Design Learning, Designs Futures
Connecting youth with professionals and providing skills, inspiration and a deep understanding of what it takes to create and build the environment of our future.
Spring 2025 Registration is Open
The Saturday Design Studio meets on 6 consecutive Saturdays, 10.00 – 11.30 am (PDT) and includes 1 hour per week of mentoring with a design professional.
Our Fall Session is underway. Sign up now for one of our 2025 Spring sessions:
Dive into design with other high school students from around the world.
Learn design thinking, sketching, and digital skills. Create original designs.
Plus – 1-hr per week of mentoring with an architect or other design professional
Learn more and register here!
Tuition: $500 ($250 deposit to confirm registration)
The Build SF Summer Design Institute is a fun and fast-paced three week summer program for high school students interested in architecture, design and urban development.
Choose your preferred 3 week session. Both meet online 9am – noon, Monday – Friday
Session 1: June 9 – 27, 2025
Session 2: July 7 – 25, 2025
Registration is open for both the June and July sessions. Each morning, you’ll meet online with classmates from around the world. Guided by our architecture instructor, you’ll learn new skills and techniques, as you create original solutions to real-world design challenges, compiling a portfolio of work along the way.
In addition, you’ll be mentored twice a week by an architect, or other design+build professional. Get a glimpse of life in the design world and what it takes to get there!
AFSF High School Design Competition 2025
High school students from throughout the Bay Area and around the world are invited to design a vibrant public realm along the Market St. corridor as part of Downtown San Francisco’s post-pandemic revitalization efforts.
Click here to view / download this year’s Design Brief.
Click here for more info
Submissions: May 16, 2025
Awards Ceremony: May 18, 2025
TEACHERS: Contact ryan@afsf.org for support and resources
Stay tuned for info on the upcoming 2025 Awards Breakfast!
Our Mission
The mission of the Architectural Foundation of San Francisco is to enhance the awareness and appreciation of architecture and the design process in the local community.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Thank you to EVERYONE who participated in our various fundraisers!
Special gratitude to our sponsors:
Ready to Get Involved?
Learn about programs for your kids.
Volunteer as a mentor for our youth.
Support our work through donation.
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