Kids + Architecture
Kids + Architecture, the educational arm of AIA Houston, is a cross-disciplinary approach to teaching and learning that promotes creative problem-solving skills. This is done through a combination of community outreach activities and development of in-classroom curriculum for 6-8 grade students (long term goal K-12).
The Kids + Architecture Committee meets the first Tuesday of every month. If you would like more information or to join the committee please contact Kristina Sinclair at kristinas@hrarch.com or Jennifer Ward at jennifer@aiahouston.org.
Additional Resources
Chair
Karla Castillo
kcastillo@collaborateteam.com
Staff Liaison
Jennifer Ward
jennifer@aiahouston.org
Kids & Architecture Committee
AIA Houston offers a variety of educational outreach programs. If you are interested in any of the programs below, please contact us at 713-520-0155 or jennifer@aiahouston.org.
Career Day Speakers
AIA Houston architects are available to come to your school to give a presentation about architecture and talk with your students about careers and the educational paths availble to acheive their goals.
Sketching Class
Architects and designers teach techniques and styles for hand sketching buildings and their environments. All experience levels are welcome. Students will be grouped with individuals of a similar skill level. This class is recommended for kids age 12+ and adults. Parents are welcome and encouraged to spend the morning with us. Registration is $20 and includes sketch pad, pencils, eraser, sharpener, bottled water, and a snack. These classes are hosted on Saturday mornings 3-4 times annually. Check the AIA Houston events calendar or the list of upcoming events on this page for the next class announcement.
Walking Tours
AIA Houston has 9 area neighborhood walking tours including 4 downtown tours, the Museum District, Montrose, Rice University, University of Houston and the Texas Medical Center. Trained docents lead students on foot while discussing architectural styles and eras, urban design, and local history. Tours are 2 hours long, but AIA can tailor time and content to meet reasonable requests. Walking tours are recommended for students age 12+. The fee for walking tours is $10 per students. Teachers and chaperones attend at no charge. 15 student minimum.
Kids + Architecture
Kids and Architecture partners with Citizen Schools to teach architecture and design to Houston area middle school students. Practicing architects visit the classroom each week introducing basic architectural concepts and design skills. Students complete exercises such as bubble diagrams and model building with the architects as they work towards completing the semester project of designing a building for their client. This program is only available through a partnership with Citizen Schools.
AIA Houston will consider other partnerships and opportunites to teach architecture in schools. Please contact Jennifer Ward at 713-520-0155 or jennifer@aiahouston.org to inquire.
AIA Houston & Architecture Center Houston’s K-8 education programs are supported by The Architects Foundation and Armstrong World Industries Foundation.
