Summer Springboard

Middle School Architecture

ON THE CAMPUS OF UC BERKELEY

THIS PROGRAM COMBINES ACADEMIC COURSES, INTERACTIVE LABS, AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO GIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS A SUPPORTIVE, FUN, AND ENRICHING SUMMER EXPERIENCE.

Middle School Architecture @ Berkeley

  • Observe and sketch key architectural features while exploring Berkeley’s historic campus.
  • Learn green building principles and sustainability in architecture.
  • Use architectural CAD tools for digital design development.
  • Be inspired by Berkeley’s architectural history and urban design.
  • Visit professionals and explore real-world architecture on field trips around the Bay Area.
  • Create a design project using quick sketching and hands-on drawing techniques.

Summer Springboard

Middle School Architecture

About This Course

Students in this program will be introduced to the creative world of architecture through the lens of Berkeley’s rich architectural tapestry, where every building students may visit tells a story.

Your budding architect will explore fundamental design principles, sustainability concepts, and the interplay between buildings and community. Armed with sketchpad and pencil, students will be challenged with a design project of their own creation while spending time in the field learning basic field drawing and quick sketching.

Students will develop their spatial thinking, creative problem-solving skills, and their understanding of the built environment around them. This program caters to students with varying design abilities, fostering a supportive environment where each student can grow and express their unique architectural vision.

Student tuition supplement will cover the cost of learning materials that include drafting equipment, sketchbooks, and sketching supplies (for them to keep).

TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE

Hands-on Learning

Students will have the opportunity to engage with highly accomplished specialists in this field. Hands-on learning is experienced through company visits in and around the incredible Bay Area. Outside of course specific studies the students will explore all that Berkeley has to offer! With so much rich history, breathtaking sights, parks and famed landmarks at our fingertips there is something for everyone to discover!

RESOURCES

Course Infosheet

Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.

Program Catalog

Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.

Campus Page

Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.

“The program’s curriculum was thoughtfully designed, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical exercises and studio work. We had access to valuable resources and received guidance from renowned faculty members who fostered a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Engaging in stimulating discussions, exploring innovative design concepts, and participating in architectural field trips enriched the experience further.”

– Liyah A. | SSB Architecture Alumni Student

Summer Springboard

Middle School Architecture

Meet Your Instructor

Sam is a designer and artist residing in the Bay Area. Sam holds her Masters in Architecture from UC Berkeley and her Bachelors of Fine Art from the School of Art Institute of Chicago.

She specializes in interior architecture, furniture design and fine arts. She is passionate about the integration of history, architecture and the built environment. She has experience teaching at UC Berkeley in both art history and architecture studios. Prior to starting her own studio, she has worked in both interior design and architecture, previously working for AvroKO in San Francisco and Neri & Hu in Shanghai, China.

SAMANTHA HSIEH

“The Emergency Medicine Track 100% confirmed that science is what I want to study in college, and that I want to be on the Pre-Med track. I did in fact mention the program in my application more than once. I made sure to include it in my activities section as well as two essays for two different colleges.”

-J. Disco | Alumni Student

Summer Springboard

Middle School Architecture

Dates & Tuition

2025 Dates
Session 3: July 20 – July 25, 2025

Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.

Tuition
 Residential Tuition: $2,898
 Commuter Tuition: $1,498

Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.

Location
 City: Berkeley
 State: California
Campus: UC Berkeley

Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.