Are you a parent looking for fun and stimulating spring and summer programs to keep your young ones busy? Or are you a high school student interested in exploring the world of architecture and getting college credit? As we enter the spring season and with summer just around the corner, there are plenty of architecture-focused programs young designers can explore in the coming months. For the 2023 summer season, Archinect highlights programs that could be the perfect fit for the budding architect or designer in your life. 

Our two-part feature will highlight architecture programs for all ages ranging from young children to adults looking to explore the world of architecture. To kick things off, this first installment lists courses, programs, and workshops for young minds ready to discover architecture's basics. Explore over 30+ programs from across the United States and Canada. We've also included a few programs available for little ones to take during the spring months.

Having an academic background in architecture can offer a valuable set of skills that can be applied to those interested in pursuing a career in architecture and professions outside of the industry as well, as highlighted in our Working Out of the Box series.

While education in architecture can lead one down many paths, enrolling in an architecture summer program doesn't necessarily mean one must pursue it as a career choice. These focused programs allow children and teenagers to understand that architecture is all around them. The following programs listed below offer students new skills and ways of seeing the world by developing a sense of spatial awareness, fostering creative thinking, and allowing them to explore their surroundings in a new way.

*Programs featured below are broken into two age categories: Elementary/Middle School-aged and High School-aged

Elementary and Middle School-Aged Programs

KidsBuild!
Organization: Boston Society for Architecture (Boston, MA)
Type: In-person
Dates: April 1–2
Ages: 5–13 years old

Details: "The BSA is thrilled to welcome children and their caregivers back to the BSA Space for KidsBuild!, now in its 31st year! Taking place on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, KidsBuild! offers young designers the opportunity to share their ideas as they explore the possibilities of planning, design, and construction." Learn more here.

Camp Architecture and Design
Institution: The Columbus Center for Architecture and Design (Columbus, OH)
Type: In-Person
Dates: Week 1: June 5–9; Week 2: June 12–16; Week 3: June 19–23
Ages: 3rd–8th graders

Details: "Camp Architecture and Design (CAD) is a one-week program that introduces elementary school-age children grades 3–8 to the world of design. Students will participate in daily activities, including a series of engaging hands-on projects, presentations, and tours. CAD is led by fun and energetic directors, who have previous experience working with youths. Directors are assisted by a team of talented counselors, who are currently enrolled in a partnering higher educational program." Learn more here.

Architecture Camp
Institution: Ryerson University (Toronto, ON)
Type: In-Person
Dates: July 10–14, July 24–28, July 31 – August 3, August 8–11
Ages: 9–13 years old

Details: "Ryerson’s Department of Architectural Science presents this week-long camp for campers looking to unleash their creativity! Campers learn from some of the top Architectural Science students at Ryerson and participate in innovative and engaging team and individual exercises. Each week features a distinct take-home project that campers work on. Each camper gets to keep their projects at the end of their camp week. This program features time for recreational activities, including use of the Recreation and Athletic Centre gyms, studios, and other spaces." Learn more here.

Builder Bootcamp
Organization: Girls Garage (Berkeley, CA)
Type: In-Person
Dates: Week 1: July 10–14; Week 2: July 17–23
Ages: 5th–8th graders

Details: "Our Builder Bootcamp program is a week-long summer camp for girls and gender-expansive youth entering 5th–8th grades. For 2022, we will be moving to a half-day program that focuses on skill-building and a few take-home wood and metal projects that combine creative construction skills and design challenges in response to social challenges. Led by our team of dedicated female and nonbinary staff, who are carpenters, architects, graphic designers, and lifelong educators, students will learn and apply skills in carpentry, graphic design, metalwork, collaboration, and teamwork. Each day, the cohort of students will be split into two sub-groups, one group working on building activities downstairs in our shop space, and one group working on art activities in our upstairs classroom. Halfway through the day’s programming, the groups switch, so that each student has time both in the workshop and art studio each day. Over the course of the week, students will work on and complete individual and collective projects in multiple media: wood, metal, risograph prints, and more. Our instructional pedagogy draws upon decades of experience teaching creative and building-based content." Learn more here.

*2023 Vacation Programs
Organization: Center for Architecture - AIANY (New York, NY)
Type: In-Person
Dates: April 11–13
Ages: 3rd–5th graders (Great Escapes program) and 6th–8th graders (Intro to Digital Design program)

Great Escapes Details: "Design your ideal vacation getaway! Would you prefer a cozy mountain cabin, a beach house for water sports, an exotic jungle adventure, or something else? In this three-day program, students will think about landscape, living and activity spaces, and special features as they design and build a model of their dream vacation getaway." Learn more here.

Intro to Digital Design: "This three-day program introduces students to SketchUp, a fun and free digital design program used by professional designers. Students will learn the ins and outs of the software and of the architectural design process as they create designs for their own ideal personal shelter. A great tool for continued 3-D modeling for fun and for school projects!" Learn more here.

*This is one of the many Spring and Summer programs available for kids in 3rd–8th grades, as well as High School programs. Learn more about AIANY's summer programs here.

Programs for Elementary, Middle, and High Schoolers

Girls Build! Day 2023
Organization: Chicago Architecture Center (Chicago, IL)
Type: In-Person
Date: March 25
Ages: 11–17 years old

Details: "The day includes an all-female panel discussion about STEM careers. While drop-in attendance is allowed, we encourage you to plan for participation in the full day, as this is a programmed event with specific start times." Learn more here.

Design a Space That's Wright for You
Institution: Taliesin Preservation (Spring Green, WI)
Type: Virtual and In-Person
Dates: March 27–31 (Virtual), June 12–16 (Virtual) & June 26 – June 30 (In-Person)
Ages: 10–15 years old

Details: "Wright designed Taliesin as a space Wright for him and envisioned it as a school, a home, and a farm. What will your dream space look like? This architecture camp will introduce you to the principles of organic architecture and the work and life of Frank Lloyd Wright. We will study and explore Taliesin first-hand and research Wright’s Taliesin design as inspiration for your own design. Each of you will draw a floor plan to scale and build a 3D model of your space. At the end of the camp, you will have the opportunity to present each individual project to parents and family members." Learn more here.

SoCal NOMA Architecture Summer Camp
Organization: SoCal NOMA (Los Angeles, CA)
Type: In-Person
Dates: Saturdays in July and August
Ages: 10–17 years old

Details: "The Architecture Summer Camp is a 4-day Saturday-only camp for youth aged 10–17. The camp is designed to expose youth to the built environment and architectural profession. As one of the few initiatives in the nation connecting youth and architecture, the camp introduces youth to the people, professions, and ideas that make up the architecture and design profession. Youth are introduced to the practical essential elements of architecture to promote a potential career and vocation in the field. The youth of varying skill levels and interests are asked to work both individually and collaboratively to address community-focused issues through creativity and design innovation. The CAMP has been created to Equip, Empower and Educate Youth through architectural design and engineering techniques and will include sketching, drawing, hands-on model making and walking tours." Learn more here.

High School Programs

Design Immersion Days (DID)
Institution: SCI-Arc (Los Angeles, CA)
Type: In-Person
Dates: June 10 – July 14
Ages: 9th–12th graders

Details: "Design Immersion Days (DID) is an immersive four-week summer program that introduces high school students to design and architecture. It is intended to inspire curiosity about the world of design, introduce basic design knowledge and critical thinking skills, and familiarize students with the expansive architecture and design culture of Los Angeles. Throughout the program, DID students are exposed to examples of design and modes of production at all scales, from analog physical building and traditional drawing to multiple forms of digital output—augmented reality, 3D modeling, 3D printing, and more. In the classroom and beyond, participants explore ways of seeing, thinking, and making that are essential for anyone interested in pursuing a career in architecture or design." Learn more here.

Pre-College Design Camp
Institution: University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)
Type: In-Person
Dates: June 11–17
Ages: Incoming 11–12th graders

Details: "Join us for KU Design Camp from June 11–17, 2023 and enjoy a valuable educational experience while working on projects that enhance your creative portfolio. KU Design Camp is a pre-college summer program offered to high school students who are entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year and are interested in Architecture or Design. Students learn in hands-on workshops taught by KU School of Architecture & Design faculty." Learn more here.

High School Design Studio
Institution: The Columbus Center for Architecture and Design (Columbus, OH)
Type: In-Person
Dates: June 12–23
Ages: 9th–12th graders

Details: "High School Design Studio (HSDS) is a two-week program for High School students grades 9–12 interested in exploring the many fields of study that fall under the umbrella of design. This immersive studio simulates a collegiate-level design studio experience that acclimates students to learning and practicing skills used for developing creative and unique design solutions. Students will work closely with design educators and professionals in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, interior design, graphic design, industrial design, and engineering." Learn more here.

Young Women's Design and Building Institute
Organization: Girls Garage (Berkeley, CA)
Type: In-Person
Dates: June 13–16 (Cohort 1); June 20–23 (Cohort 2)
Ages: 9th–12th graders

Details: "The Young Women’s Design and Building Institute is an immersive week-long** design/build experience for rising 9th-12th grade girls and gender-expansive youth. The program brings together diverse cohorts of youth to design and build a real-world project for a local nonprofit client over the course of just a few exciting days. Previous projects have included a parade float for SF Pride, furniture for a nearby homeless shelter, sandboxes and wind sculptures for local preschools, and more. Students will learn and hone creative and vocational STEM skills, from carpentry and welding to applied math, screen printing, and architectural drafting. Our work will be complemented by discussions and readings related to identity, making, and community. No building experience is necessary; we welcome aspiring builders of all skill levels! This program is by application only, at no cost to participants if accepted, and limited to a cohort of 12 students. Priority will be given to students who: a) live locally in the Bay Area, b) have limited financial resources and/or limited access to similar programming in their schools or communities, c) identify as youth of color and/or BIPOC." Learn more here.

Exploration of Architecture
Institution: University of Southern California School of Architecture-USC (Los Angeles, CA)
Type: In-Person
Dates: June 18–July 15
Ages: 9th–12th graders

Details: "Exploration of Architecture is an immersive 4-week program that engages high school students with architecture thinking and the design process. This program will challenge you to connect more deeply with the built world by providing opportunities to experience and create meaningful places through dynamic learning methods. You will imagine and draw, as well as discover, examine, and analyze architecturally impactful places and buildings. You will gain insights into the profession through talks, conversations, and interviews with leading architects and scholars. The goal of the program is to stimulate you to pursue further education as architects, designers, and scholars who are leaders in your community and beyond. This dynamic program is conducted on campus and taught in person by USC Architecture faculty members. It offers 3 units of college course credit." Learn more here.

Inside Design
Institution: Virginia Tech School of Architecture and Design (Blacksburg, VA)
Type: In-Person and Remote
Dates: June 18–23 (In-Person at Blacksburg); July 9 – July 14 (In-Person at Washington-Alexandra Arch Center); July 18 – July 23 (Remote/Online)
Ages: 9th–12th graders

Details: "The popular week-long sessions of Inside Design are undergoing a reboot. For summer 2023, participants can choose between three sessions, Blacksburg, which includes on-campus experiences of dorm living and dining hall, Alexandria, at our metro-accessible urban campus; the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC); or a virtual session. Inside Design is an incisive introduction to the ways in which designers think and work. For young people considering a future in design, this program cracks open the excitement and opportunities of architecture and related design disciplines. No prior course or subject experience is necessary, just the initiative to break the bounds of conventional modes of thinking." Learn more here.

Wonderworks: From the Ground Up - Summer Discovery Program in Architecture
Institution: the University of Houston and Rice University (Houston, TX)
Type: In-person
Dates: June 20 – July 21
Ages: Incoming 10th–12th graders

Details: "The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, University of Houston and WONDERWORKS present the 27th Annual Summer Discovery Program in Architecture, a multi-faceted introduction to architecture with hands-on studio, field trips, and portfolio workshop. The program presupposes no prior knowledge of architecture, simply a visual awareness and willingness to learn. You’ll travel back in time to some of the most interesting buildings ever and also make the acquaintance of some of the most accomplished architects of all time as well as today. You’ll visit extraordinary buildings and places in Texas, while also developing an appreciation for the architecture of the everyday landscape. Best of all, whether you decide to pursue architecture in college or not, you’ll gain a lifelong appreciation of the built world around you." Learn more here.

Introduction to Architecture Summer Program
Institution: Cornell University School of Architecture (Ithaca, NY)
Type: Online
Dates: June 20 – July 28
Ages: 9th–12th graders and Undergraduates considering a Master in Architecture

Details: "This intensive online program is for high school students considering a bachelor's degree in architecture and undergraduates considering a master's degree in architecture. It will introduce you to architectural ideas, principles, and methods of exploring architectural problems in a studio setting. In small groups, you'll work in the studio, attend lectures, and develop skills in workshops on representational techniques and portfolio design. The program requires no specialized knowledge beyond a serious interest in architectural design." Learn more here.

Architecture Summer Career Workshop
Institution: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Type: In-person
Dates: June 25 – July 21
Ages: Open to *9th–12th graders
*Most students attending are incoming juniors and seniors. Students must be a min of 15 years old to attend.

Details: "The Summer Career Workshop is a 4-week in-person workshop for Summer 2023, from June 25-July 21, culminating in a gallery exhibit open to parents, families and supporters. Through this hands-on studio experience, students are introduced to design fundamentals such as introducing light and shadow, space and sequence, texture, materiality and climate as well as computer applications, structural engineering, and site and community planning. Through daily projects, students will develop a portfolio of work over these 4 weeks. The workshop is led by CAED faculty with small studios led by recent architecture graduates as mentors and guides. No previous experience with architecture, drafting or art is necessary." Learn more here.

Summer Scholars, Explorations in Architecture and Design
Institution: University of Miami (Miami, FL)
Type: In-Person
Dates: July 1–21
Ages: 9th–12th graders

Details: "The Explorations in Architecture program is an intensive studio-based three-week experience that introduces students to ideas, principles and methods of exploring architectural and urban problems. By using the School of Architecture curriculum as a model, specially designed courses include instruction in design, drawing, history, theory and representation. Interrelated aspects of architecture, including sustainability, landscape architecture, historic preservation, digital representation and urban design, will assist the student in combining learned information with actual hands-on experience." Learn more here.

Architecture: Tactile Design and Architecture: Digital Design
Institution: Tulane University School of Architecture (New Orleans, LA)
Type: In-Person
Dates: July 3–14 (Tactice Design program) and July 17 – July 28 (Digital Design program)
Ages: Incoming 11th–12 graders

Details: "For Summer 2023, the Tulane School of Architecture is offering two studio-based summer courses that introduce high school students to the study and practice of architecture. Students who are not local to the area can opt into a residential experience. Students can enroll in one or both courses. At the completion of each course, high school students will receive 3 credit hours and an official Tulane transcript. Students who opt to participate in both sessions will receive 6 credits along with a great introduction to the full spectrum of design and making." Learn more here.

embARC Summer Design Academy
Institution: UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design (Berkeley, CA)
Type: In-Person
Dates: July 3 – July 28
Ages: Incoming 11th–12th graders

Details: "The embARC program at UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design (CED) brings together high school students from diverse backgrounds to explore architecture, urban design, and sustainable city planning through integrated components: an architecture + urban design studio, a sustainable city planning workshop, a digital design workshop, an environmental design conversation series, and a materials exploration workshop. No prior experience in environmental design is necessary." Learn more here.

BAC Summer Academy for High School Students
Institution: Boston Architectural College (Boston, MA)
Type: Hybrid
Dates: July 5 – August 4
Ages: 9th–12th graders

Details: "For almost 50 years, the BAC's Summer Academy has provided high school-aged students with hands-on design and material exercises. This Summer, the Academy will be offered in two separate formats: an on-site experience or a synchronous virtual experience. On-campus students will experience live lectures, exercises, site and professional firm visits around Boston, and hands-on design and building in teams. Virtual students will explore case study buildings, attend site and professional firm visits through video streaming and chat, and will also receive kits of materials and supplies to allow them to participate in hands-on design and building wherever they may be. All students will have access to the latest in design software and computing through either our on-site computer labs or the BAC’s CloudLab." Learn more here.

Architecture Discovery Program
Institution: Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)
Type: In-Person
Dates: July 9–22
Ages: Incoming 11th–12th graders

Details: "The Architecture Discovery Program (ADP) is an exciting introduction to architecture and design for high school students. Our rigorous two-week program offers intensive individual instruction by Sam Fox School faculty. The explorations carried out provide you with quality material to add to your design portfolios. The heart of the program, Design Studio, drives creativity and discovery to foster passion and compassion in design. You’ll learn how sustainability and the built environment are shaping the practice of architecture. Over the course of the program, you’ll undertake a series of short design exercises that will introduce you to the design thinking process, culminating in an architectural project for review by faculty and guest critics." Learn more here.

Introduction to Architecture Online: Foundation Studies and Portfolio Development
Institution: The Cooper Union
Type: Virtual
Dates: July 5– August 8 (H.S. Program) & July 5 – August 2 (College Program)
Ages: 9th–12th graders & College students

Details: "Our upcoming summer intensive program features a virtual curriculum accessible to high school and college students worldwide. As an institution that is committed to the pursuit of excellence and learning, we view the various forms of online engagement, digital interface, virtual modeling and representation techniques as an opportunity to advance our outreach efforts and prepare students to apply to a broad range of programs focused on digital design platforms. The pleasure of making and experimentation are fundamental to our discovery of architecture and the innovation of the discipline, as well as a deeply thoughtful form of social and cultural dialogue where relational imaginaries become possible." Learn more here.

Camp ARCH
Institution: Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)
Type: In-Person
Dates: July 10–15
Ages: Incoming 10th–12th graders

Details: "The School of Architecture hosts Camp ARCH, a one-week summer program for high-achieving high school students. Camp ARCH combines academic instruction with social activities so you can experience what it would be like to be a full-time student in one of our programs. During your time at Camp ARCH, you will participate in one area of focus. Your focus area enrollment is based on your program preference and course availability. You will choose one of the following: Architecture, Construction Science, and Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning." Learn more here.

Experiment In Architecture
Institution: Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago, IL)
Type: In-Person
Dates: July 10–22
Ages: 9th–12th graders

Details: "If you are currently enrolled in high school and looking to the future, you may be interested in IIT’s summer architecture program: Experiment in Architecture. This two-week program is designed to introduce high school students to the profession of architecture. Experiment in Architecture is a two-week studio designed to introduce high school students to the architectural profession. By shedding light on the rigorous and innovative nature of the practice, students learn to see challenges and constraints as opportunities and advantages." Learn more here.

Imagine Architecture
Institution: Carleton University (Ottowa, ON)
Type: In-Person and Remote
Dates: *July 10–14, July 17–21 & July 24–28 (In-person), July 31 – August 4 (Remote/Online)
Ages: 10th–12th graders

Details: "Imagine Architecture is a career exploratory studio for grade 10-12 students who are interested in design, architecture, and urbanism and would like to gain experience in creative design thinking and making. The fun and intensive workshops are taught by instructors from Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism. They introduce students to the creative culture of design studio, which is at the core of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) curriculum." Learn more here.

*Three lab sessions are available. Students can select individual labs or register for all three. Each LAB can be completed independently and requires no previous training. For those who want a more fulsome experience, LABS 101, 102, and 103 are designed as a sequence.

Introduction to Architecture
Institution: NJIT Hillier College of Architecture and Design (Newark, NJ)
Type: In-Person
Dates: July 16–21
Ages: 9th–12th graders

Details: "Through daily interactive project-making and critical analysis, this program will introduce students to the techniques and vocabulary of the discipline. Students will work independently and in groups to make creative drawings and models by hand, engaging with architecture’s most fundamental means of representation. To further students’ exposure to design practice, students will take a field trip and meet with practicing architects." Read more here.

Introduction to Interior Design
Institution: NJIT Hillier College of Architecture and Design (Newark, NJ)
Type: In-Person
Dates: July 9–14
Ages: 9th–12th graders

Details: "Interior design is not just about how a space looks, but also our experience inside of that space whether commercial, retail, hospitality, healthcare, or residential. This program will introduce students to interior design through hands-on work, basic design-build principles, the use of varying materials in a space, and field trips to experience and see the work of practicing interior designers. At the end of the one-week program, students will present a final project to their peers and faculty in the format of a typical college-level interior design studio review." Learn more here.

*NJIT HCAD school also offers programs in Video Game Design and Industrial Design. Click here to learn more about those programs and dates.

TeenArch Studio
Institution: UCLA Architecture and Urban Design (Los Angeles, CA)
Type: In-Person
Dates: July 10–28
Ages: 9th–12th graders

Details: "TeenArch Studio is a three-week architecture experience for high school students interested in exploring architectural and design thinking. The program carries three-quarter units of University of California credit. TeenArch Studio is open to students who are 14 years of age or older by the first day of Summer Sessions 2023 (July 10, 2023), and enrolled in grades 9 through 12 during Spring 2023. This year’s program will be delivered both in-person and online in a remote learning format." Learn more here.

HiArch 2023 Summer High School Program
Institution: School of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Type: In-Person
Dates: July 10–14 & July 17–21
Ages: 9th–12th graders

Details: "HiArch is a summer architecture program designed to introduce high school students to the culture of architecture, design, thinking, and making. Taught by faculty members and graduate students in the UIC School of Architecture, HiArch builds foundational skills in architectural drawing, design, and problem-solving. In the program, students work through design exercises, receive one-on-one feedback from instructors and current UIC students, and engage in group discussions and tutorials. HiArch is designed to be an introduction to studying architecture at the college level, though students do not need to have previous experience with drafting or model-making techniques." Learn more here.

Advanced Design/Build
Organization: Girls Garage (Berkeley, CA)
Type: In-Person
Dates: July 23 – August 13 & July 31 – August 4
Ages: 9th–12th graders

Details: "Our Advanced Design/Build program is a year-round cohort of our most committed builder girls. This cohort brings together 9th-12th grade girls from diverse backgrounds to tackle complex, community-based projects designed and built by girls themselves. Over three after-school seasons and one week of summer programming each year, this team of high school girls embarks on our most ambitious design and construction projects for local community clients, seeing projects from conception and design development to construction documentation and on-site project construction. By applying math, science, carpentry, drafting, welding, and leadership skills, projects from the Advanced Design/Build program challenge girls to create and complete an architectural project that will live in the world for years to come. Girls from this program have built a greenhouse, furniture for a women’s shelter, a public parklet for a local restaurant, and a chicken coop-in-progress. Most participants in the Advanced Design/Build cohort have been coming to Girls Garage for many years and express great interest in STEM, design, architecture, or trades careers." Learn more here.

Summer Camp Academy
Institution: UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture
Type: Virtual
Dates: July 30 – August 5
Ages: 9th–12th graders

Details: "The UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning offers an opportunity for high school students to experience architecture education through our Architecture Summer Camp, which we have proudly offered for over two decades. This virtual Architecture Summer Camp is ideal for students in grades 9-12, including recent high school grads interested in architecture, design, and 3D design technologies. Participants will be presented with situations for which they will design an architectural solution. Workshops will teach students how to use digital modeling tools, read architectural drawings, and document their work through 2D representation. The virtual camp runs from July 30-August 4, with an optional in-person experience in Milwaukee on August 5. Registration is open now!" Learn more here.

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It's to be noted that this list is a large sample set of the variety of spring and summer architecture-related programs out there for kids and high school students. Besides highlighting the programs listed above, we want to acknowledge the dedication of each program's coordinators, instructors, organizers, and volunteers, who dedicate their time to teaching and empowering young minds. Be sure to stay tuned for part two, where we highlight architecture and design programs for high school graduates and adults.

Are you promoting your school or organization's summer program on Archinect? Know of a great summer program that's not listed above? Reach out to us.