Boston Society for Architecture Inspires Future Architects and Designers Through Innovative Programs
The Boston Society for Architecture (BSA) is on a mission to reshape how students in Greater Boston perceive architecture and design by providing them with immersive, hands-on educational experiences. Recognizing that early exposure to these fields is crucial for fostering the next generation of architects and designers, the BSA has undertaken several initiatives targeting students from kindergarten through high school. This proactive approach also aims to address the glaring lack of diversity within the architectural profession, where only about 20% of licensed architects identify as a person of color, according to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
In the year 2025 alone, the BSA successfully reached over 2,000 students, demonstrating a significant commitment to making architecture accessible to a broader demographic. Programs include age-appropriate design learning experiences, workshops, and high school internships that illuminate the pathways into architecture for young learners. Taylor Johnson, the Senior Manager of Design Education and Engagement at BSA, expressed a commitment to expanding access to these opportunities, underscoring the essential skills embedded in design education that equip students to become future leaders in their communities and fields.
The BSA's program highlights for 2025 are a testament to its impactful work. Over 1,300 kindergarteners from more than 70 classrooms at Boston Public Schools (BPS) and Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) participated in various design-based learning projects, benefitting from the guidance of over 100 volunteer architects. Furthermore, the KidsBuild! event welcomed more than 850 elementary students and caregivers, providing a platform for families to collaborate on creating a model city using recycled materials. This initiative encourages creativity while promoting environmental consciousness.
The introduction of KidsBuild! Classroom Workshops marks a noteworthy development, as this pilot program enables second-grade classrooms to experience collaborative design learning together, with plans for expansion in 2026 owing to its success. The BSA's Architecture/Design Thinking Week engaged over 100 BPS students, offering them practical insights into career exploration through interactive design exercises. Additionally, the BSA partnered with eight architecture firms to facilitate paid summer internships for 15 high school students, enabling them to gain valuable experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. Notably, 431 BPS students expressed interest in AEC internships in 2025, highlighting a significant demand that far exceeds the current placement capabilities.
Danyson Tavares, the Executive Director of BSA, emphasized the importance of diversity in architecture, stating that enhancing representation is not just a matter of equity but also a catalyst for innovation and creativity. By connecting young students with professionals currently working in the architecture field, the BSA is playing a crucial role in nurturing future talents who may have never considered this career path before.
The call-to-action for local architecture firms is clear: involvement can take many forms, whether through classroom visits, workshops, or positioning as internship hosts. This partnership opportunity is aimed at broadening the scope of programs available to students and building a more representative future for the architecture profession. Individuals and organizations interested in getting involved can find further information on the BSA's K-12 Design Education programming at their official website.
Overall, the Boston Society for Architecture is transforming how young people engage with design, championing inclusion and equity within the built environment. By instilling a passion for architecture and design from an early age, BSA not only enriches students’ lives but also paves the way for a more diverse and creative future in the industry. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives will unfold in the coming years as more firms collaborate with BSA and local schools to nurture and develop the architects of tomorrow.
In the year 2025 alone, the BSA successfully reached over 2,000 students, demonstrating a significant commitment to making architecture accessible to a broader demographic. Programs include age-appropriate design learning experiences, workshops, and high school internships that illuminate the pathways into architecture for young learners. Taylor Johnson, the Senior Manager of Design Education and Engagement at BSA, expressed a commitment to expanding access to these opportunities, underscoring the essential skills embedded in design education that equip students to become future leaders in their communities and fields.
The BSA's program highlights for 2025 are a testament to its impactful work. Over 1,300 kindergarteners from more than 70 classrooms at Boston Public Schools (BPS) and Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) participated in various design-based learning projects, benefitting from the guidance of over 100 volunteer architects. Furthermore, the KidsBuild! event welcomed more than 850 elementary students and caregivers, providing a platform for families to collaborate on creating a model city using recycled materials. This initiative encourages creativity while promoting environmental consciousness.
The introduction of KidsBuild! Classroom Workshops marks a noteworthy development, as this pilot program enables second-grade classrooms to experience collaborative design learning together, with plans for expansion in 2026 owing to its success. The BSA's Architecture/Design Thinking Week engaged over 100 BPS students, offering them practical insights into career exploration through interactive design exercises. Additionally, the BSA partnered with eight architecture firms to facilitate paid summer internships for 15 high school students, enabling them to gain valuable experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. Notably, 431 BPS students expressed interest in AEC internships in 2025, highlighting a significant demand that far exceeds the current placement capabilities.
Danyson Tavares, the Executive Director of BSA, emphasized the importance of diversity in architecture, stating that enhancing representation is not just a matter of equity but also a catalyst for innovation and creativity. By connecting young students with professionals currently working in the architecture field, the BSA is playing a crucial role in nurturing future talents who may have never considered this career path before.
The call-to-action for local architecture firms is clear: involvement can take many forms, whether through classroom visits, workshops, or positioning as internship hosts. This partnership opportunity is aimed at broadening the scope of programs available to students and building a more representative future for the architecture profession. Individuals and organizations interested in getting involved can find further information on the BSA's K-12 Design Education programming at their official website.
Overall, the Boston Society for Architecture is transforming how young people engage with design, championing inclusion and equity within the built environment. By instilling a passion for architecture and design from an early age, BSA not only enriches students’ lives but also paves the way for a more diverse and creative future in the industry. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives will unfold in the coming years as more firms collaborate with BSA and local schools to nurture and develop the architects of tomorrow.
Topics People & Culture）
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