Welcome to the Doctor of Design Program

The Doctor of Design (DDes) program at the University of Calgary, the first doctoral program in Canada focused specifically on practicing architects, planners, landscape architects and other city building professionals, is now in its seventh year. This unique post-professional degree is designed to elevate your practice and increase your impact in an ever-changing world.

As the climate crisis, social inequality, and the digital revolution reshape our built environment, enormous opportunities arise for you to expand your practice, increase your value to clients, and make a positive impact. You have the experience to identify and capitalize on these opportunities, but you need a framework to bring your ideas to life.

The DDes program provides that framework—a platform for you to leverage your existing expertise into new areas of innovation.

What sets the DDes apart from traditional PhD programs is its practice-focused and design-based research. You will develop a work-integrated research program centered around your area of professional expertise, while remaining fully engaged in your professional career.

The program includes three required courses offered in a blended distance-learning format to guide you through the early stages of your research. Twice a year, all DDes students gather for a research symposium to present their progress and receive feedback from peers and supervisors. The degree culminates in a written thesis, gallery exhibition, and public defense during one of the research symposia.

We designed the DDes to accommodate the needs of active professionals who want to explore specific innovations or practice insights that can bring their work to a new level. The program structure allows students from around the world to complete the degree while remaining embedded in their professional offices.

DDes is open to mid-career professionals with at least five years of work experience. Significant professional experience will be considered in lieu of a graduate academic degree.  

If you're ready to take the next step, I invite you to reach out.

Best,

Dr. John Brown, PhD, Architect 
Dean, School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape 
University of Calgary