Summer Springboard
Architecture
IN BERKELEY
EXPLORE ARCHITECTURE OPPORTUNITIES BY PREPARING A PORTFOLIO OF DESIGNS AND DISCOVERING LEADING FIRMS IN BERKELEY
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Architecture in Berkeley
- Develop a proposal for a new visitor center in Tilden Regional Park by working through all the steps in the process, from drawings to computer assisted designs.
- Design buildings, select materials and analyze the sustainability impact as you perform hands-on design simulations.
- Prepare a portfolio of your final presentation, including hand drawings and digital scale models.
- Visit professional firms and tour behind the scenes of local attractions to see the best examples of various architectural styles.
Summer Springboard
Architecture
About This Course
An architecture program for teens on a university campus in Berkeley
Are you thinking about a future in architecture or design? Whether you’re actively building your college application and portfolio, or simply curious about what it’s like to be an architect, the Summer Springboard Architecture Course offers a dynamic and immersive experience.
This course introduces foundational architectural concepts, design principles, and problem-solving methods related to the built environment—all within a collaborative, studio-style setting. As you work on a hands-on design project, you’ll gain insight into the academic journey toward an architecture degree, explore the daily responsibilities of architects, and learn about the wide range of career paths available in the field. This is the perfect opportunity to see if architecture is the right fit for you while building valuable skills for your future.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
In this immersive architecture course, students will design a proposal for a new visitor center in Tilden Regional Park, working through every stage from initial drawings to computer-assisted designs. They’ll select materials, evaluate sustainability, and create design simulations, culminating in a portfolio featuring hand drawings and digital models. This collaborative studio experience offers a practical introduction to architecture, helping students explore the field and develop valuable skills for their future.
Career Exploration
This course offers an immersive career exploration in architecture, guiding students through designing a new downtown building—from sketches to digital models—while selecting materials and analyzing sustainability. Students build a professional portfolio and gain firsthand experience through visits to leading San Francisco firms like Studio Sarah Wilmer, Aidlin Darling Design, and Studio O+A. They also explore innovative concepts like mimetic design through projects set in natural settings such as Tilden Regional Park. This program provides valuable insight into the architectural profession and helps students determine if this dynamic field is the right fit for their future.
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
Architecture
Meet Your Instructor
Dave is the principal of Dave Kesler Architecture and an award-winning San Francisco-based architect with over 30 years of experience and in private practice for 22 years. He is also an experienced industrial designer, watercolorist, and musician. His firm has designed over 200 projects ranging from high-end residential and multi-family housing to commercial and institutional work. Dave’s work has been published internationally and exhibited in the permanent collections of major museums. He has taught many different subjects in architecture for the last 20 years. Recently, he’s been an instructor at City College of San Francisco for the last 7 years, teaching architectural sketching and introduction to architecture classes. Dave holds his Master’s in Architecture from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Pratt Institute. While at Columbia, Dave was the Senior Editor of Précis 6, The Journal of The Graduate School of Architecture and Planning of Columbia University. His specialties include San Francisco architecture, interior design, land use planning, landscape architecture, Revit, AutoCAD, and 3-dimensional computer modeling.
DAVE KESLER
“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
Architecture
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 2: June 21 – July 3, 2026 |
| Session 4: July 5 – July 17, 2026 |
| Session 6: July 19 – July 31, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,998 |
| Commuter Tuition: $3,298 |
| Supplemental Fees: $250 |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: Berkeley |
| State: California |
| Campus: Berkeley |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly, NYSID and UW Foster 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.