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.

In 6 short weeks, high school students learn digital design software, create an impressive array of original designs, and are personally mentored by a design professional.

6 Saturdays online, 10:00 – 11:30am PDT plus 6 mentoring sessions.

Mar. 4 – Apr. 8

Register hereMore info here.

54th Annual High School Design Competition

High school students from around the Bay and across the world are invited to participate in the 54th annual AFSF High School Design Competition.  Every year, students submit designs individually and in teams on a real-world challenge, receiving feedback from architects and others involved in the project.  Winners receive acclaim & prizes.  Teachers are encouraged to guide their students through the process.

This year’s HSDC challenges participants to create a park and a “PDR” collective next to existing wetlands, to combine fabulous new open space, public gathering space, and usable space for artists, non-profits and other community members.  Learn more in this year’s design brief.

Submissions: FRIDAY, May 19th, by 6:00pm PST.  

Awards Ceremony: SUNDAY, May 21st

Info and support for teachers and participants: Ryan.Lee@woodsbagot.com

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.

54th Annual High School Design Competition

54th Annual AFSF High School Design Competition Calling all high school students interested in Design!  The Architectural Foundation of San Francisco has announced its 54th annual High School Design Competition. Students are challenged to design a Park Space and a PDR Collective next to existing wetlands along Islais Creek in San Francisco.   In this unique combination of uses, students have

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Mar – Apr Saturday Design Studio

Register now for the final AFSF Saturday Design Studio of the 2022-23 school year!  Over the course of 6 Saturday mornings, you and a group of new friends you’ll meet will… learn high tech digital tools used by professional architects create original designs on your own and collaborative in teams be mentored 1:1 by a professional architect or engineer

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Summer Design 23!

Register now for AFSF’s 2023 Summer Design Institute, a 3-week deep dive into architecture and design. learn professional high-tech digital design tools meet other design-inspired teens from around the world 1-on-1 mentoring by a professional architect, engineer or other designer High school students from SF, the Bay Area, around California, throughout the US, and around the world

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2022 Design Ideas Collective

Thank you and congratulations to all of the high school students around the world who participated in this year’s Design Ideas Collective.  You created inspired visions for vibrant, thriving public realms that give us much to hope for even in our pandemic-impacted future.  Stay tuned for this winter’s 2023 High School Design Competition!

The 2022 AFSF Fitness Challenge was a huge success!

Thank you to EVERYONE who participated in the 2022 AFSF Fitness Challenge!

Collectively, you ran, biked or walked over 2,000 miles.  That’s equivalent to crossing all 8 of the SF Bay’s bridges over 70 times!  And you raised more than $30,000 for our educational programs!  

Special gratitude to our sponsors:

Black Swan Risk Managment
Tile & Stone Council of Northern California
Page & Turnbull: Architecture + Historic Preservation

Key Programs

Thank you to all the students and mentors who participated in this year’s AFSF Summer Design Institute, Mayor’s Youth Employment Experience Program and BUILD-Antioch.

Stay tuned for updates on our Summer 2023 programs!

Congratulations to all 142 participants of this year’s HS Design Competition, especially to all award-winners.

Ready to Get Involved?

Learn about programs for your kids.
Volunteer as a mentor for our youth.
Support our work through donation.