Building Creative Pathways for the Next Generation of Designers

The Designing My Future K-12 Camp Series introduces students ages 6 – 18 years old to architecture and design thinking through hands-on camps led by architects and industry professionals.

The 2026 program is expanding with new themes and partnerships, while continuing immersive studio learning and accessible pathways for future architects and designers.

The built environment shapes how we live, learn, and connect. Through the Designing My Future K‑12 Camp Series, the Architecture and Design Foundation is enabling students across North Texas explore the world of architecture and design while discovering how their own ideas can shape the cities of tomorrow.

Launched in 2020 by practicing architects working alongside K‑12 educators, these camps introduce design thinking to students ages 6–18 years old through immersive, hands‑on experiences. Campers tackle creative challenges, learn the fundamentals of architecture, and connect with professionals across the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.

As the program continues to grow, we are excited for 2026 as we bring together new opportunities, partnerships, and expanded learning experiences for students at every age level.

What’s New in 2026?

Themes Across All Age Groups

In 2026, the camp series will introduce shared themes across all age groups – from elementary to high school. While projects remain tailored to age‑appropriate skill levels, overarching concepts will allow students to explore similar ideas from different perspectives.

This approach encourages cross‑generational creativity, where younger students bring imaginative thinking and older students apply deeper problem‑solving skills. By connecting these ideas across camps, the program reinforces that design thrives when everyone’s perspective is valued.

The Spring Design Relay

A new highlight for the year is the Designing My Future Camps: Spring Design Relay, an interactive exercise where students build upon ideas created by others. Each group contributes to a design challenge, passing concepts from one age group to the next.

The result is a collaborative project that mirrors the real‑world design process where architects, engineers, planners, and community members all contribute to shaping the final outcome.

Expanding Partnerships

Collaboration is at the heart of the Designing My Future program, and 2026 will introduce new partnerships that broaden students’ exposure to the built environment and related creative disciplines.

Current & Past partnerships include:

• Texas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (Texas ASLA)
• Nasher Sculpture Center
• University of Texas at Arlington College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (UTA CAPPA)

These collaborations introduce students to a wider spectrum of careers and ideas from landscape architecture and sculpture to urban planning and academic research.

National Support

The program’s growth is also supported at the national level and has received grants from the AIA College of Fellows (2024) and Architecture Week (2026) initiatives. These resources help ensure more students can access meaningful design education experiences.

What We Will Continue

Architect and Design Educator Led Sessions

Each camp is guided by practicing architects, design professionals, and educators who volunteer their time and expertise. Students learn directly from those shaping the built environment today, gaining insight into the real processes behind architecture and construction.

These professionals create a studio‑like learning environment where campers engage in collaborative problem‑solving, peer‑to‑peer learning, and creative exploration.

For older students interested in pursuing architecture or design degrees, the camps also provide opportunities to produce portfolio‑quality work that demonstrates their creative thinking and design abilities.

Firm Visits & Field Trips

Design education doesn’t stay inside the classroom.

Students visit architecture firms across Dallas ranging from small studios to internationally recognized practices; where professionals open their doors to provide immersive tours and conversations about the profession.

Field trips also explore landmarks and innovative buildings throughout downtown Dallas and the broader DFW region, allowing students to experience architecture in the real world and understand how design impacts everyday life.

Engaging, Hands‑On Learning

Hands‑on creativity remains a cornerstone of the program. Campers might participate in design challenges, 3D modeling exercises, scavenger hunts, or building projects that transform ideas into physical forms.

Activities are carefully designed to match age‑appropriate learning styles, ensuring students from elementary school to high school can meaningfully engage with architectural concepts.

Just as important is accessibility. The camp series continues to maintain one of the lowest costs of entry among after-school and summer youth programs, with scholarships and discounts available to ensure financial barriers do not limit participation.

Where We Are Going

As we continue to grow, our goal is to bring an educator onto staff to support curriculum development and improve consistency across all camps. This role will help maintain high‑quality instruction while expanding the program’s capacity to serve more students.

Future growth will also focus on increasing partnerships with organizations and professionals who shape the built environment.

Architecture is just one part of a larger ecosystem that includes engineering, landscape architecture, construction, urban planning, and public policy. By connecting students with experts across these fields, the program will offer a more comprehensive understanding of how cities are designed and built.

Inspiring the Designers of Tomorrow

At its core, Designing My Future is about empowerment through creativity. Students learn that design is not just about buildings, it’s about problem‑solving, collaboration, and imagining better communities.

Through hands‑on exploration, mentorship from industry professionals, and opportunities to experience the architecture of Dallas firsthand, these camps help young people see themselves as future creators of the world around them.

And for many campers, that first design challenge may be the beginning of a lifelong journey into architecture and the built environment.