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Get £300 off any Summer Experience booking before midnight 1st April! Use code 300EASTER at checkout.

Get £300 off any Summer Experience booking before midnight 1st April! Use code 300EASTER at checkout.

The Young Architect Summer Experience

The Ultimate Work Experience in Architecture in London

InvestIN Education
InvestIN Education

The Young Architect Summer Experience

The Ultimate Work Experience in Architecture in London

Overview

Easter Promotion: You can get £300 off any Summer Experience if you book before midnight on Monday 1st April, using the code 300EASTER.

Join us for the ultimate work experience for aspiring architects in London this summer, for students aged 15-18.

Over the course of two weeks, students will get to step into the shoes of an architect working in London, through a range of immersive career simulations and exclusive professional site visits. Visit leading architecture firms, design your own sustainable structure and pitch your ideas to a panel of architects in an iconic London venue.

By taking part in this InvestIN programme, students will expand their professional network and experience life at University College London (UCL). Our architecture summer school in London offers students the opportunity to experience their dream career, whilst strengthening their university applications.

Register now for a life-changing experience that will set you up for a future as a successful architect, or contact us to find out more. 

Read all highights

Immersive Architectural Experiences:
  • Visit top architecture and urban design firms such as Foster and Partners
  • Design your own sustainable structure using the latest architectural software: BIM technology, virtual reality and more
  • Complete a series of projects in a studio setting using architectural sketching tools and design techniques, under the guidance of senior architects
  • Pitch your final designs to a panel of architects and get feedback on your work
  • Exercise your curatorial skills by hosting an exhibition of your work and have leading architects attend a private viewing
  • Private networking session with experienced architects from a range of specialisms
Meet Senior Architects:
  • Be coached through the immersive experiences with architects from world-renowned firms specialising in residential, commercial, urban design and more
  • Private networking sessions with these professionals, who can become vital connections for your future career
Career Coaching:
  • Receive training on how to land the most desirable jobs in architecture
  • Advice on subject choices, university selection, work experience, extra-curricular activities and more
Competitive Advantage In Your University Applications:
  • Attending the Summer Experience demonstrates that you have gained skills which are highly-valued by top universities
  • Complete the online assessment after the programme and receive a personalised certificate to include in your university applications
  • Personalised industry reference letter from architects confirming what you have achieved on the programme
World-Class Universities And World-Class People:
  • Experience one of the best universities on the planet: University College London (UCL).
  • Meet talented and ambitious students from around the world who fly in for the Summer Experience, creating an invaluable lifetime network.
Design Your Own Summer Experience:

⦁    Choose from one of the following options:

1.    First Week Only (taster experience); or
2.    Two-Week Experience (the full programme); or
3.    Two-Week Premium Experience (the ultimate package with both weeks plus enhanced benefits)

Accommodation
You can choose either residential or non-residential. The accommodation is at UCL student halls in central London. We provide residential students with meals, guardianship and fun activities on evenings and weekends. Airport transfers are also available at checkout.

Immersive Experiences Week 1

The Architecture Studio

  • Discover the architectural design process: research, collage, concept design, 3D model, developed design and presentation board
  • Refine your creative problem-solving skills with a series of quick-fire drawing exercises
  • Learn the difference between plan, section and axonometric drawings and their purpose within the design process in an interactive workshop with a leading architect
  • Engage in a 3D physical-modelling workshop: learn how to transform simple materials into magnificent miniatures of your architectural space

Become the Architect

  • Receive your first design brief and work with your team to analyse the client’s needs
  • Visit an inner-city site and document your findings through note-taking and conceptual sketching
  • Pool together your research, sketches and collage to align on the concept that will underpin your project
  • Build physical structures to best visualise your designs
  • Liaise with your peers in a studio ‘cross-crit’: size up the competition and get invaluable feedback

Firm Visit

  • Visit a top architecture firm and understand the day-to-day life of an architect
  • Get hands-on experience of how a firm operates, learning how they approach their own design briefs
  • Participate in a live panel Q&A session and gain invaluable advice to take back to the studio
  • Network with top architecture professionals

Pitch to the Client

  • Bring all your work together: curate your project narrative on presentation boards at a landmark London building
  • Perfect your elevator pitching skills: concisely describe your project to the client and communicate your design choices effectively
  • Have your project assessed according to official RIBA guidelines
  • Receive detailed feedback on your work from leading experts in the field

This Summer Experience is for students aged 15-18 and you do not require any prior knowledge to attend.

The start date is the 29th July.  You can choose to attend for either ‘First Week Only’, ‘Two Weeks’ or our ‘Two Week Premium’ package. You can also choose residential or non-residential. Pricing and details are set out below.

Click “Register Now” to book your place. You can either pay in full now or reserve your place with a £950 non-refundable deposit.

London 1 week London 2-weeks London Premium
Length First week only 2-weeks full programme 2-weeks Premium
Discover the architectural design process, take a 3D modelling workshop and visit a leading architecture firm. Respond to a design brief and complete a project from start to finish.
Visit a top urban design firm and design your own sustainable structure. Learn how to ‘digitise’ your designs. Curate an exhibition of your projects and get feedback from top architects.
Private networking session with top architects
Industry reference letter: personalised letter from architects confirming what you’ve achieved on the programme
Graduation ceremony for completion of the full programme
Professional development portfolio: CV-writing masterclass, LinkedIn workshop, professional headshots, personality profiling & psychometric testing
Leadership, teamwork & strategy coaching & team challenge
Gala dinner with professionals on the River Thames
Keynote speeches & networking reception with accomplished industry leaders
Summer Experience fee £1950 £2950 £3950
Optional fee for accommodation with meals, guardianship and evening & weekend activities included Available for an additional
£1290
Available for an additional
£2795
Available for an additional
£2795
Optional fee for London airport transfers (return) Available for an additional
£300
Available for an additional
£300
Available for an additional
£300

Choose a location below:

In Person

Available dates:

  • 29th July 2024

Venues:

  • The programme is based at UCL and the surrounding University of London campus. Certain days take place in other key industry locations in London

Accommodation location:

  • Students who choose accommodation will reside in University of London halls of residence. We occupy 4 different halls close-by to each other (listed below). The vast majority of students will be placed in Garden Halls.

     

    Garden Halls, London, WC1H 9EN

    College Hall, London, WC1E 7HZ

    International Hall, London, WC1N 1AS

    Frances Gardner House, WC1X 0HD

     

Please find below some of our most frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions you'll be able to find our full FAQ list here and you are also welcome to reach out to us at info@investin.org and we'll be happy to help!

When is the deadline for registering for an experience?
Places on our programmes are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis so we will close registration as soon as we reach capacity, because of this we would always recommend booking as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss the opportunity to attend.
Do I get a certificate?
Upon completion of the programme you will receive a bespoke certificate to include in all of your future applications. This will help you stand out from the crowd and show your passion for your chosen career. Letters of attendance are also available upon request at info@investin.org.
Who are your safeguarding team?
On each Summer Experience, we have safeguarding team members on-site 24/7 to promote the safeguarding and pastoral welfare of our students. Our team are security-vetted (enhanced DBS-checked) professionals who work in education full time and our team is made up of Academic Professionals / LSA, Safeguarding Officers, Nursing Professionals, and Mental Health Practitioners. Students will therefore always be able to easily contact a guardian, should they need any support.
What is included in the accommodation package?
You can choose to add our accommodation package to your booking where you will be allocated to the University of London's Garden Halls, College Hall, or International Hall. Here, you will enjoy your own private room, 3 meals a day, and 24/7 guardianship. There are also lots of communal areas such as a games room and cinema room where you will be able to socialise with other students. Our safeguarding team will also put on evening activities such as trivia night, games night, and sports evenings. You will be able to arrive at the accommodation the day before the programme starts and checkout will be the day after the programme comes to an end.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, payment plans are available. Click on 'Register Now', and you will see the option to either pay in full or reserve your place with a £950 non-refundable deposit. Once your deposit is paid, you will receive another email detailing the information for your second instalment. Please feel free to contact info@investin.org if you would like any further assistance.
Will there be any opportunities for rest days?
Programme hours take place Monday-Friday, with a break over the weekend. If you select the 2-Week Premium option, the weekend will feature exclusive professional development opportunities outlined in the timetable.
Do you need work experience to be an architect?
Many roles within the industry will require that students have related work experience, highlighting their knowledge and aptitude. Relevant experience, whether in an internship or voluntary role, will support applications for entry-level jobs.
What kind of work experience is useful for aspiring architects?
Internships at architectural firms give aspiring architects knowledge and experience that will help them pursue a career in the field. Volunteering opportunities at firms in the industry will also give students insights into how they operate. Importantly, however, building a stand-out portfolio is an effective way of boosting your CV and university applications. InvestIN’s Young Architect Summer Experience is a fantastic way for young people to get unique insights into the field and develop skills that will support them in future job applications.
Is it hard to get into architecture?
Architecture is a highly competitive industry to get into. It requires a lot of education and training, often beginning with a five-year undergraduate degree in the subject.
What A levels do I need for an architecture degree?
While there aren’t any set A level subjects you’ll need for architecture, it’ll help if you have a combination of related qualifications. A mixture of sciences, maths, arts, and essay based subjects will support you in your application.
What skills should students develop for a career in architecture?
Key skills that will help architecture students succeed include: - Computer skills: Computer processing, model making, and 3D printing - Design skills: The ability to follow a design process that meets a client's needs - Problem-solving: Issues are bound to arise on any project, so problem-solving skills are very beneficial - Maths: Maths skills help architects transform early blueprints into finished works - Teamwork: All big projects will require a collaborative effort and efficient teamwork - Creativity: The ability to innovate and turn ideas into a reality - Project management: Using your skills and the tools available to you to ensure the successful completion of a project

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY ABOUT US

Covid-19

There are no travel restrictions in place in order to enter the UK; you are not required to test or to provide proof of vaccination status, so you can book your programme place with confidence.

 

Support

If you are trying to register and the registration box is not appearing it is likely because of firewall restrictions on your desktop device.

You may wish to try on your mobile device instead. Alternatively, please email info@investin.org with details of the programme you want to register for. We will reserve your place immediately and send you a link to pay by card online.