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Introduction to STUDIO FIRST

STUDIO FIRST is a short, intense, and impactful program for people with no formal background in architecture who are considering graduate studies in architecture, urban design, or landscape architecture. The program is designed for students who already have or are currently working on their bachelor's degree in any field. It provides a bridge toward entrance into a three-year Master of Architecture program.

Program Overview

STUDIO FIRST is a full-time five-week studio in architectural design for students from a wide range of backgrounds. The program helps participants develop competitive portfolio material appropriate for application to a three-year Master of Architecture accredited degree program. It is equally valuable to those wanting to pursue a degree in urban design or landscape architecture, if the application has a portfolio requirement.

Program Cost

The 2026 program fee is CAD $3,050 + HST = $3,446.50, which includes studio supplies. There is an option to pay in two installments.

Software Requirements

Access to specific design software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign, will be required to participate in STUDIO FIRST. Licenses for this software will need to be purchased by the participant.

Program Structure

• The program is delivered online and includes:
  • Faculty-guided studio work, including one-on-one instruction and constructive feedback
  • Guided software tutorials
  • Lectures by expert instructors and guest speakers
  • Student critiques, pin-ups, and presentations
  • Reviews with guest critics
  • Certificate of Completion

Course Elements

Participants will:

• Work on three separate studio projects
• Attend lectures on architectural theory and practice
• Learn how to use key digital media tools central to the profession
• Participate in workshops on portfolio preparation and graduate school applications
• Receive a "mystery box" of studio supplies
• Experience the studio culture, structure, and rigor of architecture school
• Interact with design professionals, current M.Arch students, and Carleton faculty
• Join a community of like-minded aspiring architecture students
• Have access to recorded lectures and other online resources until October 31, 2026

Schedule

STUDIO FIRST is a full-time program, requiring a high level of engagement and commitment. Students attend five days a week for five weeks. The course is about 30 hours per week. In addition, most students spend an additional 5-15 hours a week working on their projects.

Application Requirements

• Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $45 is due upon application submission.
• Application Form: Applicants must complete the online STUDIO FIRST Program Application Form in full.
• Essay: An essay (500 words maximum) that describes your interest in the program. Tell us about yourself, and why you have an interest in an architectural education.
• Resume: Please include a resume or CV, which includes your professional, academic, and extracurricular achievements. Also, include honours, awards, registrations, and all relevant achievements.
• Image: Please include one recent visual representation that showcases your aptitude for a studio-based design program. This can be in any medium, as long as it's an original piece.

Academic Team

The STUDIO FIRST academic team includes:

• Adriana Ross, Project 1 Lead Instructor
• Piper Bernbaum, Academic Coordinator and Project 2 Lead Instructor
• Stephanie Murray, Project 3 Lead Instructor
• Cailen Pybus, Digital Lab Instructor
• Filipe Costa, Technical Coordinator/Studio Assistant
• Juan Ramirez, Studio Assistant

Top Schools Accept STUDIO FIRST Alumni

STUDIO FIRST participants have been accepted to graduate programs at several top schools, including:

• Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
• Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
• McGill University, Montreal, Canada
• University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
• University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
• Arizona State University, USA
• The City College of New York, New York, USA
• Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, USA
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, London, England
• University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
• University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

Why Participate in STUDIO FIRST

• Opportunity to build a competitive portfolio within a short period
• Lower cost than comparable programs in the United States
• Introduction to many aspects of architecture
• Flexible learning — STUDIO FIRST offers live instruction lessons as well as access to recorded videos to provide a flexible learning experience for students across Canada and the world.
• Access to video recordings until October 31, 2026, to support you as you continue to work on your portfolio
• Proven results — STUDIO FIRST alumni are studying and working in architecture and related fields around the world.