AIA K-12 Initiatives
It’s never too early to start thinking like an architect. AIA's K-12 initiatives follow a blueprint with three key goals in mind:
Inspire youth to learn about the power of design.
Nourish curiosity to engage in solving grand challenges with design thinking.
Connect students with architects and design professionals.
How will you inspire and educate students?
Check out our Architecture Week 2025 page for ideas and resources for your organization to inspire hopeful architecture and design professionals and K-12 students
Explore & discover K-12 resources
Across the United States, K-12 students have access to a wide range of design and architecture resources, including online platforms, workshops, camps, educational programs, design competitions, internships, and scholarship opportunities. Use the search and filter feature to find opportunities near you.
K-12 architecture & design resources
Parents, educators, and community members can all play an important role in introducing students to rewarding and exciting careers—and helping them realize their potential.
Architecture remains a vital and popular career option, with numerous pathways for students who express interest in drawing, creating, building, and problem-solving. Starting early is the key.
Teaching architecture and design means fostering a love of learning and discovery across all core subject areas, cultivating students' innate creativity, and enhancing their observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
There are numerous resources available to cultivate the next generation of designers and leaders and ensure the future generation of architects is inspired, prepared, and diverse. We're here to help.
Elementary books (K-5)
100 Things to Know about Architecture by Louis O'Brien & Leanne Daphne (Built environment)
A City Through Time by Philip Steele (Built environment, Design, History)
A Handful of Seeds by Monica Hughes (Climate action, Community)
A World of Your Own by Laura Carlin (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty (Design, Innovation, Women's History Month)
Alphabet Everywhere by Elliott Kaufman (Design)
Arches to Zigzags by Michael J. Crosbie & Steven Rosenthal (Built environment)
Architecture According to Pigeons by Stella Gurney and Speck Lee Tailfeather (Built environment, Design)
Be a Maker by Katey Howes (Built environment, Innovation)
Bear Builds a House by Maxwell Eaton III (Built environment, Climate action, Community, Design)
Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg (Innovation, Perseverance)
Beneath the Streets of Boston: Building America's First Subway by Joe McKendry (Built environment, Community, Design, Innovation)
Big City Atlas by Maggie Li (Built environment)
Boxitects by Kim Smith (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Brick by Brick by Giullano Ferri (Climate action, Community)
Brick by Brick by Heidi Woodward Sheffield (Community, Design, Perseverance, Women's History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month)
Brick: Who Found Herself in Architecture by Joshua David Stein (Built environment)
Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens (Community, Perseverance, Black History Month)
Builder Brothers: Big Plans by Drew & Jonathan Scott (Built environment, Design)
Building Zaha: The Story of Architect Zaha Hadid by Victoria Tentler-Krylov (Biography, Design, Perseverance, Women's History Month)
Carmen and the House that Gaudí Built by Susan Hughes (Climate action, Design, Innovation)
Climate Change (DK Eyewitness) by John Woodward (Climate action)
Design Your World by Maria VanDeman (Black History Month, Design, Women's History Month)
Designing Dreams: An Official Deja the Dynamo Adventure by Andrea Martin, Sharla Toller, and Chris Whitcomb (Black History Month, Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Doll-e 1.0 by Shanda McCloskey (Innovation, Women's History Month)
Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon by Kelly Lyons (Biography, Black History Month, Community)
Dreaming UP by Christy Hale (Built environment)
Empire State Building: When New York Reached for the Skies by Elizabeth Mann (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Everybody in the Red Brick Building by Anne Wynter (Community, Design)
Five Stories by Ellen Weinstein (Built environment, Community)
Girls Who Build by Katie Hughes (Design, Innovation, Women's History Month)
Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood by Tony Hillery (Black History Month, Climate action, Community, Innovation)
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson (Community, Innovation)
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers (Climate action)
House Held Up by Trees by Ted Kooser (Climate action)
How a House is Built by Gail Gibbons (Built environment, Design)
How Cities Work by Feroze & Hancock (Built environment)
How Did They Build That? (series) by various authors (Built environment, Design)
How Do Bridges Not Fall Down? A Book about Architecture & Engineering by Jennifer Shand (Built environment, Design)
I am I.M. Pei by Brad Meltzer (Asian Heritage Month, Biography)
If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Iggy Peck and the Mysterious Mansion by Andrea Beaty (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak (Design, Innovation)
Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood (Innovation, Perseverance)
Jamila Pearl The Architect Girl by Kionna Louise (Design, Innovation)
Jeux D'enfance Pop-Up Book by Gérard Lo Monaco (Design, Innovation)
Joe and the Skyscraper: The Empire State Building in New York City by Dietrich Neumann (Built environment)
Kid Architect Goes to Moody Nolan Architects by Gary Vance (Black History Month, Built environment)
Larry Gets Lost in New York City by John Skewes & Michael Mullin (Built environment)
Larry Gets Lost in Philadelphia by John Skewes & Michael Mullin (Built environment)
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena (Community, Hispanic Heritage Month)
Listen to the Earth: Caring for our Planet by Carme Lemnscates (Climate action)
Little Designers: Sea of Dreams by Kelli D Stewart (Community, Design, Innovation, Women's History Month)
Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World by Vashti Harrison (Asian Heritage Month, Black History Month, Biography, Hispanic Heritage Month, Women's History Month)
Little Elliot, Big City by Mike Curato (Asian Heritage Month, Built environment, Community)
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison (Biography, Black History Month, Women's History Month)
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison (Biography, Black History Month)
Little People, Big Dreams: Zaha Hadid by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara (Biography, Design, Perseverance, Women's History Month)
Lonely Planet Kids: How Animals Build by Moira Butterfield (Animal architecture)
Lonely Planet Kids: How Cities Work by Jen Feroze (Built environment)
Look at That Building! by Scot Ritchie (Built environment)
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey (Built environment, Community)
Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker Harvey (Asian Heritage Month, Biography, Design, Innovation)
Maybe I'll be an Architect by Tenille Bettenhausen (Built environment, Career exploration)
Maybe I'll be an Engineer by Tenille Bettenhausen (Built environment, Career exploration)
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney (Community, Women's History Month)
Moxie, the Dachsund of Fallingwater by Cara Armstrong (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Need a House? Call Ms. Mouse! by George Mendoza (Built environment, Community, Design)
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis (Design, Innovation)
Not-a-Box City by Antoinette Portis (Community, Design, Innovation)
Numbers Everywhere by Elliott Kaufman (Design)
Old Enough to Save the Planet by Loll Kirby (Climate action)
On This Spot: An Expedition Back Through Time by Susan E. Goodman (Built environment)
Roberto, the Insect Architect by Nina Laden (Community, Design, Innovation)
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty (Design, Innovation)
Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran (Community, Design, Innovation)
Shapes, Lines, and Light by Katie Yamasaki (Asian Heritage Month, Biography)
Shigeru Ban Builds a Better World by Isadoro Saturno (Biography, Community, Hispanic Heritage Month, Innovation)
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty (Community, Innovation, Women's History Month)
Someone Builds the Dream by Lisa Wheeler (Built environment)
The Big House and the Little House by Yoshi Ueno (Community, Design)
The Dog House by Kreg Mebust (Design, Innovation)
The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds (Design, Innovation)
The Evolution of Egansville by Rachel Roellke Coddington (Climate action, Community, Design, Innovation)
The Fascinating Engineering Book for Kids by Dr. Jacie Maslyk (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
The Gardener by Sarah Stewart (Climate action, Community)
The House of Happy Spirits: A Children’s Book Inspired by Friedensreich Hundertwasser by Géraldine Elschner (Climate action, Community, Design)
The House That She Built by Mollie Elkman (Built environment, Design, Women's History Month)
The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi (Perseverance)
The Mellons Build a House by Robin Jacobs (Built environment, Climate action, Design)
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires (Innovation, Perseverance)
The Secret Subway by Shana Corey (Community, Climate action Design, Innovation)
The Story of Buildings: From the Pyramids to the Sydney Opera House and Beyond by Patrick Dillon (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
The Streets are Free by Kurusa (Built environment, Community, Hispanic Heritage Month)
The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale by Steven Guarnaccia (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid by Jeanette Winter (Design, Innovation, Women's History Month)
The World of Design by Pamela Pease (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs by Susan Hughes (Built environment, Community, Perseverance)
We Build Our Homes: Small Stories of Incredible Animal Architects by Laura Knowles (Animal architecture)
What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers (Community, Innovation)
What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada (Innovation)
What Is Architecture? by Atianna J. Cordova (Built environment)
When Pencil Met Eraser by Karen Kilpatrick & Luis O. Ramos, Jr (Community, Innovation)
Where the Trees Grow by Yoon Kang-mi (Asian Heritage Month, Climate action, Community, Innovation, Women's History Month)
Who Made My Stuff? Miles learns about design by Aisha Denemore-Bay (Black History Month, Design, Innovation)
Who was Frank Lloyd Wright? by Ellen Labrecque & Who HQ (Biography, Built environment, Design, Innovation)
You Can Be, Me Too! A week in the life of an Architect by Janel A. LeGard (Black History Month, Career expoloration, Women's History Month)
Young Frank, Architect by Frank Viva (Built environment, Community, Design)
Virtual read-alouds
Brick: Who Found Herself in Architecture
K-5 activity books
Ada Twist's Big Project Book for Stellar Scientists by Andrea Beaty (Activities)
Adventures in Architecture for Kids by Vicky Chan (Activities)
Architecture Around the World: Designing from A-Z! by Xena Stryler (Coloring)
Architecture Coloring Book by AIA Central Valley (Coloring)
Architecture for Kids by Mark Moreno (Activities)
Art-chitect 3D Home Design Architecture Kit (Activities)
Awesome Architecture Activities for Kids by Andrea Mulder-Slater, Jantje Blokhuis-Mulder, & Geoff Slater (Activities)
Bee an Architect Activity & Coloring Book by AIA Iowa (Activities, Coloring)
Build it! An Activity Book on Architecture by Brian Elling (Sticker Activity)
Creative Houses: Coloring Book for Kids by Rachel Mintz (Coloring)
DIY Afternoon: Recycling by Marie-Laure Pham-Bourwens (Activities)
Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Engineers with STEM Projects for Kids by Diane Taylor (Activities)
Iggy Peck's Big Project Book for Amazing Architects by Andrea Beaty (Activities)
Minecrafter Architect: Amazing Starter Homes by Megan Miller (Design)
Minecrafter Architect: The Builder's Idea Book by Megan Miller (Design)
Rosie Revere's Big Project Book for Bold Engineers by Andrea Beaty (Activities)
The House That She Built Coloring & Activity Book by Mollie Elkman (Activities, Coloring)
You be the Architect by Square Root of Squid Publishing (Activities, Drawing)
You Can Be, Me Too! A week in the life of an Architect Coloring Book by Janel A. LeGard (Coloring)
Secondary books (6-12)
A Year at the Chateau by Dick and Angel Strawbridge (Design, Innovation, Sustainability)
All About Julia Morgan by Phyllis Perry (Biography, Design, Innovation, Women's History Month)
All the Buildings in... (series) by James Gulliver Hancock (Built environment, Design)
Animal Architecture: Photographs of Natural Habitats by Ingo Arndt (Animal architecture)
Architecture: The Definitive Visual Guide (Comprehensive)
Barns: A Close-Up Look by Alan Giagnocavo & HABS (Built environment)
Climate Change (DK Eyewitness) by DK & John Woodward (Climate action)
Covered Bridges: A Close-Up Look by Alan Giagnocavo & HABS (Built environment)
Louise Blanchard Bethune: Every Woman Her Own Architect by Kelly Hayes McAlonie (Biography, Design, Women's History Month)
Full of Life: Exploring Earth's Biodiversity by Isabel Thomas (Climate action)
Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women by Catherine Thimmesh (Design, Innovation, Women's History Month)
Hidden Systems: Water, Electricity, the Internet, and the Secrets Behind the Systems We Use Every Day by Dan Nott (Built Environment, Design, Innovation)
How to Think Like Frank Lloyd Wright by Catherine Teegarden (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
How Was That Built? by Roma Agrawal (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Immigrant Architect: Rafael Guastavino and the American Dream by Berta de Miguel (Biography, Community, Design, Hispanic Heritage Month, Innovation)
Knowledge Encyclopedia: Art & Architecture by Wonder House Books (Built environment, Design, History)
Le Corbusier in His Own Words by Antoine Vigne (Biography, Built environment, Design)
Lighthouses: A Close-Up Look by Alan Giagnocavo & HABS (Built environment)
Metropolis: A History of the City, Humankind's Greatest Invention by Ben Wilson (Built environment, Design, History)
Observations for Young Architects by Cesar Pelli (Comprehensive)
Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman (Climate action, community)
The Architecture Book: Big Ideas Explained by DK (Career exploration, Comprehensive)
The Earth and I by James Lovelock (Climate action)
The Future Architect's Handbook by Barbara Beck (Built environment, Design)
The LEGO Architect by Tom Alphin (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
The LEGO Neighborhood Volumes I & II by Lyles & Lyles (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett (Built environment, Design, Innovation, Mystery)
Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandion (Built environment, Design, Innovation, Mystery)
Watch This Space: Designing, Defending, and Sharing Public Spaces by Hadley Dyer (Built environment, Community, Design)
The World by Design: The Story of a Global Architecture Firm by A. Eugene Kohn (Biography, Design, Innovation)
Who Built That? Modern Houses: An Introduction to Modern Houses and Their Architects by Didier Cornille (Biography, Built environment, Design)
6-12 activity books
Archi-Doodle by Steve Bowkett (Drawing)
Archi-Doodle City by Steve Bowkett (Drawing)
Archi-Doodle Coloring Books by ALICE (Coloring)
Architecture Crossword Puzzles by Grab Grab A Pencil Press (Puzzles)
Architecture for Teens by Danielle Wilkins (Activities)
Creative Haven Whimsical Houses Coloring Book by Dr. Angela Porter (Coloring)
Famous Buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright by Bruce LaFontaine (Coloring)
How to Draw Architecture by Markus Agerer (Drawing)
The Art of Construction: Projects and Principles for Beginning Engineers and Architects by Mario Salvadori (Activities)
The LEGO Architecture Idea Book by Finch (Activities, Drawing)
Games
7 Wonders Architects: Board game, 8+
Akropolis: Board game, 8+
Archeo-Logic: Board game, 12+
Architecto: Board game, 7+
Architects of the West Kingdom: Board game, 12+
Cities: Skylines I & II: PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC: E
Copenhagen: Board game, 8+
Décorum: A game of passive aggressive cohabitation: Board game, 13+
Floor Plan: Board game, 8+
I Can Build It! Architecture Set: Board game, 8+
Iconic Buildings of the World: Board game, 8+
Project Highrise: Architect's Edition: PS4, Xbox, Switch: E10+
Queen's Architect: Board game, 10+
Stonespine Architects: Board game, 10+
Suburbia: The City-Building Boardgame: Board game, 14+
Camps(Grade level noted in parentheses. Summer camp dates are typically released in the winter.)
AIA Dallas (K-12): Fall Design Camp
AIA New York (3-12): Week-long summer classes for grades 3-5, 6-8,or 9-12
Alex Foundation (rising 7, AR): Free week-long summer camp for rising seventh graders.
ArchCareersGuide: Comprehensive list updated each winter with summer architecture camps
Archinect: Summer Architecture Programs for Kids and High School Students
Architecture and Design Exchange (K-12, TX), Ongoing: Through our K-12 activities, we aim to inspire and educate students about the power of architecture, fostering creative problem-solving skills along the way.
Architecture Foundation of Oregon (3-6, OR): Virtual architects in school summer camp, Summer
arKIDect (2-8, Virtual): Join young architects as they design dream homes, master floor layouts, and craft 3D models. Design kit delivered to your doorstep.
BAM (Black Architects in the Making) (2-10): Mission is to inspire young minds by planting a seed through the universal language of Architecture and Design. Locations in Orlando and Miami.
Beam Camp (4-12, NH): Specialized summer camp focused on project making, Summer
Boston Society for Architecture (9-12, MA): Architecture/Design Thinking Week provides public HS students with the opportunity to learn about architecture from local architects. Held during February school vacation.
Carnegie Mellon University, School of Architecture (K-12, PA): Partnership with fellow arts organizations to offer a variety of summer day camps.
Center for Architecture + Design (9-12, CA): Fun and fast-paced 3-week summer program for HS students, Summer
Chicago Architecture Center (2-10, Chicago): Free camps offered throughout the summer
Cincinnati Architectural Mentoring Program (8-9, OH): Five-day immersive camp experience for students entering grades 8 or 9, Summer
DesignX (2-9, CA): Students ages 7-15 make their unique ideas for fashion, toys and architecture come alive in a fun, creative and thoughtful environment. Bay area
District Architecture Center (3-8, DC): Summer Camp
Frank Lloyd Wright Trust (3-5 or 6-8, IL): Work in Wright's iconic Oak Park Studio to collaborate and consider the needs of the community. Summer
Girls Build (8-15, OR & ID): See what happens when you place a tool in a child’s hand and give them the skills to use it. Summer
Hip Hop Architecture (6-12, Nationwide): Inspire creativity, inclusivity, and diversity in the world of architecture. Summer
La Jolla Historical Society (7-12, CA): Week-long program for students in 7-9 and 10-12. Summer
Mobile Makers (2-5 and 6-9, IL): Hands-on exploration of design and architecture. Summer
National Building Museum (2-3, DC): Week-long camp for rising 2nd and 3rd graders. Summer
NC State Design Camp (HS, NC): Week-long camp for middle and high schoolers. Summer (Registration opens January 29, 2025)
New Jersey Institute of Technology (9-12, NJ): Career exploration program. Summer
New World Architect's Camp (5-8, CA): Week-long camp for 20-25 aspiring architects. Summer
Project Pipeline (6-12, Nationwide): NOMA's local summer camp provides students of color the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of architecture and design. Various dates throughout the summer depending on location.
Seattle Summer Intensive (9-12, Seattle): Free educational opportunity for 24 students who want to take a deeper dive into the design process provided by Miller Hull.
SPIKE Studio (9-12, GA): Explore your inner designer, architect, engineer, or builder through STEM learning and hands-on activities. Summer
Taliesin (5-9, WI): Virtual and In-Person, ages 10-15: Design a Space (Virtual), Architectural Watercolor and Design (In-Person), Minecraft Done Wright! (In-Person). Summer
The Center for Architecture and Design (9-12, OH): High School Design Studio is a 2-week program for students interested in design. Summer
UC Berkeley (9-12, CA): emBARC Summer Design Academy (July 7-August 1, 2025) and Design + Build Camp (July 14-25, 2025)
University of TN-Knoxville (9-12, TN): A week of immersive design learning and exploration. Summer
Vermont Works for Women (6-12, VT): Summer programs
WRNS Studio (9-12, CA & NY): Calling all Black and Brown HS students curious about architecture and the design profession! Summer
Architecture & Design College Fairs
AIA Chicago (9-12, IL): : September 21, 2024
AIA Dallas (9-12, TX): October 12, 2024
Center for Architecture (7-12, NY): October 19, 2024
Temple University (9-12, PA): October 20, 2024
Events
AIA Cleveland (Grade 5-Adult, OH): Volleyball & Sand Castle Construction, Summer
AIA Staten Island (Grades 2-8, NY): Spaghetti-Marshmallow Building Contest, Winter
CREW Network (9-12, PA): Hands-on one-day or multi-session program introducing girls to the many careers available to them in the commercial real estate industry. Ongoing.
DiscoverArchitecture.org (K-12): List of events in the US and international
Mobile Makers (8-12, Chicago; 8-12, Boston): Join like-minded, creative teens to envision positive community change!
Women Can Do (9-12, Vermont): One-day trades and STEM career exploration conference
Programs & workshops
ACE Mentor (9-12, Nationwide): No-cost after-school program that prioritizes workforce development for HS students by connecting them with experts from the design and construction industry.
AIA DC (K-12, DC): Plan, design, and build with the family. Ongoing
AIA New York (9-12, NY): Teen Workshops offered on weekends during the school year. Ongoing.
AIAS (9-12, Nationwide): Join or start a local high school American Institute of Architecture Students chapter for free.
Architecture and Design Exchange (K-8, TX): Design and build the city you want for your future. Ongoing.
Architecture Foundation of Oregon (K-12, OR): Resource page of opportunites for Oregon students.
Architectural Foundation of San Francisco (9-12, CA): Half-day program 3 days/week for HS students interested in design, engineering, or architecture. Ongoing.
Architectural Foundation of San Francisco (9-12, Virtual): Saturday Design Studio, Saturdays, March 1 - April 5 or Saturdays, April 26 - May 31, 2025
arKIDect (K-12, Virtual, FL, NY): One-on-one and group architecture classes, after-school programs, and architect birthday parties.
Ball State University (9-12, IN): Faculty, in partnership with STUDIOAXIS Architecture professionals, host workshops for HS students. Ongoing.
Black Architects in the Making (BAM) (6-12, FL): Online sketching workshops in Orlando, FL. Ongoing.
Boston Society for Architecture (K-8, MA): KidsBuild! allows children to formulate ideas about architecture and design as they build a city from the ground up. Ongoing.
Carnegie Mellon University, School of Architecture Saturday Sequence (K-12, PA): The K-12 Saturday Sequence emphasizes the problem-solving skills central to the architectural design process and guides students through an architectural project.
Center for Architecture + Design (K-8, NY): Two-hour family workshops take place one Saturday/month.
Center for Architecture + Design (9-12, NY): Workshops focused on NYC architecture.
Chicago Architecture Center (7-12, IL): Teen Saturday Studios offer a unique opportunity to learn from those in the field. Ongoing.
Chicago Architecture Center (6-9, IL): Girls Build! is a unique experiential program designed to engage girls ages 12-15. Ongoing.
Design Like a Girl (5-8, DC): Pairs students with women in architecture, open to young people between the ages of 11-13, Ongoing
Design Philadelphia (K-12, PA): Family and Saturday workshops. Ongoing.
I-NOMA (9-12, IL): Design and build furniture, 5 Fall Saturdays 2024
Los Angeles Conservancy (3-12, CA): Bring LA history to your home with a virtual workshop. Ongoing.
National Building Museum (K-8, DC): Family workshops held the second Saturday of each month.
NC State University (7-12, NC): Weekend design workshops, primarily for high schoolers but occasionally for middle schoolers.
Next Great Architects (K-12, IN): Teaching studio that nurtures budding architects from kindergarten through college. Ongoing.
Sculpture School (3-10, VT): A building program and workspace for youth ages 8-16 in Waitsfield, VT. Ongoing.
Seattle Architecture Foundation (K-12, WA): Workshops encourage youth ages 5-16 to explore architecture and design principles. Ongoing.
The Center for Architecture and Design (3-8, OH): Design Pop! offers engaging activities for aspiring young designers. Ongoing.
WRNS Studio (6-12, CA/NY): studioWRNS is an educational program with a focus of attraching Black and Brown students to the field of architecture. Ongoing.
Curriculum
AIA Build the Block (6-12): Guided virtual design challenge
AIA Lesson Plans (K-5): Hot in here!, Shelter in the midst, Wellness in the warehouse, Fitting in
AIA Lesson Plans (6-12): From tetrahedral conception to creation, Net zero launch, Holding on through the hurricane, Diminutive dwellings, Energy expertise, Creating in your community, At the heart of homelessness
American Planning Association (K-12)
Arch for Kids (K-12)
Ask Nature (Biomimicry) (K-12)
ASTEK (4-6)
Boston Society for Architecture (K)
CA Architectural Foundation (K-12)
Careers Building Communities (K-12)
Climate 101: An Interactive Dictionary about Climate Change (K_12)
Frank Lloyd Wright Trust (K-12)
K-12 Architecture Education: An Interdisciplinary Curriculum Guide (K-12)
Learn Deep Milwaukee (5-12)
NEXT.cc STEAM by Design (K-12)
School Design and its Impact on Health and Well-Being (K-12) (an excellent discussion point for student observations of the space around them): Well Building Standard, Promoting Student & Teacher Wellness through K-12 School Design, K-12 School Design That Prioritizes Wellness: How Can We Better Support the Mental and Physical Health of Our Students?
Stanford's d.school (K-12)
The House That She Built (K-3)
Urban Plan (11-12): Specific for economics and government courses.
US Department of Education (9-12): Annual HS challenges
USGBC (K-12)
Field trips
AIA DC (3-8, DC): Walking tour kits of five neighborhoods include everything a parent, teacher, or leader would need to guide children. Designed for ages 8-12 but fun and educational for everyone.
AIA Houston (7-12, TX): 9 area neighborhood walking tours
Architecture and Design Exchange (K-12, TX): Three regular walking tours that explore the breadth of Dallas' architecture.
Frank Lloyd Wright Trust (K-12, IL): On-site and virtual tours
Los Angeles Conservancy (3-12, CA): In-person and virtual field trips
Next Great Architects, LLC (K-12, IN): Teaching studio
NC State University Design Lab (5-12, NC): In-person half-day field trips. Paused for the 24-25 school year.
The Glass House (K-12, CT): Shigeru Ban's Paper Log House, a 14'x14' enclosure made of paper tubes, wood, and milk crates (April 15-December 15, 2024)
Guides
ACSA Framework for Expanding K-12 Engagement: Resource guide to establish a line of inquiry for stakeholders with various roles within an institution to investigate the many ways of engaging K-12 students.
AIA Design Charrette: Resource guide for those wishing to create a secondary school student design challenge.
AIA Volunteering Guidelines: Volunteering and engagement tips for those hoping to create a student activation.
NCARB: Guidebook for K-12 counselors and educators to help guide students consider a career in architecture.
Presentations
AIA: Slide deck based on NCARB's Architecture Guidebook to be used as an introduction to architecture. Email k12@aia.org to receive an editable version.
AIA Kansas City (K-6): A slide deck created to teach students what an architect does, design thinking, the stages of design, and how to become an architect.
AIA Kansas City (7-12): A slide deck created to teach students what an architect does, design thinking, the stages of design, and how to become an architect.
Professional Development
AIA New York (K-12)
IDEO (5-12)
Learn Deep Milwaukee (5-12)
School Programs
AIA Baltimore (6-12, MD): Partnership with local Baltimore Design School including portfolio reviews with seniors.
AIA DC (K-12, NY): Match volunteer architects with public school teachers.
AIA FL Northwest (Grade 5, FL): Annual Grade 5 Gingerbread House Competition, complete with zoning code regulations.
AIA Houston (5-8, TX): Kids and Architecture partners with Citizen Schools to teach architecture and design.
AIA New York (K-12, NY): Classroom residency programs introduce students to architecture and design.
Architecture Foundation of Oregon (Grade 5, OR): Match professionals with classroom teachers to co-create a 6-week residency.
Baltimore Architecture Foundation (K-12, Baltimore): Adopt-a-School program in partnership with local architecture firms.
Beam Center (K-12, NY): Co-create curriculum aligned hands-on projects.
Boston Society for Architecture (K, Boston): Build a 3'x4' model showcasing your design based on the Mayor's prompt.
Design Challenge (6-12): Use AIA's instructional guide to host your own design challenge.
Design Explorr (K-12, OH): Collection of courses and workshops designed to address the diversity gap within the design profession.
Design Lab: Learn & Build (K-8, OH): Free, hands-on program offered to teachers and students in the Cincinnati area.
Design Philadelphia (K-12, PA): 5-6 session series introducing students to the design process through volunteer architects, designers, and engineers.
DesignX (K-12, CA): DesignX offers flexible fashion, toy, and product design programs that can be customized to fit any school's specific requirements, ensuring a tailored and meaningful educational experience.
Florida Foundation for Architecture (K-12, FL): STEAM focused, Florida-standards based, 8-10 week curriculum enrichment program that matches professional architects with classroom teachers. Ongoing.
Future City (6-8); Future City (9-12): A hands-on cross-curricular educational program that brings STEM to life.
Learn Deep Milwaukee (5-12, WI): A challenging learning experience that elevates students' voices and extends beyond the classroom.
Los Angeles Conservancy (3-12, Virtual): Bring LA history to students with an interactive multi-session workshop.
Open Studio (9-12, San Diego): Dynamic half-day studio sessions where students learn about architecture and participate in a design project where they will have opportunities to conceptualize, sketch, model, and present their ideas.
Taliesin Preservation (3-8, Virtual): During each project session, educational staff will lead classroom time, broadcasting live directly from the Taliesin estate. Educators will receive a packet of supplemental materials in digital form.
Terrace Town (K-5, WI): Terrace Town brings architecture, design, and city planning curriculum to Dane County elementary classrooms. Occurs every other year.
The Center for Architecture and Design (9-12, OH): HSDW is a fun 3-5 hour design workshop offered to under-represented HS students interested in architecture. Ongoing.
University of Texas at San Antonio (3 & 5, TX): KIDS is an architecture-based program offered to 3rd and 5th grade students where participants learn art and design concepts by way of exploring the built world.
AIA chapter resources
Many local chapters host educational programs and are eager to share their experiences. Reach out to your local AIA chapter to discuss the possibilities.
AIAS #askanarchitect
Interested in learning more about being an Architect? The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) has a variety of videos and interviews as part of their #askanarchitect series
ACE Mentor
Are you a high school student interested in learning more about the design and construction industry? Want to work directly with industry professionals? Learn more about the ACE Mentor Program.
ARCH Careers Guide
Comprehensive resources for those interested in exploring architecture as a profession.
Discover Architecture.org
Architecture and design resources for K-12+.
NCARB
Regularly updated blog featuring a variety of articles and insights, including the Top Eight YouTube Channels for Architects, Student Resource Guide, Counselor Resource Guide.
NOMA
Chapters of National Organization of Minority Architects hold annual Project Pipeline summer camps, designed to empower young people to affect change in their community through design.
Apprenticeship
Beam Center: NY students from partner schools, Grade 12
Design competitions
AIA Atlanta: GA students, 9-12
AIA Dallas: Dallas Fort-Worth & NE Texas students, 6-12: opens in November, deadline March 29, 2025
AIA Houston: Houston students, 9-12: January-May, 2025
AIA Indianapolis: IN students, 9-12
AIA Toledo: OH students, 9-12
Build Girls: National, 9-12 (Spring)
Center for Architecture + Design: International, 9-12
Chicago Architecture Center: Chicagoland students, 9-12
CoDesign Collaborative: Boston students, 9-12
Cooper Hewitt Design Challenge: National, 9-12
DiscoverArchitecture.org: Nationwide Competition (Fall), International Competition (Fall); International sustainable design competition (Winter), 9-12
Norwich University School of Architecture + Art: National, 9-12 (Fall)
SchoolsNext: Chapters around the country, 5-12. Sign up by group/class, need not be a member.
Texas Society of Architects: TX students in grades 6-12. Deadline 10/9/25.
The Bit Center: Bridge engineering competition, 5-12. Baltimore, MD
US Department of Education CTE Momentum--Power Your Future Challenge: Nationwide, 9-12
Youth Challenge Biomimicry Institute: International, 6-12
Externship
AIA New York: NYC students, 9-12
Grants
A4LE Impact Award: Dallas Fort-Worth and NE Texas, $5k-$10k grant to create/improve learning spaces or support programs. Deadline Nov. 4
Internships
AIA DC: DC students, 11-12
AIA Eastern Oklahoma: OK students, 11-12
Boston Society for Architecture: Boston students, 10-12
Chicago Architecture Center: Chicago students, 10-12
Denver Public Schools: DPS students, 9-12
Miller Hull: Seattle, 11-12
Tappin Roots: Portland students, 9-12
Youth Build Boston: Boston students, 9-12
Scholarships
AIA Chattanooga: TN students, 9-12
AIA East Tennessee: TN students, 10-12
AIA Richmond: Greater Richmond Metro students, 12
AIA Silicon Valley: Leo and Trinidad Sanchez Scholarship, Santa Clara or Santa Cruz County resident, 12
Arch Careers Guide: List of national and regional scholarships
Architects Foundation: Nationwide, Grade 12 and enrolling in a NAAB-accredited architecture degree program
Architecture and Design Exchange: TX students, list of multiple scholarships and fellowships, 12
Carman Scholarship: WA students in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties
Dallas Foundation: Hopson-Laurent Scholarship, Choctaw County, OK, 12
District Architecture Center: DC students, 12
Study Architecture: list of resources for prospective students of color
Wisconsin Architects Foundation: WI students, Grade 12
At-home Activities
AIA Climate Action Design Challenge
AIA "The House That She Built" Building Certificate Program
AIA DC Online Learning for Kids
AIA Iowa Activity & Coloring Book
AIA Kansas City Animal Dice Game
AIA Vermont Architectural Scavenger Hunt
AdEx At-home Activities
KidSketch by BEEP & San Diego Architectural Foundation
Online courses
Architectural Studies I (9-12): University of Washington, virtual, January-March, 2025
Architectural Studies II (9-12): University of Washington, virtual, March-May, 2025
CityLab Experience (11-12): Boston Architectural College, virtual, January 17-February 1, 2025
Community Practice Experience (11-12): Boston Architectural College, virtual (Fall), onsite (Spring), January 21-May 10
3D Design & CAD Modeling (9-12): University of Washington, virtual, January-March, 2025
Resource guides
AIA Kansas City: Explore Architecture! Resource Guidebook
AIA Nebraska: What is an Architect and how do I become one?
ArchCareersGuide: Compilation of architecture career guides from 1992-present day
ASLA: Your Path to Landscape Architecture
California Architectural Foundation: Choose Architecture! Guide (with specific CA guidance)
NCARB's Destination Architect Booklet, Resource Guide, and Webpage: Find out more about the steps to becoming a licensed architect.
Study Architecture: Explore an Architecture Student's Journey
Videos
AIA Future Focused Video Series highlighting underrepresented architects and designers weekly.
AIA Connecticut Architecture in Our Community
AIA Kansas City Explore Architecture
I am an Architect: History of Architecture
I am an Architect: Discover Architecture
If you are old enough, Instagram is a source of impressive architecture from around the world.
YouTube Channels
Archimarathon: In this channel, Kevin Hüi (Archimarathon) and Andrew Maynard (Austin Maynard Architects) make the topic of architecture more accessible to everyone.
Architecture and Design with DamiLee: Dami Lee makes complex ideas in architecture and pop culture beautifully accessible, relatable, and inspiring.
LEGO House: Documentary about the building of a life-size LEGO house
NCARB's Top 8 YouTube Channels for Architects
NC State Design Lab: The official channel of NC State University's Design Lab for K-12 Education.
Sketching Tutorials: Simple tutorials, tips and tricks for architecture sketches.
Stewart Hicks: Architect based in Chicago who makes videos that explore and explain the built environment.
The B1M: The world’s largest, most subscribed-to video channel for construction.
The Local Project: Explore immersive house tours, delve into interior design intricacies, and discover ground breaking home architecture.
30x40 Design Workshop: Videos about architecture, designs of simple modern homes + an architect who openly shares his process online.
Local elementary and high school students joined professionals at AIA24 to engage in a variety of architecture and design activities.
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AIA StaffLocal high school students joined the conference for a Design Charrette focused on the Apple Carnegie Library directly across the street. -
AIA StaffLocal high school students joined the conference for a Design Charrette focused on the Apple Carnegie Library directly across the street. -
AIA StaffLocal high school students joined the conference for a Design Charrette focused on the Apple Carnegie Library directly across the street. -
AIA StaffHigh school students represented their treehouse design using a variety of materials. -
AIA StaffFourth graders explored the expo floor at AIA24. -
AIA StaffFourth graders explored the expo floor at AIA24. -
AIA StaffFourth graders build a structure to withstand flooding using AIA's Climate Action Design Challenge cards. -
AIA StaffFourth graders took a sketching lesson with artist Moh'd Bilbeisi. -
AIA StaffFourth graders touring the Blagden Alley neighborhood with the District Architecture Center. -
AIA StaffA fourth grader designing her own animal dice using AIA Kansas City's Animal Dice Game. -
AIA StaffFourth graders practiced their sketching during the Blagden Alley neighborhood tour. -
Phillip MeadAs the "choose-your-own-adventure" portion of the AIAU K-12 Outreach Course, Phillip Mead challenged high school students to create a clay city along a shoreline that encouraged connections to nature and communal spaces.
Reach out for any inquiries regarding K-12 outreach or resources at AIA.
Join the discussion on how to support student pathways to the profession.