Architecture at UC Berkeley

Introduces architectural ideas, design principles, and methods of exploring problems of the built environment in a collaborative studio setting.

Program Highlights

Develop a proposal for a new downtown building 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.

Residential Tuition:
$5,698

Extended Commuter Tuition:
$3,698

Commuter Tuition:
$3,098

Session 1:
June 18, 2023 June 30, 2023 Session Full

Session 2:
July 2, 2023 July 14, 2023 Session Full

Session 3:
July 16, 2023 July 28, 2023 Session Full

University of California at Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

Course Overview

Are you considering a career in architecture or design? Are you working on your college application and portfolio? Or are you simply curious about what it is like to be an architect?
The Summer Springboard architecture course for high school students introduces architectural ideas, design principles, and methods of exploring problems of the built environment in a collaborative studio setting. While working on a design project you will learn about the academic path to an architectural degree, the day-to-day work of an architect, and the career opportunities.

Excursions at UC Berkeley – Students may visit Stantec, one of the world’s top-tier design engineering firms. At Mission Bay, Stantec is helping the University of California, San Francisco transform cancer care. In Golden Gate Park, they partnered to design the California Academy of Sciences, one of the world’s greenest museums.

Meet your instructor

Dave Kesler, Architect, AIA

Architecture

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.

Learn more

Topics you'll explore

Course Structure

There are nine 3-hour class sessions over the two-week course. During week one, students have class from 9am-12pm, Monday - Friday. During week two students have class from 9am-12pm Monday through Thursday. Wednesday afternoons are dedicated to additional academic time (excursions, speakers).

Career Exploration

This summer's excursions will include a visit to Inspiration Point to study landscape and the outdoors. Students will tour significant architectural works in the area and possibly meet professionals from local architectural firms.