Firm Foundations is designed for motivated high school juniors and seniors who want an honest, nuanced, and developmentally appropriate introduction to architecture as a profession.
Who It’s For
Explorers
Students Curious About Architecture as a Career Path
Students who are curious about architecture or related fields but are not yet certain whether it is the right path for them. These students want a realistic, insider understanding of what architects actually do: the nature of the work, the culture of practice, and the long-term shape of an architectural career. They want to get this before committing years of education and significant financial investment. Firm Foundations helps these students test their interest, clarify their fit, and make more informed decisions about college and career direction.
Accelerators
Students Ready to Push Their Studies of Architecture Further
Students who are already committed to pursuing architecture and are motivated to deepen their understanding of the profession beyond what is typically available in high school, internships or early college coursework. These students seek meaningful preparation that goes beyond design skills alone, including insight into professional practice, business realities, teamwork, ethics, and leadership. Firm Foundations allows them to enter college with greater confidence, maturity, and a clearer sense of how they want to shape their architectural education and eventual career.
Impact Seekers
Students Seeking Purpose, Agency, and Meaning
Students who are thoughtful, inquisitive, and motivated by questions of meaning, impact, and personal alignment. These students may or may not already identify as “future architects,” but they are drawn to architecture as a way of shaping the human world. They are eager to understand how their personal values, strengths, and life goals intersect with professional pathways. Firm Foundations supports these students in developing judgment, self-awareness, and a sense of ownership over their future.
Who the Program Is Not For
Students Seeking a Traditional Learning Experience
Firm Foundations may not be a good fit for students who are primarily seeking a portfolio-driven design boot camp, or who are looking for a passive, lecture-based introduction to architecture. Firm Foundations is immersive, reflective, and action-oriented, requiring curiosity, engagement, and willingness to wrestle with open-ended possibilities.