At the NSLC on Architecture, live the life of an architect as you take a building project from idea to reality. From hand-drawing, CAD, and model-making, to structural analysis, selecting building materials, and employing cutting-edge technology, you and your peers will make the big decisions that go into designing buildings. Working closely with the faculty at leading architecture schools you will gain insight into the careers available within architecture and the challenges and opportunities facing architects today.
Program Highlights
Design for the community
Develop a project timeline and follow real-world building constraints to create floor plans and models of a new public-use space.
Architecture tours
Get up close with major sights and historic building styles through a specialized tour of the city.
Interactive design workshops
Learn how to effectively plan buildings and select materials through hand-drawing, CAD, and model-making.
Meet the professionals
Leading architects, engineers, and art historians working in the industry speak to you about the newest technology, the history of architecture, and modern design techniques.
Dates & Locations
Note: Space is limited. Please login to the online application to see up-to-date session availability.

Georgetown University
- June 17 - June 25
- June 29 - July 7
- July 12 - July 20
Hands-On Simulations
At the NSLC you will learn the skills of professional architects as you participate in a variety of hands-on workshops and design projects.
Topics include:
- Create designs using hand-drawing and CAD and bring them to life in a model-making workshop
- Test the limits of structural engineering
and design - Experiment with innovative materials
Visit Iconic Buildings
While in D.C., you will visit some of the nation’s most iconic buildings and learn about the architectural styles and techniques that influenced their designs.
Examples include:

Washington National Cathedral

Library of Congress

National Archives Building

National Museum of the American Indian

Eisenhower Executive Office Building

Union Station
Exclusive Guest Speakers
While at the NSLC, you will meet with and learn from professional architects, structural engineers and designers as you discover the opportunities awaiting you in the architecture field.
Examples of past guest speakers include:
Mr. Carlos J. Cardoso
Partner, Director of Construction Administration, Beyer Blinder Belle
Ms. Erica Hartmann
Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University
Ms. Jeanne Marie Gath
Principal, Pfeiffer Partners Architects
Mr. Mark Regulinski
Partner, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP
Mr. John R. Sorrenti
President, JRS Architect, PC
Mr. Mark Hartmann
Architect, Harley Ellis Devereaux
Dr. Karen Chou
Clinical Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University
Ms. Paola Gomez-Pineiro
Architect, GREC Architects
Dr. David Corr
Associate Clinical Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University
Mr. Chip Von Weise
Principal and Founder, Von Weise Associates
Mr. Juan Gabriel Moreno
Principal, JGMA Architects
Mr. Adam Rubin
Director of Interpretation, Chicago Architecture Center
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
An important part of the NSLC summer high school architecture program is seeing the sites around one of the world’s greatest architectural cities. These trips are designed as both sightseeing tours and exclusive educational trips specifically tailored to the area of architecture.
These trips may include:
Georgetown University
The School of Architecture and Planning at The Catholic University of America | School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation at the University of Maryland | Active Construction Site Tour | Architectural Firm Visit | ARTECHOUSE | D.C. Design Tour | Maryland Institute College of Art | Capitol Hill & The Smithsonian | Historic D.C. Monuments at Night
Leadership Training
At the heart of each of our youth leadership programs is a curriculum designed to build concrete leadership skills that will help you succeed. Interactive lectures and small-group workshops will give you an opportunity to build upon your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
Leadership topics tailored to the Architecture program include:
- Personality Styles and Group Dynamics
- Conflict Resolution
- Negotiation
- Public Speaking
- Intrapersonal Communication
College Credit Option
American University (AU) and NSLC have a unique partnership that enables you to earn college credit by enrolling in a supplemental online course designed to correlate with your NSLC program’s area of study. By enrolling in this credit course, you will enjoy a stimulating, innovative, and personalized college-level learning experience that builds on your NSLC accomplishments. The course is for one credit and is taught in a self-paced, asynchronous format across six weeks, allowing ample time to complete assignments. The course is designed to work within the framework of NSLC; students are not expected to complete coursework while on campus. Students may register for college credit via their personal student portal (myNSLC) once they have enrolled in an NSLC session.
Click here to learn more about this opportunity.
Tuition
Program tuition includes housing, all on-campus meals, course materials, academic expenses, and activities. Tuition also includes chartered, air-conditioned motor coaches for off-campus briefings and tours. Note: Students are responsible for the cost of travel to and from the program as well as individual spending money for souvenirs, laundry, and a few off-campus meals during fields trips and tours.
Click here to view our cancellation and refund policy.
Location | Tuition |
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Washington, D.C. | $3,695 |