Curious about architecture & design? Want to gain a broader understanding of the architectural profession? Ready to take a deep dive into the design process? Want to work on your design skills? Developing work for your portfolio and your presentation skills? Well, then this is your opportunity. The Architectural Foundation of San Francisco (AFSF) announces the AFSF Summer Design Institute 2025, an online design studio.

The AFSF Summer Design Institute 2025 focuses on developing visual communication skills including sketching, form-making in models, as well as using digital design tools. You’ll learn foundational architectural concepts and terms and develop them in your design. Over the 3 weeks, you’ll gain experience and understanding in how to use the iterative design process to move from concept to architecture. We’ll look at precedent projects to learn how other architects approach design. At the end of our studio, you’ll present your project, gaining experience in creating a clear and thoughtful presentation of your architectural ideas.

In addition to your studio sessions, each week you’ll meet with a mentor. In these virtual meetings, your mentor will share their experiences in the profession as well as provide feedback on your project.

Our Summer Design Institutes are open to all high school students, including rising 9th graders. No prerequisites are required – we welcome all levels of experience including no previous architecture studios. We are proud to be a diverse studio. We welcome students from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond, including students globally. Please be mindful of our studio schedule -design is a collaborative process so being in our live studio is essential.

Informational Flyer: Link

When:
Session 1: June 9th – June 27th 2025 / M-F / 9:00am – noon (PDT)
Session 2: July 7th – July 25th 2025 / M-F / 9:00am – noon (PDT)
Where: Online
Serving: All High School students
Service Area: Worldwide
Topic: Architecture
Program Type: Online Studio
Cost: $3,500(includes all materials and supplies). Early bird registration discounted tuition: $3,000