by Lisa Mazzola, Director of Education
The Center for Architecture and AIA New York joined forces once again to host the sixth annual Discover Architecture Career Exploration program for New York City high school students. In 2024, the Center for Architecture saw increased interest in the program, with over 100 applications resulting in 38 New York City high school sophomores and juniors, from 27 schools, being placed in 22 architecture firms across Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Past AIANY President Hayes Slade, AIA, led the launch Discover Architecture in 2019 as a three-day immersive career exploration experience for high schoolers interested in architecture and design. The 2024 program consisted of a three-day externship at an architecture office followed by a culminating design charrette at the Center for Architecture, led by Design Educators Breanna Katsman and Tim Hayduk. The program also included a virtual student and firm orientation session to address questions and prepare everyone for the experience.
Although many of the students are able to cement their interest in the field because of the experience, the program’s goal is not only to expose students to the profession of architecture and design, but also to allow them the opportunity to see the types of activities that take place and the skillsets that are called upon by firm staff. For many students, the exposure to friendly professionals who were eager to share their professional path was just as valuable:
“It was amazing working with all the talented architects. The experience was so much fun and so fulfilling.”
“I had no idea how much communication played a part in the work that architects and designers do.”
“I am grateful for the help in understanding the work that goes into architecture. It really helped me think about my future.”
“I learned so much about the career, from software to site visits and more. I am truly grateful to have had this opportunity to learn more about architecture and to have met so many talented people.”
“Thank you for being so transparent with me about your job.”
Many thanks to the firms and their colleagues who participated in the program. Your energy and enthusiasm are what makes this program a success!
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Architecture in Formation Architecture Outfit Architecture Research Office (ARO) COOKFOX Architects Curtis + Ginsberg Architects Dattner Architects DLR Group FXCollaborative Gensler GLUCK+ Grimshaw HLW International LLP Marble Fairbanks Architects Matiz Architecture & Design MBB Architects Mitchell Giurgola Rice+Lipka Architects Sage and Coombe Architects Shakespeare, Gordon, Vlado: Architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Spacesmith TenBerke
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Schools:
Bard High School Early College Queens Brooklyn Technical High School Business Technology Early College HS Columbia Secondary School Fordham Preparatory School Forest Hills High School Frank McCourt High School Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School High School of American Studies at Lehman College High School of Art & Design High School of Math Science and Engineering at City College Hunter College High School Institute for Collaborative Education LaGuardia High School Midwood High School New Utrecht High School Notre Dame Academy High School Quad Preparatory School Queen’s HS for the Sciences at York College Queen’s Technical High School School of the Future St. Mary’s High School Staten Island Technical High School Stuyvesant High School The Beacon School The Bronx High School of Science United Nations International School
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If you’re interested in participating in the 2025 Discover Architecture program, contact us at discoverarch@centerforarchitecture.org.