A career exploratory program for Grade 10-12 students interested in architecture, design, urbanism, and building a portfolio. Taught by instructors from Carleton’s architecture school, the fun and intensive workshops introduce students to the culture of design studio. Participants will gain experience and skills in design thinking and making and representing creative ideas.
Taking part in Imagine Architecture is rewarding and fun. The program aims to give students the tools to represent their ideas and develop their creative skill set. They are invited to do so by making proposals and investigating new possibilities. Along the way, students are exposed to computer-based three-dimensional modeling and hand techniques. They discuss their work with others. The emphasis is on learning by doing. Graduates of Imagine Architecture have the material and skills for the portfolios needed to apply for any design program in North America. The experience gives participants insight into what it’s like to be an architecture student.
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Imagine Architecture currently has 0 program available; 2 TBD.
Arts & Crafts|Drawing|Mixed Media|Painting|Photography|3D Design|Technology|Makerspace|Architecture
Registration Details
Each stand-alone lab can be completed independently and requires no previous training. For those who want a more fulsome experience, labs 101, 102, and 103 are designed as a sequence that builds successively on knowledge, confidence, and skills. You can register for any one or two of the labs or you can register for all three to gain a thorough, immersive experience. There is a discount for the three-lab option. Spaces are limited. Register early to avoid disappointment. Registration is complete after you have filled in the form and paid tuition. You will receive an information package several weeks before the start of the program.
Programs that mimic real-world experiences are definitely more engaging and interesting for kids. Imagine Architecture is a unique program for high-school aged kids, held at the Architecture building at Carleton University and taught by professors, giving kids that “university experience”. Focused on architecture, design, and urbanism, this program fosters design thinking and creativity in the architecture space. Whether kids are interested in architecture or design as a career choice, or just want this experience for fun or a challenge, Imagine Architecture’s program prepares kids for university and helps foster personal growth. The workshops can be intensive, but there is an element of fun. In the end, kids can develop a portfolio, and teaching staff are willing to help with applications and answer questions around admissions. Kids come out of Imagine Architecture well prepared and knowing what to expect after high school if they were to pursue architecture as a career.
Transcript of our interview with Peter, Imagine Architecture: Parent Interview with Peter Georgopoulos
What's unique about the program at Imagine Architecture that made you want to enroll your child there?
The Imagine Architecture program offered a glimpse of what architecture studies might be at Carleton, and so he was interested in design and that, so we thought, you know, why not try this and get an opportunity to see what the program might be like.
Was Imagine Architecture your child's first experience with camp?
Going back to his experience with the mini enrichment, I think he got a little bit of a taste of it at that time. And then, obviously, it's been a few years since grade 8. He did it in the summer from grade 10 to grade 11. So he obviously had some other ideas of what he might want to do. And so definitely, it was sort of a build-on to what he had seen previously.
Was there any change or noticeable personal growth you saw in your child after time at Imagine Architecture camp?
I definitely found he had a little bit more focus in terms of, you know, okay, well, I get it, I need to take a few courses like this, and it's to prepare me to go to university, and when I get there I have an idea of what I might be studying. So definitely, it gave him a little bit of focus.
Once you get some information, then it also helps you be more comfortable with what your decision is going to be. So I think he's feeling positive about either architecture or potentially industrial design as well, which is another great program that Carleton has as well.
If you hadn't sent your child to Imagine Architecture, what's the most important personal growth that they would've missed out on?
It's one thing to think you want to do something and to be told it's a good idea or you should do this, and it's another thing to actually have an experience. And so for a young adult to actually have that experience, that university type of experience at a younger age, I think it really provides a framework for a decision that they can make for the future.
How can a parent support their child to get the most out of Imagine Architecture?
As a parent, we want our kids to be exposed to as many opportunities as possible, and so I feel encouraging your son or daughter to take advantage of opportunities where you can learn a little bit more about different areas of study or careers is definitely something that, as a parent, I think you want to encourage your child to do.
What does your child say about Imagine Architecture, either to you, or that you may have heard them say to friends or others?
He found that designing floor plans and then having to actually make a model of it, and just the experience of having the instruction by current students or recently graduated students, I think, is a good way to have someone feel, okay, they're in it now and I understand what they're going through, and it gives it a good spin in terms of encouraging you to see how it could be in a few years from now.
Any final thoughts on Imagine Architecture?
Imagine Architecture gave my son a little bit of focus in terms of thinking about what he wants to pursue as his post-secondary education. I did notice that it gave him a little bit of something to look forward to in terms of his university education going forward.
He's actually keen on continuing with the next lab, the 102, which is a continuation of the one he took last summer. So I think it was a positive experience and definitely something that I would encourage any student that was interested in design or architecture to pursue.
My daughter got so much information and inspiration to explore and work with new materials. And, she made a lot of friends too.
2025 parent, Parent
An enriching experience
I witnessed genuine growth in his confidence, curiosity, and creativity in just a few short days. He came home excited each evening to share what he had learned and built—clearly inspired by the environment, the instructors, and the thoughtful programming ...Show More
2024 participant, Camper
"Thankful I took this camp"
Knowing virtually nothing about architecture, I’m very thankful I took this camp. My preconceptions were completely wrong and I’m glad we got to complete a wide variety of projects so I really got an idea of what students and professionals in this field work on from day to day ...Show More
2024 participant, Camper
Invaluable portfolio session
The portfolio session was invaluable in getting a better idea of what kinds of works we should submit. The instructors gave some very thoughtful insights and I appreciated the opportunity to see examples.
2024 participant, Camper
Best part of my summer
These two weeks have been the best part of my summer. I appreciate all the information, guidance, questions answered and conversations. Thank you for giving me this amazing experience, for giving challenges, and pushing me to keep going and exploring. ...Show More
2025 participant, Camper
A wonderful start to summer
it was truly a unique experience that exposed me to this completely new world, in a comfortable and exciting way. Overall, it was a wonderful way to start my summer and I can't wait to go back next year.
2025 participant, Camper
Creative and critical thinking
I loved the environment, and it really got me excited to attend architecture school. I enjoyed the courses and assignments, because it really was a good exercise for creative and critical thinking
2025 participant, Camper
"Amazing instructors"
I had a lot of fun, the instructors were amazing and very supportive, and the feedback was amazing! I loved the space and activities. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in architecture.
2025 participant, Camper
Back for a second year
This was my second year participating in Imagine Architecture, and it continued to deepen my understanding of architecture through new challenges and opportunities. and I could not be more satisfied with my experience.
2025 participant, Camper
Gave insight on studying architecture
My experience at Imagine Architecture was amazing. It helped me to get a better insight on architecture courses, what's needed when applying to certain schools, how to use digital apps, and make physical models.
Artistic, technical, and socially embedded within complex networks, architecture as a career is equal parts demanding and rewarding! Imagine Architecture strives to open doors into the creative problem-solving process and working methodologies of the design professional through a hands-on, intensive, and fun workshop-based learning environment. By challenging preconceptions and asking important questions about the built environment that surrounds us, the workshops will enrich your critical thinking skills and allow you to begin building a portfolio of spatially imaginative investigations — an essential part of the future application process to architecture schools worldwide.
Staff and Counsellors
Imagine Architecture takes place in Carleton University's School of Architecture during the summer recess. Faculty direct the program, which is taught by graduates and master's students with strong design skills and teaching experience. They are supported by talented studio assistants from the undergraduate program who have a lively understanding of the needs of current high school students and can answer their questions about the Bachelor of Architectural Studies program. The teaching team cultivates a friendly and supportive atmosphere, giving each student personal attention to help them gain experience and skills in design thinking and making and representing their creative ideas.
Carleton University 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Property Details
Landscape
Lake/Pond/River
More details about property: Building 22 at Carleton University is much more than a fine example of the late-1960s Brutalist architecture. The Architecture Building contains dynamic spatial relationships that display a clear commitment to the exchange of ideas, vitality of community, and democratic ideals. As a purpose-built architecture school, it acts both as a pedagogical tool and a model environment for creative learning.
Accommodations
More details about accommodations: Out-of-town students have the option to stay on-campus in a student residence. If they are under 18, they must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. Accommodation is not included in the tuition fee.
Are meals provided?
Yes.
Is Imagine Architecture technology free?
Students are introduced to digital design programs.
Jerry Hacker
Faculty Advisor
Assistant Professor Jerry Hacker teaches at the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism. He is a registered architect and founder of hACT, an ideas-based practice employing research through design to investigate, situate, and construct architecture as infrastructure. Previously, Jerry spent 13 years as a senior associate and design leader with the critically acclaimed firm MBAC. During his time with MBAC, the practice was recognized with over 30 national and international peer-reviewed awards for design excellence. His experience in weaving together design intention, building construction, and practice motivates his teaching philosophy in courses such as design studio, advanced-building systems, and structures.
Daphne Stams
Coordinator and Instructor
Daphne Stams is entering the final year of the three-year Master of Architecture program at Carleton University. With a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of British Columbia, Daphne is curious about how space is organized and its impact on social and environmental structures. Critical analysis drives Daphne’s approach to design, and her background inspires her to actively consider different disciplines and perspectives. Daphne’s designs are also informed by her passion for making, in which she experiments with mixed media to create complex visual presentations in both 2D and 3D. Daphne regularly engages in model-making, photography, geographic information system representations, collage, and analogue illustration.
Adonis Lau
Instructor
Adonis Lau is a recent graduate of the Master of Architecture program at Carleton University, where he also earned a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Design.) Adonis is a Research Associate and Head of Digital Software Exploration and Digital Fabrication at the CSALT Lab. Here, he works in the hybrid space of digital design and fabrication with a focus on the integration of industrial robotic workflows into architectural processes. Adonis approaches the design-to-fabrication workflow using a range of software and state-of-the-art hardware tools to turn designs into reality. He also has experience working in institutional and community-focused architecture.
Sam Lane-Smith
Instructor
Sam Lane-Smith is a multidisciplinary designer and maker who brings the joy of craft into his work. His studio design work has won awards and has been featured in Building 22 – Carleton’s architecture design publication. Sam’s research revolves around how we know through making and its relationship to architectural design. Alongside his architecture design work, Sam has an art practice making copper tree sculptures, one of which was recently presented as a ceremonial gift from the Government of Canada to the Haida Nation. His knowledge of making and physical design complements the range of technical drawing and abstract thinking skills required in architecture.
Noah Chatel
Studio Assistant
Noah Chatel is entering the third year of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Design) program at Carleton University. He is passionate about learning and developing his design skills. He enjoys sharing knowledge as an assistant in the school’s Fab-Lab, where he helps print student work. When he was in high school, Noah attended all three weeks of Imagine Architecture. “I loved my experience,” he says. “It completely solidified my interest in architecture. In return, I would love to offer the same kind of experience to the next generation and provide a clear perspective on Carleton’s BAS program.”
If you want to get into architecture school or any other university or college design program, you will need a strong portfolio.
"Your portfolio is the tool you should have as a creative individual to present yourself and your work to architecture schools, and in the future, to your potential employers," says past Imagine Architecture instructor Maya Jarrah. "The purpose of the portfolio is not only to show that you can use a certain software, but most importantly to represent your creative process, how you see the world, think critically and how you interpret your ideas."
Imagine Architecture LABs 101, 102, and 103 will help participants generate portfolio material by teaching creative design skills and providing guidance.
"The Imagine Architecture LABs aim to teach you ways of preparing a portfolio, by explaining what work you should show, how to curate your work, and by showing examples of successful portfolios," says Jarrah.
For those who want to explore a range of media and scales, LABs 101, 102 and 103 are designed as a sequence, to build skills and confidence, and to prepare students for application to undergraduate programs in architecture. For those who prefer to take only one LAB, each is designed independently, and requires no previous training.
"As someone who was excited yet overwhelmed by the creation of a portfolio application to the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) at Carleton, I am certain that I would have appreciated the insights that the Imagine Architecture Program provides on the process," says Shelby Hagerman, who taught Imagine Architecture in the past.
"We will review the portfolio and other application requirements for the program as well as successful portfolio submissions," says Hagerman. "However, what is most important and valuable about Imagine Architecture LABs are the hands-on design exercises that aim to engage and spark the kinds of thoughtful drawings and models that portfolio reviewers search for."
Working from home is an excellent opportunity for students to immerse themselves in their surroundings. Facing a new reality, how do we observe and interpret the world around us? Although we are living in a socially-distanced world, working in the space you have can be a creative opportunity.
Students should set-up a studio spot at home to have a designated work area. Provide space to spread out, but also stay organized. The workspace can get messy quickly, so we want to be sure to put tools away properly and manage the space well.
Supplies to work with throughout the course can be purchased online as well as scavenged throughout the house. An assortment of material is encouraged.
Shopping list: sketchbooks, large and small, basswood sticks, glue stick or glue, felt-tip pens, Prismacolor pencils or oil pastels, drafting kit.
Scavenger list: Twine, thread, wire, string, Small wood blocks, Ephemera (sheet music, book pages, newspaper bits, pieces of packaging), cardboard, small objects (machine pieces, figures, spools), measuring tape, scissors, etc.
Social Feeds
Thank you for using Camps.ca —An Our Kids platform. Trusted by Families since 1998.
Thank you for your interest in Imagine Architecture. They will be in touch with you shortly.
