How to Apply
Program Price: $6,000
The Price Includes:
Three Immersive, Narrative-Based Simulations & All Support Elements
Students engage realistic professional scenarios that unfold over time. Students make decisions, experience consequences, and reflect on outcomes in ways that mirror real architectural practice. Students engage with Prof. Talbott and the teaming team frequently through the narrative of the simulations and through side conversations, which are used to provide students with individual support and guidance.
The simulation model of education is the center of gravity of the Firm Foundations program. 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. Below are the support elements, which are also included in the price of the program.
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. Students 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 students’ unfolding experiences in the simulations.
Access to the Firm Foundations student community
Students participate in a small, thoughtful peer cohort, allowing for shared reflection, discussion, and learning across different perspectives and decision styles.
Periodic, quantitative performance reports for families
Students and parents receive structured updates summarizing student engagement, decision-making patterns, and growth across the simulations.
Personalized aptitude assessment with written interpretation
Each student completes a collection of aptitude-based assessments curated specifically for this program, with individualized interpretation connecting strengths and inclinations to possible architecture and adjacent career paths.
A comprehensive, student-produced career planning document
Students graduate with a detailed career planning dossier synthesizing their simulation experiences, reflections, aptitude results, and future pathways.
Feedback on college application materials
Students receive targeted feedback on essays and related application materials.
A letter of recommendation (when appropriate)
For students who demonstrate sustained engagement and growth, Prof. Talbott provides a personalized letter of recommendation grounded in observed program performance.
Post-program mentoring touchpoints
Students have access to limited follow-up mentoring conversations with Prof. Talbott after the program concludes, which support college planning and early career decisions.
Certificate of program completion
Students receive a formal certificate from the Human-Centered Architecture Institute recognizing successful completion of the Firm Foundations program.
Admission Process
STEP 1: Submit Application
Students complete an online application that includes short written responses and basic logistical information. Prior coursework, portfolios, or architecture-related technical skills are not required. Applications are reviewed holistically.
Application Submission Deadline: June 15, 2026
STEP 2: Application Review and Notification of Acceptance
Applications are reviewed by the HCAI teaching team. The number of students is limited. Applicants will receive email notification of one of the following outcomes: “Accepted” or “Not Accepted at This Time.”
Notification of Acceptance: July 1, 2026
STEP 3: Payment of Tuition
Accepted students will be invited to secure their place in the program by submitting tuition payment. Tuition payment confirms the student’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, students are formally enrolled in the program. Enrolled students and families 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