Architecture Week invites our community to experience the power of design through hands‑on STEAM learning, creativity, and real-world collaboration. Each year, AIA New Orleans brings architects, educators, students, and community organizations together to inspire the next generation of designers. In 2025 alone, more than 500 AIA members reached over 20,000 K–12 students through vibrant, engaging outreach—and in 2026, we’re building on that momentum with a three‑day, immersive design challenge open to high school students across the region.
This year’s program at AIA New Orleans runs April 13–16 and guides students through the full arc of the design process. This program is FREE for participants, and SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE: 2026 ArchWeek Sponsorship Guide
On April 13, teams will kick off with an Introduction to Architecture and Design Charrette, learning the basics of architecture and responding to a real design prompt: creating a pavilion proposal for Harmony Circle using sketches, digital drawings, and physical models. This session will be from 4-7pm at the AIA Center for Design (1000 St. Charles Avenue).
On April 15, Build Day brings these concepts to life as students transform their design studies into final mixed‑media models with support from professional architects and college‑level design students. This session will be from 4-7pm at the AIA Center for Design (1000 St. Charles Avenue).
The program concludes on April 16, where students will present their work during a juried design review, celebrate with peers, and learn about Tulane’s Architectural Explorations summer opportunities and the Project Pipeline program. This session will be held from 4-7pm at Richardson Memorial Hall at Tulane University (The Tulane School of Architecture & The Built Environment).
The design models will be part of a public exhibition at the AIA Center for Design from May 11 thru June 12, 2026. After that, design teams may pick up their models.
We invite parents of high school students, teachers and school administrators, youth‑serving nonprofits, professional architects and designers, and college design students to participate in this inspiring program. Whether you’re supporting a student team, volunteering your expertise, or partnering to expand access to STEAM education, Architecture Week thrives because of community involvement. Join us in empowering young designers to imagine—and build—a better future.
AIA New Orleans is committed to lowering barriers for high school student participation. Dinner for students will be provided at all three sessions. Please email [email protected] if you/your child require accessibility options or assistance with transportation.