U of A Graduate Leverages Fulbright Preparation to Earn Admission to Yale

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For David Zúñiga, an award-winning architectural designer and graduate of the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture at the University of Arizona, his acceptance to Yale University was shaped by a process.  

Raised in the border city of Nogales, Arizona, Zúñiga draws inspiration from the cultural and environmental richness of the Sonoran region. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture along with a minor in Architectural History and Theory, grounding his design approach in both technical and critical inquiry. 

Since graduating in 2023, Zúñiga has contributed to a range of projects across the Phoenix metropolitan area, including municipal, multi-family, and mixed-use developments. In his current role with HKS Architects, he has supported the design and delivery of Project Stargate, a multi-billion dollar initiative focused on developing hyper-scale data centers to support next-generation AI technologies.

Zúñiga worked closely with the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (ONCS) to apply for a Fulbright award last year. While he ultimately did not advance through the campus selection process, the experience was instrumental in preparing him for future opportunities.

“ONCS helped me refine my narrative and communicate my goals with clarity,” he said. “By the time I submitted my application to Yale, I felt prepared and confident in a way I hadn’t before.” 

At Yale, Zúñiga is pursuing an interdisciplinary course of study that blends architectural design with emerging technologies, programming, and business strategy. By integrating these disciplines, he aims to position himself at the forefront of architectural innovation; capable of leading complex, large-scale projects with both technical acuity and civic purpose.

His long-term goal is to return to Southern Arizona and contribute to projects that promote resilience, equity, and community well-being.