So you want to be an Architect?
learn more about an exciting career in architecture
Our team of architects and designers—of all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and genders—have teamed together to bring you the guide to a career in architecture volume 1 and volume 2. We want to help you understand what architects do, the path towards becoming an architect, other useful information to help you explore this meaningful career, and now in the NEW volume you can discover builidngs in Kansas City. Our world is changing constantly whether it be in the fabric of our streets or via economically and socially charged issues, architects are part of shaping healthier and more equitable communities.
We are excited to bring both volumes of the Explore Architecture guides to you. We hope you learn more about the profession and the buildings that shape our metro. Use these guides as tools to work with your teachers and parents to challenge your creativity and develop your interests.
Explore Architecture!
Explore Architecture! Vol 2: Discover Kansas City Buildings
Explore Architecture Video Series
This series of videos will provide a deeper look at a career in architecture, and the path to get there.
Introduction: So You Want to Be An Architect?
Episode 1: Design Thinking
Episode 2: What an Architect Does
Episode 3: The Stages of Architectural Design
Episode 4: Become an Architect
Architecture 101 Presentations
These presentations were created to teach students at any age what an architect does, design thinking, the stages of design, and how to become architect. We encourage members to download these presentations and use them as is, or feel free to modify them to suit the presentation you are giving.
K - 5th Grade
Presentation > 6th - 8th Grade Presentation >
Those Crazy Animals Dice Activity
This is a fun activity for any classroom. Students roll the dice to determine their animal client and building type, then they let their design thinking take over.
Architecture Week
AIA Kansas City celebrates Architecture Week each year in April. During this week, our Education Outreach committee visits local schools to teach students about architecture through fun hands-on activities, like building cardboard cities and designing animal habitats (like a Library for Bears). We also host a program geared for high school students interested in a career in architecture. Click below for our Architecture Week resources to use throughout the year. If you would like to know more about future Architecture Weeks, email tiffany@aiakc.org.
Opportunities to learn more
Opportunties for Schools: AIA Kansas City offers education outreach programs on architecture for metro K-12 schools. The goal of our programs is to introduce students and teachers to design, design thinking, and careers in architecture. We also want to help students and teachers understand the skills that are needed in architecture and other design related fields—problem solving, creative thinking, collaboration, communication skills, presentation skills, leadership skills, technical knowledge, and community awareness. Students will experience hands-on, collaborative, and dynamic workshops that will illustrate the relevance of design in their daily lives and enhance their appreciation of design in the world around them. Architects will come to the classroom and through a presentation, will introduce students to a career in architecture and will then engage with them in a fun, hands-on activity. Students not only learn about the profession, but also problem solving, teamwork, and presentation skills. Our programs are free to the schools and are presented by AIA Kansas City members. The presentations are offered both live and virtually and can be tailored to fit the needs of the school. Email for more information >
Day of Shadowing: This annual event invites area high school students to shadow at local architecture firms in hopes of gaining experience about what it is like to work in the design profession. Email for more information >
