So you want to be an Architect?
Students and teachers, welcome! AIA Kansas City is here to support you on your journey toward a career in architecture.
If you’re a student, this page is your starting point to explore what it really means to be an architect. Dive into engaging guides, watch our Explore Architecture video series, and discover valuable information on schools, scholarships, and next steps in the field.
For teachers, you’ll find a collection of ready-to-use resources designed to inspire and inform your students. From career guides and informative videos to interactive games and classroom activities, everything here is built to help you bring architecture to life and share opportunities with students and their families.
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
Stundent and Counselor Resources
Games and activities
These are fun games and activities for any classroom.
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. 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. If you would like to know more about these opportunities, email tiffany@aiakc.org.
Inside Architecture: 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. If you would like to know more about Inside Architecture, email tiffany@aiakc.org.
Scholarship Opportunties
If you are from the Kansas City Metro area, and you are attending an NAAB accredited architecture school, these scholarships are for you. Each year we select between 11-15 students to receive between $1000-$8000 in scholarships. The scholarship cycle opens up in early February of each year, with recipients being notified in May. Click here to learn more about the Kansas City Architectural Foundation Scholarships.
