Architecture Summer Intensive

In this 10-day architecture program for teens, students work with leading architects and industry experts to develop their portfolios and applied art practices.

About the Program:

August 4-14, 2026

Monday-Friday, 10:00AM-3:00PM

The Architecture Summer Intensive Scholarship Program immerses motivated teens ages 15–19 in a rigorous, real‑world design brief that builds competitive pre‑college portfolios. Students work through massing studies, design charrettes, and iterative model‑making as they respond to contemporary architectural and environmental challenges. Site visits, field trips, and workshops with industry experts deepen their understanding of how architecture shapes social and ecological futures, while one‑on‑one mentorship sharpens their design thinking and project development. The program culminates in a final presentation to a panel of industry experts followed by a reception celebrating their work to family, friends, partners, and donors.

We encourage applications from youth that identify as members of underrepresented groups.

In partnership with:

The program is offered as a full scholarship thanks to:

How To Apply

Applications are now closed for the 2026 program.

To apply for the Architecture Summer Intensive, you will need to submit a portfolio and a letter of intent.

Portfolio
Your portfolio should include the following:

1. Images of your work (maximum 10)
   • 5 to 7 images of completed work
   • 3 to 5 images of sketchbook explorations that demonstrate study and experimentation
   • Images should be less than 1 MB each in JPG format only

2. An image list. For each image, include:
   • Title
   • Date
   • Medium used for each work

Title the images in the order you would like us to view them. Example:

• 01.Emily Carr_Big Raven.jpg,
• 02.Emily Carr_Above the Gravel Pit.jpg

If there are barriers to submitting a digital portfolio, please contact us to make other arrangements.

Letter of Intent

• In 500 to 1000 words (about 1 page), please share:
• Why you are interested in this program
• What you will contribute
• How you will benefit from the experience
• A brief statement about the work in your portfolio
• A description of your art practice – i.e., primary medium, themes, references, and inspirations, etc.

For details about the program, contact Arts Umbrella Admissions at [email protected]