In-person Program

    Architecture High School Course

    by Summer Springboard

    A hands-on pre-college architecture course combining studio design, portfolio work, career exploration and visits to firms and landmark buildings.

    Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Architecture High School Course
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    Architecture Summer Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    Grades 9-12; 3.0 GPA

    Age range / Year group

    About 14-18

    Location / Region

    Berkeley; New York City

    Cost

    $3,298; $5,998

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    ArchitectureDesign

    Accommodation: University dormitory

    Meals: All meals residential; lunch commuter

    Latest verified cycle: 2026

    Campus experience: Classes, excursions and activities

    Main output: Architecture presentation portfolio

    Architecture Summer Course summary

    This immersive course introduces architectural concepts, design principles and problem-solving through a collaborative studio project.

    Students progress from initial sketches to computer-assisted designs, consider materials and sustainability, and assemble a final presentation portfolio.

    It suits students testing architecture as a future study or career path, especially those who value practical work and professional exposure.

    What is Architecture High School Course?

    The Architecture High School Course is an immersive Summer Springboard experience centered on foundational architectural ideas, design principles and the built environment. Students learn in a collaborative studio-style setting and work through a practical design project.

    The experience connects academic study with the profession. Students develop drawings and digital models, consider materials and sustainability, explore architecture career pathways, and may visit professional firms, studios and notable buildings.

    Why Succeed highlights Architecture Summer Course

    • The studio project takes students through a design process from initial ideas to a finished proposal.

    • The course produces concrete portfolio material, including hand drawings and digital scale models.

    • Materials and sustainability are integrated into the design simulations rather than treated only as theory.

    • Professional visits and instructor expertise connect classroom work to architectural careers.

    • Residential and commuter options let families choose different levels of campus immersion.

    Who is Architecture Summer Course for?

    Best for

    High school students exploring architecture or design who want practical studio work, portfolio material and insight into professional practice.

    Not ideal if

    You want an accredited architecture qualification, a purely theoretical course or an experience formally operated by the host university.

    Is Architecture Summer Course worth it?

    This course can be worthwhile for a student who wants to test architecture through sustained studio work rather than isolated workshops. The portfolio, design process and professional exposure provide useful material for reflecting on future study.

    The main limitations are the substantial financial commitment and the fact that host-campus branding does not mean the university operates the program. Its value therefore depends on how seriously the student engages with the project and uses the resulting portfolio and career insight afterward.

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

    Cost and what is included

    $3,298; $5,998; includes Residential tuition includes the academic course, lodging and all meals., Residential tuition includes excursions, evening activities and weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes the academic course, lunch and weekday excursions., Commuter programming runs from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday-Friday..

    Accommodation

    University dormitory

    Meals

    All meals residential; lunch commuter

    Provider details

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

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; Berkeley; New York City.

    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 Architecture Summer Course need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Begin six to eight weeks before the application deadline.

    Main challenge

    Turning an initial idea into drawings, material choices and digital models.

    Typical preparation

    • Review the campus, session and tuition options with a parent or guardian.

    • Gather the contact details and application materials needed for the online form.

    • Prepare to answer short essay questions and discuss why architecture interests you.

    • Allow time for travel, residential planning and required pre-departure documents.

    What do students do on Architecture Summer Course?

    Students develop an architectural proposal in a collaborative studio environment, moving from early ideas and drawings toward computer-assisted designs, models and a final presentation portfolio.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore foundational architectural concepts and design principles.

    2. 2

      Develop an initial proposal for a building or visitor center.

    3. 3

      Create sketches and computer-assisted designs.

    4. 4

      Select materials and analyze sustainability impacts.

    5. 5

      Build design simulations and digital scale models.

    6. 6

      Compile hand drawings and models into a final presentation portfolio.

    7. 7

      Explore professional practice through firm visits and local architecture tours.

    Architecture Summer Course dates and deadlines

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

    Admission deadline

    17 May 2026

    Final general admission deadline for the verified 2026 cycle.

    Reference date

    Berkeley Session 2

    21 June-3 July 2026

    Two-week Berkeley architecture course.

    Reference date

    Berkeley Session 4

    5-17 July 2026

    Two-week Berkeley architecture course.

    Reference date

    Berkeley Session 6

    19-31 July 2026

    Two-week Berkeley architecture course.

    Reference date

    New York Session 1

    5-17 July 2026

    Two-week Barnard College architecture course.

    Reference date

    New York Session 2

    19-31 July 2026

    Two-week Barnard College architecture course.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Open to students in Grades 9-12

    • Starting high school students may qualify

    • Recent high school graduates may qualify

    • Minimum 3.0 GPA or local equivalent

    • International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency

    • Students must meet essential participation criteria

    How much does Architecture Summer Course cost?

    Program tuition

    $3,298; $5,998 — Commuter; residential

    Funding or discounts

    • Architecture supplement: $250 — Mandatory course supplement
    • Deposit: $600 — Paid during application
    • Need-based scholarship: Up to 30% or 60% — Residential or commuter tuition
    • Multi-program discount: 5% — Applied to both programs

    What's included

    Residential tuition includes the academic course, lodging and all meals., Residential tuition includes excursions, evening activities and weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes the academic course, lunch and weekday excursions., Commuter programming runs from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday-Friday.

    How to apply to Architecture Summer Course

    1. 1

      Open the official application portal and enter basic contact information.

    2. 2

      Confirm the verification email and complete the account details.

    3. 3

      Choose Create New Application from the dashboard.

    4. 4

      Select the campus, session, architecture course and tuition type.

    5. 5

      Enter the student details and complete the application with the student present.

    6. 6

      Submit the application, deposit and application fee.

    7. 7

      Wait for the enrollment decision and complete any additional forms provided after acceptance.

    What does Architecture Summer Course cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Architectural design process

    Develop a proposal from strategic ideation through drawings and finished design.

    Materials and sustainability

    Select materials and analyze the sustainability impact of design decisions.

    Drawing and digital modeling

    Translate ideas into hand drawings, computer-assisted designs and scale models.

    Architecture careers

    Explore architecture degrees, professional responsibilities and related career pathways.

    Portfolio presentation

    Compile project work into a final presentation portfolio.

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

    What is a typical day on Architecture Summer Course?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic course

    Students complete college-style, hands-on work in their selected course.

    Activity or excursion

    Students join a recreational activity or an academic excursion.

    College readiness

    Workshops cover admissions, confidence, leadership or personal development.

    Residential evening

    Residential students join clubs or activities before dorm checks.

    Who teaches on Architecture Summer Course?

    Courses are taught by subject specialists recruited for their expertise and ability to challenge students. Documented architecture instructors include practicing architects and experienced educators Dave Kesler in Berkeley, plus Guido Zuliani and Emma Sumrow in New York.

    Instructor assignments are published by campus and session and may differ between runs.

    Where do students stay on Architecture Summer Course?

    Residential plan

    • University housing: Students live in supervised university dormitories or suites with shared facilities.
    • Meals and activities: Tuition includes all meals, evening activities and weekend excursions.
    • Residential support: Program staff live on campus and provide round-the-clock emergency support.

    Non-residential plan

    • Weekday attendance: Commuters attend weekday programming and receive lunch and excursions.

    Room arrangements differ by campus: Berkeley uses shared dorm rooms, while New York uses suites with shared or single rooms and shared bathrooms.

    What happens after Architecture Summer Course?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Develop a portfolio with hand drawings and digital scale models.

    Gain evidence of sustained architecture study for college applications.

    Assess whether architecture or design suits your future plans.

    Understand architecture degree routes and professional responsibilities.

    Explore related paths in urban planning and design disciplines.

    The course provides portfolio material and career insight, not an accredited architecture qualification.

    Where does Architecture Summer Course take place?

    The architecture course is documented at university campuses in Berkeley, California, and at Barnard College in New York City. Each setting supports local architecture and firm visits, while residential students experience campus housing and commuter students attend daytime programming.

    Summer Springboard states that host universities generally do not operate or control its programs.

    Architecture Summer Course FAQs

    It introduces architectural concepts, design principles and problem-solving for the built environment. Students apply these ideas through a collaborative studio project.

    Students develop a building proposal and prepare a final presentation portfolio containing hand drawings and digital scale models.

    Yes. Students learn about architecture degrees, architects’ daily work and related careers, with potential visits to professional firms, studios and notable buildings.

    Yes. Both residential and commuter tuition options are documented. Commuters join weekday programming, while residential students also receive housing, all meals and evening and weekend activities.

    Residential tuition includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Commuter tuition includes lunch during weekday programming.

    The documented faculty are practicing architects and experienced educators. Instructor assignments differ by campus and session.

    Need-based scholarships may cover up to 30% of residential tuition or 60% of commuter tuition. Several 5% discounts are also documented for eligible families.

    No. Summer Springboard states that its programs are generally not operated or controlled by the host universities.

    Alternatives to Architecture Summer Course

    Compare other in-person programs offering architecture, design or closely related project-based study.

    Alternatives to Architecture Summer Course

    Architecture and design study in London

    Architecture
    Deadline: Not announced
    From £4495
    16-18
    London
    In-person

    Best for

    Students wanting a London-based architecture and design option.

    View details

    Two-week practical creativity program

    Design
    Deadline: Not announced
    Cost not listed
    11-16
    Wimborne
    In-person

    Best for

    Younger students prioritizing creative exploration over architecture careers.

    View details

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    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 and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • (1) New Messages!
    • Tuition and Financial Aid FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Main FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • (1) New Messages!
    • Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Summer Springboard in New York - Summer Program for HS Students
    • Architecture | Barnard College, Columbia University | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Summer Springboard in Berkeley - Summer Program for High School Students
    • (1) New Messages!
    • (1) New Messages!
    • Programs Overview - 2026
    • Architecture | Course | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard

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

    What we verified (on 26 Aug 2026)

    • Course details reviewed

    • Eligibility checked

    • Tuition cross-checked

    • Session dates verified

    • Application process reviewed

    • Accommodation details checked

    • Policies 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.