What grade level is this architecture studio designed for?

This online architecture class is designed for students in grades 7–10 who are exploring an interest in architecture or spatial design. It is appropriate for middle school and early high school students who are curious about architecture and ready to work within structure. No prior architecture experience is required.

Is this a beginner architecture class?

Yes. The studio introduces foundational architectural design concepts, including scale, proportion, and spatial relationships. Students are expected to focus, follow through, and participate in critique.

Is this preparation for pre-college architecture programs?

For many families, this studio serves as an early step before applying to competitive pre-college architecture programs in 10th or 11th grade summers. It allows students to experience architectural discipline and model building before making larger commitments.

How is this different from architecture games or building toys?

Building sets, digital city simulators, and creative games are valuable exploratory tools. This studio introduces defined constraints, architectural thinking, structured critique, and project completion. Students move from play to process.

What platform is the class held on?

The studio is conducted live on Zoom. Students work in real time, receive feedback during the session, and participate in structured group critique.

What materials are required?

Students will need Bristol paper and pencils. A detailed supply list is provided upon registration.

How large is the group?

Group size is intentionally limited to 8 students to allow for individual feedback and meaningful critique.

What if my student decides architecture is not the right path?

That clarity is useful. The purpose of early structured exploration is not to lock in a career decision, but to test interest within real expectations. Understanding what is not a fit is as valuable as confirming what is.

Spring Studios

Four weeks.
Try something new.
Develop a real skill.
Create a finished piece.

Online Architecture Studio for Middle & Early High School Students.
Design. Build. Think in Three Dimensions.

A live, online group studio for middle and early high school students ready to explore architectural design in a focused, structured environment.

Students design and construct a three-dimensional architectural model while learning the fundamentals of shape, scale, proportion, and spatial relationships.

Reserve Your Spot

When Interest in Architecture Needs Structure

In 7th, 8th, and 9th grade, students begin forming early ideas about what they might want to study.

They experiment.
They build.
They notice what holds their attention.

Architecture is often one of those interests.

A student may design cities in a digital platform, build carefully measured structures with LEGO, or sketch buildings in a notebook. These are meaningful signs of spatial awareness and creative thinking.

But as a parent, curiosity raises questions.
Is this a passing interest — or something that deserves development?
What does architectural thinking actually require beyond building for fun?
Can my student work within structure, receive critique, and complete a defined project?

Without structure, it is difficult to answer those questions.

Interests can linger for years without direction. College conversations can start before skills are tested. Students may express enthusiasm without ever experiencing real expectations.

By 10th and 11th grade, those gaps matter. College pathways narrow. Standards rise. The time for experimentation shrinks.

It is better to introduce discipline before pressure escalates. This studio does that.

Students work within defined constraints.
They receive direct critique.
They move from concept to completion.

You gain clarity about their interest, their follow-through, and their readiness while there is still time to adjust direction thoughtfully.

Join the Architecture Studio

What This Architecture Studio Includes

This is a live online architecture class led by Abigail Zola.

Students meet weekly on Zoom and work in real time.

Each student:

Develops an original architectural concept
Translates sketches into spatial plans
Constructs a three-dimensional physical model
Receives structured design critique

By the end of the studio, students complete a portfolio-ready architectural model suitable for future architecture portfolio preparation.

Architecture: Design and build a 3D model

Abigail Zola earned her BFA in Interior Architecture from The Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at The George Washington University, where she received the Juror's Choice Award for her capstone project. She went on to complete her Master of Architecture (MArch) with Honors from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). At RISD, Abigail worked at the Arts and Language Center, helping students refine their portfolios through layout design, visual hierarchy, and clear project descriptions. This has prepared her to help students with their college application essays and other written materials.

Meet Your Coach, Abigail.

Abigail Zola
Architecture & Design Coach

A Practical First Step Toward Architecture

For students considering architecture, or families evaluating whether architecture is a serious path, this studio is for you!

Architecture Studio FAQs

This online architecture class is designed for students in grades 7–10 who are exploring an interest in architecture or spatial design.
No prior architecture experience is required.
Does your student love building with LEGO, Roblox or SimCity?
Do they love world building?
Do they build sets or props for their school productions?
This is a great opportunity to build a 3D model and learn if architecture is a field that interests them.
Yes.
The studio introduces foundational architectural design concepts, including scale, proportion, and spatial relationships.
Students are expected to focus, follow through, and participate in critique.
For many families, this studio serves as an early step before applying to competitive pre-college architecture programs in 10th or 11th grade summers.
It allows students to experience architectural discipline and model building before making a larger commitments.
Building sets, digital city simulators, and creative games are valuable exploratory tools.
This studio introduces new expectations: defined constraints, architectural thinking, structured critique, and project completion.
Students move from play to process.
The studio is conducted live on Zoom.
Students work in real time, receive feedback during the session, participate in structured group critique, and communicate with their coach and other students via text or Discord between sessions.
• Bristol paper
• Pencils
Group size is intentionally limited to 8 students to allow for individual feedback and meaningful critique.
That clarity is useful.
The purpose of early structured exploration is not to lock in a career decision, but to test interest within real expectations.
Understanding what is not a fit is as valuable as confirming what is.