During this introductory week you will explore the different architecture and design disciplines that typically collaborate together to design, built and construct beautiful built environments. You will hear directly from architects, interior designers, landscape architects, historic preservationists and construction managers and explore the different disciplines through small, hands-on projects. You will learn about different pathways into the professions and learn how to see the world through the eyes of an architect or designer. Our unique mentorship program will connect you with an industry professional helping you make the next steps towards applying for college.
Thomas Jefferson University offers an immersive pre-college experience for high school students interested in professional careers in architecture and design.
After choosing one of two track options — Architecture Track or Design Track — students begin with a required virtual Career Discovery Week and then participate in hands-on Deep Dive studio experiences online or on Jefferson’s East Falls campus.
Participants learn from Jefferson faculty, industry professionals and current college students while building real projects, developing professional skills and gaining clarity about design education and career pathways.
Summer Academy Costs
- Program Fee: $350 per week (Early Registration Discount: $50 off by April 15)
- $50 non-refundable deposit due at registration
Registration Deadline: June 24
Register for either track via the link below:
Financial aid is available for those who quality. More information can be found on the Summery Academy Statement of Financial Need.
How it Works
All students must complete one Career Discovery Week online before enrolling in any Deep Dive studio week.
- Architecture Career Discovery Week: Week 1 or Week 2 (Online)
- Design Profession Discovery Week: Week 1 (Online)
Students may enroll in one, two, three or four total weeks after choosing one of two tracks. More on each can be seen below.
Track Options
Architecture Track
Explore architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, construction management, real estate development and design-build through virtual and in-person studio experiences.
Design Track
Discover professional design careers including Graphic & Web Design and Industrial & Product Design through virtual exploration and immersive studio experiences in Hayward Hall.
Weekly Schedule
You will be able to select a Deep Dive into one of the architectural disciplines and develop a deeper understanding of the chosen field through hands-on projects, sketching and drawing.
Choose one of the following courses:
- Architecture
An architect is a skilled professional who plans and designs buildings and generally plays a key role in their construction. You will learn about the architecture profession and are introduced to learning drawing and design skills with an emphasis on expressing ideas through sketching, drawing and model building. The course is a synthesis of fundamental design principles and an introduction to research as a tool for understanding programming and design. - Interior Design
Interior designers make interior spaces functional, safe, and beautiful for almost every type of building. Interior designers work across the whole spectrum of building types: residential, hospitality, institutional, office, healthcare and retail projects. They determine space requirements and select essential and decorative items, such as colors, textures, lighting, and materials. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of interior design. They learn about design methodologies, processes, color theory, and design elements relevant to interior design through sketching, drawing and model building.
You will be able to select a Deep Dive into one of the architectural disciplines and develop a deeper understanding of the chosen field through hands-on projects, sketching and drawing.
Choose one of the following courses:
You will be able to take a Deep Dive into one of the architectural disciplines and develop a deeper understanding of the chosen field through a hands-on project, sketching and drawing on our East Falls Campus.
- Architecture
(only offered when Week 2 is full)
An architect is a skilled professional who plans and designs buildings and generally plays a key role in their construction. You will learn about the architecture profession and are introduced to learning drawing and design skills with an emphasis on expressing ideas through sketching, drawing and model building. The course is a synthesis of fundamental design principles and an introduction to research as a tool for understanding programming and design. - Interior Design
Interior designers make interior spaces functional, safe, and beautiful for almost every type of building. Interior designers work across the whole spectrum of building types: residential, hospitality, institutional, office, healthcare and retail projects. They determine space requirements and select essential and decorative items, such as colors, textures, lighting, and materials. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of interior design. They learn about design methodologies, processes, color theory, and design elements relevant to interior design through sketching, drawing and model building.
August 1: Summer Academy Celebration and Symposium [ONLINE]
The program will culminate with a Summer Academy Celebration at the conclusion of the four weeks. To ensure all our Summer Academy Students from all over the country can participate, we will host our Summer Academy Celebration and Symposium online on August 1st 10:00AM to 12:00PM EDT. The celebration includes remarks from the Dean of the College of Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) Barbara Klinkhammer, student project presentations, Summer Academy Faculty remarks, and opportunities to meet other CABE faculty and Admissions.
Faculty
This summer faculty from across different programs will be leading the week long Career Discovery and Deep Dive sessions. Our faculty bring years of experience working in their industries, as well as connections to our alumni and industry partners.
Sponsors
Learn More: Array Architects
Learn More: HOK
Learn More: Jacobs
Learn More: Zeldin Family Foundation
