Architecture Career Discovery: Offered In-person and Online
This two-week class is designed to expose students to a high-quality undergraduate architecture program. The core of this course is studio work. In studio, students are immersed in a rigorous creative process that starts with an idea, moves into the development of abstract models, and ultimately leads to the design of an exciting and innovative architectural building proposal. Critique and evaluation of studio work is ongoing, occurring in one-on-one discussions with the instructor and in larger group reviews with invited architectural critics. Studio work is complemented by a series of lectures and presentations, which explore the broader context of architectural practice, contemporary projects, and practitioners, as well as technical concerns such as drawing and model making. High school students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade in the fall, interested in future careers in architecture or design-related fields and curious about the world, are encouraged to apply! The first week of the course will focus on building models and drawings. The second week will focus on using the computer as a design tool. Students will learn 3D modeling in Rhinoceros, 2D drawing, and image editing in Adobe Creative Suite. This exciting, immersive workshop will open your eyes to architecture as a future career and provide you with an impressive portfolio piece, essential to be accepted into a premier program like Rensselaer!
Program Details
Prerequisites: Students who are considering studies in architecture or design with a curiosity about the world in which we live, as well as an interest in art culture and new ideas, are encouraged to apply.
Registration information:
In-person, July 7 - July 18: https://rpi.regfox.com/-architecture-career-discovery-program-2025-in-person
Online, July 21 - August 1: https://rpi.regfox.com/architecture-career-discovery-program-2025-online
If you have any questions on how to submit your application, please contact Summer@Rensselaer by calling (518) 276-3068 or via email.
Matthew Lopez is an architectural designer and educator. Matthew holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in Design Theory and Pedagogy from SCI-Arc. His design work and research investigate the conflation of form, aesthetics, and contemporary culture. He has recently served as the co-editor of SCI-Arc’s online academic journal Offramp and will be featured in its upcoming issue Guise. He has been a guest critic for academic studio reviews at SCI-Arc, UCLA, and the University of Texas at Arlington.