How to Apply
Program Price: $6,000
The Price Includes:
Three Immersive, Narrative-Based Simulations & All Support Elements
Participants engage in Studio Startup, Integrity and Team Builder. They conclude the program with the Find Your Path course. These experiences unfold over a 9-month period of time.
Every other element of the program — lectures, discussions, assessments, reports, and mentoring — exists to support, interpret, and extend the learning that takes place inside the simulations. The support elements listed below are also included in the program price.
Program Support Elements
A curated library of pre-recorded lectures
These materials provide the conceptual frameworks, professional context, and narrative grounding that support each simulation. Participants can revisit them throughout the program as their understanding deepens.
Weekly live sessions with Professor Talbott
Live meetings in Microsoft Teams provide space for questions, group discussion, strategic troubleshooting, and guided reflection on participants’ unfolding experiences in the simulations.
Access to the Firm Foundations peer community
Participants are part of a small peer cohort, allowing for shared reflection, discussion, and learning across different perspectives and decision-making styles.
Periodic, quantitative performance reports
Participants and sponsors receive structured updates summarizing participant engagement, decision-making patterns, and growth across the simulations.
Personalized aptitude assessment
Each participant completes a collection of aptitude-based assessments curated specifically for this program, with individualized interpretation connecting strengths and inclinations to possible architecture career paths.
A comprehensive, participant-produced career planning document
Participants complete the program with a detailed career planning dossier synthesizing their simulation experiences, reflections, aptitude results, and future pathways.
Post-program mentoring touchpoints
Participants have access to limited follow-up mentoring conversations with Prof. Talbott after the program concludes.
Certificate of program completion
Participants receive a formal certificate from the Human-Centered Architecture Institute recognizing successful completion of the Firm Foundations program.
Admission Process
STEP 1: Submit Application
Participants complete an online application that includes short written responses and basic logistical information.
Application Submission Deadline: June 15, 2026
STEP 2: Application Review and Notification of Outcome
Applications are reviewed by the HCAI teaching team. The number of participants is limited. Applicants will receive email notification of the outcome of the application review.
Notification of Application Outcome: July 1, 2026
STEP 3: Payment of Tuition
Accepted participants will be invited to secure their place in the program by submitting tuition payment. Tuition payment confirms the participant’s intent to enroll and allows HCAI to finalize cohort size and teaching assignments.
Payment of Tuition Deadline: August 1, 2026
STEP 4: Confirmation of Enrollment and Onboarding
Once tuition is received, participants are formally enrolled in the program. Enrolled participants and sponsors will receive a welcome letter and onboarding materials, including: detailed program calendar, technology setup instructions, communication procedures, program roadmap, conduct guidelines and agenda for the first live session.
Onboarding Packets Distributed: August 12, 2026
Program Dates & Times
Program Begins (Fall term):
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Program Concludes (Fall term):
Wednesday, December 16, 2025
Program Begins (Spring term):
Wednesday, January 20, 2027
Program Concludes (Spring term):
Wednesday, April 14, 2027
Weekly Live Sessions are Held:
Wednesdays, 6:30PM – 7:45PM (US Central Time Zone)
Student’s Estimated Average Weekly Time Commitment:
6 hours