Design Learning,
Designs Future
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.
30+ Years
of design education
1000+
alumni
1:1 Mentorship
with design professionals
Bay Area & Beyond
students participating worldwide
OPEN FOR FALL 2026
Enroll Now
Two programs open for registration with limited spots!
Saturday Design Studio
Oct 10 – Nov 14, 2026
Saturdays via Zoom · $500
Portfolio Workshops
Workshop A: Oct 10 · $200
Workshop B: Oct 17 & 26 · $1,000
WHAT WE DO
Explore Our Programs
SUMMER PROGRAM
3-week online program. Real design challenges, portfolio building, and mentor sessions with architects.
High School
ANNUAL PROGRAM
High school students from the Bay Area and around the world respond to a real San Francisco design challenge.
Next competition details coming soon
High School
COMMUNITY PROGRAM
6-week paid internship. Real design projects for the City of Antioch, professional software training, and weekly mentor sessions with architects.
Age 18-26
OUR MISSION
Designing Futures through Mentorship
For more than 30 years, AFSF has empowered youth to explore design and architecture through hands-on programs and one-on-one mentorship.
We believe that design education opens doors and builds a more creative and sustainable future.
❝Working with my mentor got me interested in architecture. I hadn’t previously considered pursuing it as a career, but now I’m thinking about a future in architecture.❞
❝Through the internship and mentoring sessions, I overcame my shyness and became more confident speaking up, working on projects, and participating in discussions.❞
❝This mentorship helped me clarify the direction I want to pursue in architecture. The connections and feedback I received have been incredibly helpful.❞
❝The Summer Design Institute solidified my desire to pursue architecture in college. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in architecture.❞
❝My mentorship experience has been incredible. My mentor challenged me, and I’ve learned how creative I can be.❞
