Shelly Kappe, a foundational figure in architectural education and a key voice in the development of the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), has died at the age of 96. Kappe passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, in Santa Monica, California. Born Rochelle Hope Diamond in Philadelphia in 1928, Kappe played a central role in shaping SCI-Arc from its inception in 1972. Alongside her husband, architect Ray Kappe, and a group of progressive educators, Kappe helped launch the experimental school as an alternative to traditional architectural education. SCI-Arc emphasized open dialogue, interdisciplinary exploration, and a break from academic orthodoxy; values Kappe upheld throughout her career. At SCI-Arc, Kappe served in numerous roles, including coordinating the influential Design Forum Public Lecture Series for over 15 years, leading the Evening Program, and curating exhibitions in the SCI-Arc Gallery. Kappe was instrumental in developing the school’s original ...