If you’re considering a high school/college career in architecture, you’re probably aware of the competitive nature of college applications, as well as the demanding nature of the industry. 

One way to prepare yourself for this is by participating in architecture camps created for middle schoolers. 

For students curious about architecture, urban planning, or related design fields, architecture camps are an excellent way to explore your interests early on. These camps provide an accessible, hands-on introduction to the world of design, allowing you to discover your passion while developing foundational skills in a low-pressure, budget-friendly environment. Additionally, you can connect with like-minded peers, educators, and industry professionals, expanding your networks and enhancing your resumes and portfolios for future academic growth. 

In this blog post, we have listed 8 architecture camps especially tailored for middle school students. These programs are designed to inspire and guide the next generation of designers and architects.

Note: The following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.

1. Hip Hop Architecture Camp

Hip Hop Architecture Camp is a unique chance to explore architecture, urban planning, and design through the vibrant lens of hip-hop culture. In this week-long camp, you’ll engage with fundamental architectural concepts like form, volume, structure, and site, all while drawing inspiration from your favorite songs, lyrics, and artists. The program is guided by a diverse team of professionals, including architects, dancers, DJs, and activists, who help you create both physical and digital models of a city, along with a song and music video centered around your chosen theme. 

Each camp is customized to reflect the culture and community of its host city. Past locations have included Atlanta, Memphis, Dallas, and Hartford. This localized approach allows you to reimagine your community and explore how the spaces around you intersect with social justice and racial equity. Hip Hop Architecture Camp emphasizes that architecture is about more than just construction—it's about culture. And what better way to curate that culture than through the arts?

Expect a deeply creative journey that encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and self-expression, all while incorporating music, dance, and history.

Location: Varies by camp (in-person)

Program Dates: Varies. 

Cost: Free

Eligibility: 6th to 12th graders for the current academic year. Priority admission is available for applicants from underrepresented groups (minority and low-income backgrounds). 

Application Deadline: Varies 

Perks: Top projects receive a Hip Hop Architecture Camp Prize Pack, which includes $100 gift cards, headphones, merch, and more! Older participants are eligible for scholarships:

• Hip Hop Architecture Camp x MillerKnoll Scholarship: $10,000 for college-bound seniors 

• Hip Hop Architecture Camp x Bergmeyer Scholarship and Internship: $1,500 and one-week paid internship in Boston for public school juniors and accredited college-bound seniors. 

2. Camp Architecture and Design

Camp Architecture and Design (CAD) is a one-week program that introduces elementary school-age children grades 3-8 to the world of design. Students will participate in daily activities, including a series of engaging hands-on projects, presentations, and tours. Led by enthusiastic directors with experience in youth education, the camp is supported by a team of counselors who are students in higher education programs related to design and architecture. 

Throughout the week, students will participate in various projects that teach them about architecture, design, and teamwork. Each session is designed to be educational and engaging, helping students to explore their creativity and develop new skills. The program is held at the prestigious Knowlton School of Architecture at The Ohio State University, providing an inspiring environment for young learners. 

Location: Knowlton School of Architecture, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Program Dates: 

• Week 1: June 3 - 7

• Week 2: June 10 - 14

• Week 3: June 17 - 21

• Week 4: June 24 - 28

Cost: $365; Scholarships are available for eligible students as funds allow.

Eligibility: Open to students in grades 3 - 8

Application Deadline: Applications will open early next year.

3. Pratt Center K-12 Summer Scholars Program

The Pratt Center K-12 Summer Scholars program offers art and design studio classes for middle school students for two weeks in July. This course is ideal for students interested in improving their ability to draw from observation and who might be considering applying to portfolio audition high schools. Throughout the course, students will work directly from various still-life objects or models, using a range of drawing materials such as pencil, oil pastel, and charcoal. 

The projects are designed to focus on depicting three-dimensional forms in space, emphasizing the effects of natural and artificial light. By the end of the program, students will have a portfolio of work that showcases their development and understanding of fundamental drawing techniques, setting a strong foundation for future artistic endeavors. 

Location:  Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY

Program Dates: July 8 - 19

Cost: $320

Eligibility: Open to students in grades 7 and 8.

Application Deadline: Applications will open in April.

4. Girls Build!

GirlsBuild! is a unique experiential program that engages girls ages 12-15 in the fields of architecture, design, and STEAM. This five-week experiential program offers participants the opportunity to explore how fashion, music, and architecture intersect, with a particular focus on learning from women who are leaders in these fields.

Throughout the program, participants will tour iconic Chicago buildings, meet with design professionals, and create a fashion project inspired by architectural styles. The program not only aims to foster creativity and technical skills but also encourages girls to explore career paths in architecture and related fields by providing them with role models and mentors. 

Location: Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago, IL

Program Dates: Five weeks (exact dates TBA) 

Cost: Free. 

Eligibility: Open to girls aged 12–15. 

Application Deadline: NA

5. Young Artist Studio Program

The Young Artist Studio Program (YASP) at California College of the Arts is a dynamic, week-long summer camp designed to immerse middle school students in the practice of art and design.  This all-day program allows students to dive deep into their chosen studio focus, offering hands-on experience in creating art within a professional studio environment.  Throughout the week, students engage in daily projects, guided by practicing artists and designers who have experience teaching middle school students.

YASP is structured to provide a comprehensive introduction to various artistic disciplines, encouraging students to explore new mediums and techniques. The week culminates in a student exhibition where family and friends can celebrate the young artists' creations. 

Location: California College of Arts, San Francisco, CA

Program Dates: August 5 - 9

Cost: $650

Eligibility: Middle School Students. 

Application Deadline: July 22

6. Public Art and Architecture

The Public Art and Architecture camp at the Center for Architecture in New York City offers middle school students a unique opportunity to explore how public art — such as sculptures, murals, and installations —transforms urban spaces. Throughout this week-long program, students will visit notable examples of public art in New York City and learn about similar works worldwide. 

In addition to exploring existing public art, participants will engage in 2D and 3D design activities that encourage them to think critically about the role of art in public spaces. For their final project, students will design and create a model of their public art installation, applying the concepts they’ve learned throughout the week. 

Location: Center for Architecture, LaGuardia Place, New York, NY

Program Dates: August 19 - 23

Cost: $725

Eligibility: Middle School Students are eligible.  

Application Deadline: NA

7. Digital Design – Neighborhoods 

The Digital Design – Neighborhoods camp at the Center for Architecture in New York City introduces middle school students to the fundamentals of urban planning and design. In this week-long program, participants will explore how planners and architects design vibrant communities by considering elements such as street layouts, building types, open spaces, and infrastructure.

Using examples from their neighborhoods and cities around the world, students will learn about the principles of urban design. They will then apply these concepts using 3D design software to create their ideal neighborhood. The program emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and the importance of thoughtful community planning. By the end of the week, individual projects will be combined to form a cohesive model of a neighborhood that reflects the students' collective vision.

Location: Center for Architecture, LaGuardia Place, New York, NY

Program Dates: August 12 - 16

Cost: $725

Eligibility: Middle School Students are eligible.  

Application Deadline: NA

8. UT Austin Summer Design Camps

This set of camps explores a wide range of creative technologies, from video game design and animation to theme park design and personal branding.  You’re free to pick any number of camps, to expand your interests or develop new ones. As you’ll learn, design is highly interdisciplinary– any practice/exposure makes you a better designer, and all skills will transfer to architectural practice. Each camp is designed to provide a fun, stimulating environment where creativity is encouraged, and skills are developed through hands-on projects. 

Participants will have access to state-of-the-art facilities at UT Austin’s School of Architecture, a prestigious program known for its innovative approach to design education. The small class sizes ensure that each student receives personalized attention, making it an ideal setting for those new to digital software or design concepts. By the end of the week, students will have created portfolio-worthy pieces, gained confidence in their abilities, and experienced a glimpse of college life.

In your week with them, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities, seasoned faculty mentorship, and a vibrant design community. It is a chance to interact with students, professors, and alumni, giving you a glimpse into college life – you may even return to UT Austin for your undergraduate studies! 

Location: UT Austin, Austin, TX 

Program Dates: Varies by camp. 

Cost: Ranges from $700 to $800, depending on the camp.

Eligibility: 8th grade students are eligible to apply. 

Application Deadline: March 31

One more option - The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program

The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.

The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure! 

To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at maya.novak-herzog@lumiere.education or go to our website. Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines, you can refer to this page!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.