 3 Credits

Total:                                                                         18 Credits

Click HERE for the fillable curriculum sheet.

History of TSACS

The Board of Trustees elevated the departments of Architecture and Construction Science from the College of Engineering, Architecture and Physical Sciences (CEAPS) to the Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science (TSACS) in 2010.

The school is named after Robert Robinson Taylor, the first accredited African-American architect, and the first Black to receive an Architecture degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Taylor is credited with developing the school’s program in architecture and was often placed in charge of the day-to-day operation of the school in the absence of founder and first President, Dr. Booker T. Washington.

Most buildings on campus built prior to 1932 were designed by Taylor, including the original Chapel, Dorothy Hall (now Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center), Tompkins Hall, The Oaks (Washington’s family home), and White Hall. For 40 years, Taylor assisted Tuskegee Institute (now Âé¶¹Ö±²¥) principals Booker T. Washington and Robert R. Moton in developing and managing the school's buildings and infrastructure and directing its Department of Mechanical Industries.

In addition to the numerous buildings at Tuskegee Institute, Taylor also designed significant structures in Selma, AL, Birmingham, AL and in Virginia, Texas, and North Carolina.TSACS is founded on a belief in the power of architecture and construction science to uplift the human condition and give form to society‘s highest aspirations. Students are prepared to become citizen architects and builders - community leaders who provide a vision of a better-built environment. 

     
Picture of a U.S. postage stamp honoring Robert Robinson Taylor
The United States Postal Service honored Robert Robinson Taylor, the first accredited African-American architect, with a commemorative postage stamp on February 12, 2015, as part of its Black Heritage series.