Summer Design Academy
Immerse yourself in the world of design.
Architecture + Art Summer Design Academy for High School Students
Have a passion for design and creative projects? Want to learn how to make your art come to life and impact the world around you? We have the summer program for you!
Sunday, June 21 to Friday, June 26, 2026
Application Deadline: We are accepting applications until the camp is full. There have been quite a few inquiries about the Summer Design Academy, so we encourage you to apply early.
Norwich University's Architecture Summer Design Academy is a one-week, immersive, in-person course that teaches you the essentials of design thinking and architectural composition. Over the week, you'll design a small building, using drawings and models to communicate how it would be experienced and how it could be built. All materials will be provided.
Each day, you'll explore your project by applying a different modeling technique and architectural concept. Morning sessions are devoted to learning modeling tools, beginning with technical demonstrations by instructors, followed by labs in small studio teams. Afternoon sessions begin with lectures by Norwich Architecture professors, followed by individual project work time, and 1-on-1 desk critiques with instructors. You'll end with daily "pin-up" presentations to the class. At the end of the course, you'll have a portfolio of work you'll display and present at a public virtual exhibit attended by parents, professors, and local architects.
Activities
- Seminars
- Sketching and drafting
- Model building
- Guest lecturers
- Workshops
- Local Field Trips
Students will gain a broader view of the field, develop skills and portfolio materials, and be advised on the college application and portfolio-building processes.
The A+A Summer Design Academy is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. No experience is necessary, just come with a desire to learn and a curiosity about architecture.
The cost per student for this week-long program is $1,500, which includes meals, lodging, and required materials during the camp. A $300 deposit is required to complete registration.
Schedule
Subject to change:
Sunday: Orientation, 2-6 p.m. Eastern Time
Monday - Thursday: Daily Activities 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Eastern Time (Evening activities included)
Friday: Brunch and farewells, pickup: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Eastern Time
Requirements to apply
- Letter of recommendation from a non-family member.
- 500-word essay on the topic: Why you would like to attend the Summer Design Academy.
- A sketch, by you, of a real-life building. (Don’t worry if you are not yet an accomplished artist/architect - we want to see how you draw and see the world around you.)
More Questions?
Contact our Summer Design Academy Program Director, Tolya S. Stonorov, Associate Professor, Architecture + Art at 802-485-2620 or tstonoro@norwich.edu.
