Student Experiences: Stories From Students Who Attended the Design Discovery Workshop

Many architects have core experiences that led them to commit themselves to architecture. The Design Discovery Workshop is marked as one of these experiences for the campers who go through it. When the Future Architect Fund asked students to share about their time at the camp, three themes stood out: community, the fundamentals of design, and a deepened passion for architecture. Their reflections show the impact early exploration can have on shaping the architects of tomorrow.

Building a Sense of Community

Students were quick to highlight the relationships they formed when asked about their time at camp. Many described friendships that have lasted well beyond the camp itself. One student, now in her final year of architecture school, shared that she still keeps a group chat with her former roommates from that week. Yet what stood out to her most wasn’t just the friendships. It was how community shaped creativity. Catherine reflected, “I really got a good glimpse at the design process—how struggles can happen, the beauty of collaboration, and the joy when it all comes together.”

Another student found meaning in that same spirit of collaboration. He spoke about how the camp prepared him for the studio culture of architecture school. This ultimately helped him improve his skills. Josh shared, “The camp gave a collaborative studio setting in which we were able to learn from one another and grow as a designer.”

Exploring Design

Students who attend the Design Discovery Workshop spend much of their time working on projects. These activities introduce the essential skills and concepts of architecture. One student, Key, shared, “We learned some of the basics in just one week—time management, delivering and receiving critiques, and simple design concepts like rhythm, iteration, and concept.”

For Catherine, the week brought a new appreciation for design itself. She shared, “I loved getting to explore and play and be creative but also receive feedback and direction.” Through experimentation and guidance, students saw how ideas take shape.

Confirming a Love for Architecture

The Design Discovery Workshop helps high school students uncover or affirm a passion for architecture. For Key, it revealed the realities of architecture school. This solidified her decision to pursue it after high school.

Josh described a similar experience, saying, “The camp helped reveal to me my true passion for architecture. I realized that it’s not just an interest of mine but a means to improve the built environment.” The workshop shows that architecture is more than a subject. It is a way to engage with the world thoughtfully and creatively.

Looking Forward

The Future Architect Fund is committed to continuing the impact of the Design Discovery Workshop and supporting the next generation of architects as they continue on their individual journeys. Many students have talent and drive, but they need opportunities to pursue it. The Future Architect Fund provides those opportunities. The FAF helps students gain the skills and access the resources they need to shape the built environment of tomorrow. To learn more about how the Future Architect Fund supports emerging architects, visit https://www.futurearchitectfund.org/.