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.

AFSF High School Design Competition participants receive plaudits and helpful feedback from design professionals and professors. 

Winning teams and individuals from the 2018 AFSF High School Design Competition are honored at the annual AFSF Awards Breakfast

Join us Wed., May 21st, for the annual AFSF Awards Breakfast!  

Hear inspiring stories from high school students, their design professional mentors, and the Kirby Ward Fitzpatrick Award winners! 

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 first Spring Session is underway. Sign up now for our last remaining 2024-2025 sessions!

 

Apr 26 – May 31
 

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 AFSF 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!

Register now and receive a $500 discount!

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

Play Video about Designing Student Success, a video on AFSF high school design programs.

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.
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