Daniels Design Discovery Program

The Daniels Design Discovery Program is an intensive and inspiring introduction to the field of architecture, offering high school students the opportunity to explore the principles of design and develop essential skills for creative problem-solving.

Through three distinct courses, the program encourages participants to engage critically with the built environment, develop a deeper understanding of spatial thinking, and learn to communicate their ideas with clarity and precision. Rooted in hands-on exploration and guided by experienced instructors, the program aims to cultivate curiosity, innovation, and a strong foundation in architectural representation, making it an invaluable experience for students considering future studies in architecture or related fields.

These courses are designed for high school students (ages 14-18, 16-18 for the Portfolio Building course) interested in architecture. This program is open to all participants, including English-speaking international students. Students will use the design facilities at the Daniels Faculty’s award-winning building at 1 Spadina Crescent in the heart of Toronto.

Course 1 – Drawing Practices 

In this two-week architecture intensive, you will expand your drawing skills to communicate design ideas centered on a specific site. This stand-alone course focuses on developing valuable design representation techniques, introducing you to site analysis and the stories, systems, and environments that shape a place. Through hands-on learning, you will use architectural tools such as 3D design software, photography, and drawing to explore and present your ideas. You’ll also gain experience sharing your work with peers and instructors, incorporating feedback to refine your understanding of design communication. This course is ideal for students eager to develop skills in representing and communicating architectural concepts.

Course 2 – Model Making

In this two-week architecture intensive, you will explore the art and skill of model making to bring your design ideas to life. This stand-alone course focuses on developing your ability to translate concepts into physical objects, emphasizing design, drawing, 3D modelling, and communication. You will learn to create models that respond to the complexities of a site while reflecting your unique interests and imagination. Through hands-on exploration, you’ll discover how to craft structures for people to inhabit and how to communicate your vision for the future through compelling design representation.

Course 3 – Portfolio Building *new this year*

In this two-week architecture intensive, you will create a portfolio, one of the first and often the most significant of forms of initial communication you can have with a prospective university, client, or organization. You will visit a design firm and hear from working architects and designers about their own portfolios and journeys. Designing your first impression as a creative person can feel daunting, but in this two-week course, you will learn to break this task down into its components, plan them out, and produce a portfolio you can be proud of. You will learn to develop a plan for style and organization, including layouts and grid systems, to use industry-standard software, to photograph your work, to write clear, concise, and compelling descriptions of your projects, and to present your work to tell the story you want to tell about yourself.
This course is ideal for students who already have a few projects completed and are ready to start designing their portfolios.

Summer 2026 Dates

All courses run weekdays (Monday-Friday) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Daniels Building (1 Spadina Crescent).

• July Session
  • Course 1 – Drawing Practices: July 6–July 17 ($1600 +HST)
  • Course 2 – Model Making: July 20–July 31 ($1600 +HST)
• August Session
  • Course 1 – Drawing Practices: August 4–August 14 ($1440 +HST)
  • Course 2 – Model Making: August 17–August 28 ($1600 +HST)
  • Course 3A – Portfolio Building: August 4–August 14 ($1620 +HST)
    • Ages 16-18
  • Course 3B – Portfolio Building: August 17–August 28 ($1800 +HST)
    • Ages 16-18