Architecture & Design Academy

Exploring Architectural Disciplines
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.

Design Profession Discovery

Students explore a range of design disciplines of industrial design, graphic and web design; build foundational skills and gain exposure to career pathways across the built environment and creative industries.

It is only required to participate in either Week 1 or Week 2. This course is a pre-requisite for Deep Dive Weeks 2-4.

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.

Graphic Design & Web

This in-person week is ideal for students who love visual storytelling—designing brands, websites, apps, and interactive experiences. Work in professional studios to develop a complete design project for a real community partner. Learn industry-standard digital tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, P5.js), create physical artifacts (screen printing, bookbinding, laser cutting), and practice user-centered design research. Present your final work at Friday's showcase.

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 & Design

(only offered when Week 2 is full)
Students will explore architecture and interior design disciplines and work together to conceptualize, design, and construct a project, applying skills developed throughout the program in a fully immersive, team-based environment.

Industrial & Product Design

This in-person week is ideal for students interested in industrial and product design—designing physical objects like sneakers, furniture, wearable tech, smartphones, and medical devices. Experience the full industrial design process from user research through fabrication. Learn professional sketching and 3D visualization, build physical prototypes using Jefferson's fabrication facilities, and develop a complete product design project. Present your prototype at week's end.