The Young Architect Summer Experience
    In-person Program

    The Young Architect Summer Experience

    by InvestIN

    A practical architecture work-experience program where students develop, present and receive feedback on design projects with architects.

    Last verified: 31 Jul 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

    Get the full picture before you decide

    Request your Program Guide. We'll email it within 24 hours.

    or let us know if .

    • What Succeed checks

      We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.

    • What Last verified means

      Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Program dates, prices and availability can still change.

    • How official sources are used

      Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.

    • Why some dates are reference dates

      If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.

    • Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.

    Young Architect Experience at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Students aged 15-18

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-18

    Location / Region

    London

    Cost

    £2,225

    Duration

    1 week or 2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Save program
    ArchitectureDesign
    Accommodation: Residential or day option
    Meals: Breakfast and dinner
    Certificate / outcome: Certificate and reference
    Contact time: 25 to 65 hours
    Campus experience: UCL campus

    Young Architect Experience summary

    The Young Architect Summer Experience is a practical London program from InvestIN for students exploring architecture as a future course or career.

    Students tackle design briefs, visit architecture firms, make models and present proposals to architects.

    It suits students who want structured exposure to architectural practice, including teamwork, design communication and feedback.

    What is The Young Architect Summer Experience?

    The Young Architect Summer Experience is an in-person architecture work-experience program run by InvestIN Education in London. It places students in design simulations, site research and professional settings while they learn how architects develop ideas into proposals.

    Students work on briefs, sketch and model concepts, visit an architecture firm and pitch finished work to architects. The program is based around UCL and University of London campus spaces, with selected activity at industry locations.

    Why Succeed highlights Young Architect Experience

    • It gives students repeated chances to turn research and sketches into physical models and presentations.

    • Firm visits and architect-led feedback make the career exploration more concrete than a classroom-only taster.

    • The two-week route includes an exhibition, reference letter and physical certificate.

    • Residential and day-student formats make the London experience workable for different families.

    • The program makes sustainable design and urban research visible parts of the experience.

    Who is Young Architect Experience for?

    Best for

    Students who are curious about architecture and want to test design, model making and presenting ideas in a professional context.

    Not ideal if

    You only want a low-cost or fully online introduction, or prefer an academic lecture course without group project work.

    Is Young Architect Experience worth it?

    For a student who is seriously considering architecture, this is a strong way to experience the workflow behind the profession: interpreting a brief, researching a site, developing a model and defending a proposal. The firm visit and critique format can provide useful material for later reflection in applications.

    The main limitation is cost, especially with the residential package, and a short program cannot replace sustained portfolio development. It is most worthwhile when a student follows up by building their own work and researching architecture courses.

    Sean, founder of Succeed

    Sean

    Founder, Succeed

    Talk it through with Sean

    Want to talk it through?

    “I can help you compare the programmes you're considering, think through the practicalities and work out what makes sense for you.”

    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    £2,225; includes Program materials, equipment and resources are included., Hands-on career simulations are included., On-site safeguarding and pastoral care are included., A digital certificate follows the program assessment., Residential packages include a private ensuite room, breakfast and dinner, and activities..

    Accommodation

    Residential or day option

    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

    Supervision or safety information

    The residential package includes breakfast and dinner, activities and 24/7 safeguarding and pastoral support.

    Provider details

    Review the InvestIN provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    1 week or 2 weeks; London.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programs

    How much preparation does Young Architect Experience need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Plan several months before a summer intake for travel, accommodation and funding decisions.

    Main challenge

    Turning research and creative ideas into clear, defensible design proposals.

    Typical preparation

    • Practise explaining a building or public space you admire, including who it serves and why.

    • Bring a small sketchbook habit: draw plans, details or spatial observations from everyday places.

    • Research an architecture firm and prepare thoughtful questions about design briefs and collaboration.

    Useful if

    You want to test whether architecture's mix of creativity, analysis and teamwork suits you.

    What do students do on Young Architect Experience?

    The program follows an architectural project process, combining observation, design development, making and presentation. Students work with architects and peers while exploring London sites and professional practice.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Learn the design process through research, collage, concept design and presentation boards.

    2. 2

      Receive a brief, analyse client needs and investigate an urban site.

    3. 3

      Develop sketches, physical models and design proposals with peer feedback.

    4. 4

      Visit an architecture firm and take part in a professional Q&A.

    5. 5

      Present final work to architects, receive feedback and exhibit projects.

    Young Architect Experience dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Reference date

    Summer 2026: 1 week

    27-31 July 2026

    Reference date

    Summer 2026: 2 weeks

    27 July-7 August 2026

    Reference date

    Summer 2026: 2-week Premium

    27 July-7 August 2026

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 15-18.

    • No prior architecture knowledge required.

    • B2 upper-intermediate English minimum.

    • Students aged under 15 can contact InvestIN.

    • Students over 18 cannot attend.

    How much does Young Architect Experience cost?

    One-week program

    £2,225 — 25 hours with professionals.

    Funding or discounts

    • Two-week program: £3,275 — 50 hours with professionals.
    • Two-week Premium: £4,400 — 65 hours with professionals.
    • Residential package total: From £3,725 — Depends on program length.
    • Bursary places: Free — Available for financially eligible students.

    What's included

    Program materials, equipment and resources are included., Hands-on career simulations are included., On-site safeguarding and pastoral care are included., A digital certificate follows the program assessment., Residential packages include a private ensuite room, breakfast and dinner, and activities.

    How to apply to Young Architect Experience

    1. 1

      Choose the architecture summer experience, preferred length and available date online.

    2. 2

      Register and pay in full, or use the stated deposit option where available.

    3. 3

      Complete the mandatory student enrolment form with emergency, medical and travel information.

    4. 4

      Read the pre-arrival pack for your final venue details, timings and personalised agenda.

    Next step with Succeed

    Interested in this programme?

    or let us know if .

    Succeed replies first, usually within a working day

    What does Young Architect Experience cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Architecture studio

    Learn the design process, drawings, scale, sketching and presentation boards.

    Site and brief research

    Analyse a client brief, visit a site and develop a concept with your team.

    Models and sustainable design

    Create physical models and investigate materials, systems and environmentally friendly urban spaces.

    Professional presentation

    Build presentation boards, pitch proposals and respond to architect feedback.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Young Architect Experience?

    A typical day during the program.

    Morning sessions

    Studio work, firm visits, site research or design activities.

    Afternoon sessions

    Workshops, design development, coaching and project presentation.

    Weekday cadence

    The summer experience runs across weekdays, with a break between standard weeks.

    Residential evenings

    Social activities such as games, film, wellness and quiz nights.

    Who teaches on Young Architect Experience?

    Students are coached through the experience by senior architects from firms working across residential, commercial and urban design. The program also includes architecture firm visits, professional Q&As and networking opportunities.

    Students work in groups of around 6-10 across InvestIN programs.

    Where do students stay on Young Architect Experience?

    Residential plan

    • Residential choice: Students can choose residential or non-residential attendance.
    • Private ensuite room: Students are allocated single ensuite rooms in central London university halls.
    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner are provided at the accommodation canteen.
    • Pastoral support: The package includes 24/7 safeguarding and pastoral support.
    • Campus and social life: Evening and weekend activities are offered alongside university-campus living.

    Airport transfers are available as an optional add-on; accommodation availability is first come, first served.

    What happens after Young Architect Experience?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Use design briefs, models and presentation work as evidence of subject exploration.

    Receive a personalised digital certificate after the post-program assessment.

    Two-week students receive a physical certificate and industry reference letter.

    Work towards a Level 3 Award in Work Experience and Career Planning on eligible options.

    Use architect feedback to guide future portfolio development.

    A short experience is strongest when followed by sustained independent portfolio work.

    Where does Young Architect Experience take place?

    The program is based at UCL and the surrounding University of London campus in London. Selected days take place at architecture firms and other industry locations, giving students a mix of university and workplace settings.

    Residential students are housed in central London university accommodation.

    Young Architect Experience FAQs

    No prior architecture knowledge or experience is required. The program introduces the subject through guided projects and workshops.

    Students explore design development, sketches, models, site research, firm visits, sustainable design and pitching project work.

    It is based at UCL and the surrounding University of London campus, with some days at London industry locations.

    Yes. Residential and non-residential options are available. Residential students stay in central London university halls in private ensuite rooms.

    The residential package includes breakfast and dinner, activities and 24/7 safeguarding and pastoral support.

    Students who complete the post-program online assessment receive a personalised digital certificate. Two-week students also receive a physical certificate and industry reference letter.

    Alternatives to Young Architect Experience

    These options offer related architecture, design or engineering exploration for students comparing in-person and online formats.

    Alternatives to Young Architect Experience

    Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.

    Compare with other programs
    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • International Students – InvestIN Education
    • Gain a Qualification in Work Experience – InvestIN Education
    • English as a foreign language – InvestIN Education
    • Book A Consultation With Us – InvestIN Education
    • Download Programme Brochure
    • Explore Our Summer Experiences - Download Your Brochure – InvestIN Education
    • InvestIN FAQs: Everything to Know About Our Career Experience Programmes – InvestIN Education
    • How to make your university application stand out – InvestIN Education
    • Architecture Work Experience in London for Year 10-12 – InvestIN Education

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 31 Jul 2026)

    • Official program page checked

    • Program brochure reviewed

    • Dates reviewed

    • Fees reviewed

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Accommodation reviewed

    • Safeguarding information reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.