Teresa Rosano

Teresa Rosano, AIA, has melded a career as a practitioner and as an educator at the University of Arizona CAPLA, and she exemplifies the ideals of the Arizona Medal through a distinguished career that merges design excellence with unwavering commitment to social responsibility. As co-founder and principal of the Tucson-based firm Ibarra Rosano Design Architects, she advanced the profession with regionally responsive, award-winning modern architecture. Her work has not only shaped the built environment but redefined how desert architecture can engage broader cultural and ecological contexts. Teresa’s transition to full-time academia in 2019 marked a continuation of her dedication to elevating architecture’s role in society. As Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona, she brings professional rigor and civic awareness into the classroom, developing transformative studios that address critical issues such as homelessness, accessibility, justice, and borderland issues, framing architecture as both an intellectual pursuit and a moral responsibility. The jury for the Arizona Medal noted that, “Teresa’s work consistently responds to human needs and community narratives with clarity, grace, and compassion. And the long-term influence she has on students is almost immeasurable.”