The UH Design Experience Summer Programs are for high school, college, and degreed professionals looking for a potential career in architecture, interior architecture, and/or industrial design. Design Experience provides a culturally enriched, learning-by-doing introduction to the different design disciplines available for undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design.

No previous experience in architecture, industrial design, or other design fields is required.

In addition to design projects, the architecture programs include lectures on architectural history and technology, building case studies, and field trips to buildings of special interest. Students will also visit architecture offices in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin.

Design Experience is taught by the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design faculty, giving students the opportunity to participate in portfolio workshops in preparation for the undergraduate or graduate application process.

Architecture Program for High School Students

The Hines College/Wonderworks architecture program for high school students, called From the Ground Up, will be held in-person this summer. It will include a morning component devoted to architectural history/appreciation/theory and an afternoon design studio, plus field trips on Fridays.

Architecture: June 20 - July 21, 2023
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (excluding the July 4th holiday)

Deadline for regular applications is May 19, 2023
(Late applications are accepted until June 10, 2023, provided space remains available)
Produced in partnership with Wonderworks.
Learn More | Apply Here

Tuition is $1,250, with either a non-refundable $200 deposit or the full tuition due within two weeks of acceptance. Any remaining balance must be paid by June 15, 2023. Only need-based scholarships are available.

Industrial Design Program for High School Students

The Idea Factory introduces you to product design through fun, hands-on projects emphasizing form and function, creativity, materials, and fabrication methods. Students work directly with award-winning UH faculty members, designing and building product solutions in many different product categories.

June 26 - 30, 2023
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 

Application Information Coming Soon!
Click here to learn more about the program.

Tuition is $275.

Programs for College Students or Degreed Professionals Seeking a Potential Future in Architecture

Pre-Graduate Architecture: June 20 - July 21, 2023
Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (excluding the July 4th holiday)

Deadline for regular applications is May 15, 2023
(Late applications are accepted until June 10, 2023, provided space remains available)
Learn More | Apply Here 

Tuition is $1,250, payable by June 15, 2023.

For more information on Design Experience programs, contact us at summerprogramscoad@uh.edu.