STUDIO FIRST 2025: Now accepting applications
“STUDIO FIRST offered me a fantastic opportunity to explore a potential career shift into the field of architecture without committing to a three-year master’s degree. The course provides a thorough introduction to studying and working in architecture by combining lectures, studio time, portfolio preparation, workshops and guest speakers in an effective way. As someone with no background in a creative field, I found the course to be challenging yet manageable. Above all, I am especially appreciative of the care and dedication of the teaching and administrative staff running STUDIO FIRST. Thank you so much for such a lovely experience!”
What is STUDIO FIRST?
STUDIO FIRST is a full-time five-week studio in architectural design for students with no formal background in architecture who want to pursue graduate studies in architecture, urban design, or landscape architecture.
The program provides a post-baccalaureate bridge from an undergraduate degree in any field toward an accredited professional degree program in architecture.
STUDIO FIRST will help you create a competitive portfolio for application to a three-year master of architecture program or any environmental design field.
Participants receive a box of art supplies; work on three separate studio projects; attend lectures on architectural theory and practice; learn how to use key digital media tools; participate in workshops on portfolio preparation and graduate school applications; enjoy individual attention and guidance, receive access to recorded lectures until October 31, 2025, and receive a Certificate of Completion.
You will work on your graduate school portfolio under the supervision of our studio instructors, experience studio culture, and network with like-minded participants. The program will help you determine if architecture is the right path to follow.
English-speaking students from all countries are welcome.
Work by 2024 STUDIO FIRST participants
Who is STUDIO FIRST FOR?
1. You have a four-year undergraduate degree in any field, or are currently enrolled, but wonder whether architecture and design are the career for you.
2. Students already in architecture, environmental design, conservation, or urban design, who are applying to graduate programs to gain a professional degree. You may need to improve your portfolio or augment your design studies.
3. International students who want to learn how to create a suitable portfolio for application to schools in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia.
4. Students who have already been accepted to the MArch 1 program and want to shorten the learning curve in the first year.
5. Students with a three-year undergraduate degree or highly motivated high school students preparing to apply to undergraduate studies in architecture.
6. Anybody wishing to explore an interest in architecture and developing new ways of thinking, seeing, and making.
Work by 2024 STUDIO FIRST participants
STUDIO FIRST alumni receive offers from top schools
STUDIO FIRST alumni have been accepted to top schools across North America, the UK, and Australia. They include Carleton University, The Bartlett, MIT, SCI-Arc, Pratt Institute, University of Edinburgh, University of Toronto, Rice University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Dalhousie University, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, University of Manitoba, Arizona State University, Kendall College of Art and Design, New York Institute of Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Houston, University of Melbourne, University of Pennsylvania, University of Washington, and Washington University in St. Louis.
