K-12 outreach COMMITTEE

upcoming EVENTS

ArtsGoggle | October 11
TxA Conference | Oct. 30 - Nov. 1
K-12 Student Design Showcase

OUR EVENTS

ABOUT THE COMMITTEE

The K-12 Outreach Committee of AIA Fort Worth is dedicated to inspiring, educating, and empowering the next generation of architects and design professionals. We strive to introduce architecture and design principles to students from kindergarten through high school, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the built environment.

Vision statement

Our vision is to create a vibrant, diverse, and well-informed pipeline of future architects and design professionals in the Fort Worth area, while empowering educators to bring architecture and design into their classrooms. We envision a community where:

Every K-12 student has the opportunity to explore architecture and design as potential career paths.

Educators have access to high-quality, easy-to-use resources that help them incorporate architectural principles into various subjects.

Schools integrate architectural concepts into their curriculum, enhancing STEAM education.

Students develop a deep understanding of how architecture shapes our communities and impacts our daily lives.

Young minds are equipped with the tools and knowledge to address future urban challenges through innovative design solutions.

A strong network of mentorship and support exists between professional architects, educators, and aspiring students.

Architecture is recognized as an accessible and exciting field that welcomes diversity and creativity.

By connecting students with the world of architecture early in their educational journey, we aim to cultivate a passion for design that will shape the future of our built environment and strengthen the architectural profession in Fort Worth and beyond.

K-12 STUDENT DESIGN SHOWCASE

CALL FOR ENTRIES

We are excited to celebrate the creativity and hard work of high school students across the North Texas region! The K-12 Student Design Showcase highlights emerging talent in architecture, design, and the built environment through student projects that demonstrate originality, thoughtful process, and strong presentation.

Submissions will be displayed at a variety of public venues and community events throughout the year — including ArtsGoggle, Tarrant County College’s Spring Gallery Night, and the Texas Society of Architects (TxA) Conference — offering students a unique opportunity to share their work with a broader audience and connect with the professional community.

If you have any questions, please contact Katie Hitt Deaton at kdeaton@brick.com.

ELIGIBILITY

Recently Completed Grades 9-12
North Texas Students (DFW)

DEADLINE | SEPTEMBER 5TH

Call for Entry Form

Dropbox Upload

- 1 cover slide with information listed below under Cover Slide Requirements.
- Submit 6-8 slides containing content from Slide Content Requirements.
  - Slide size: 16:9
  - Be sure to consider readability as these slides will be printed and hung.
  - Think about the best way to graphically communicate your work so that any person that is unfamiliar with the project can understand what is shown.
- Title Block:
  - Project title
  - Student name
  - School/program name
  - Teacher
  - Academic year
- Required Content:
  - Project narrative (~150–300 words): concise summary of the thesis - MOVE TO TEXT FIELD ON FORM
  - Site/context plan
  - Floor plan(s)
  - Minimum of 4 design drawings: sections, elevations, exploded axons
- Optional Content:
  - Conceptual diagrams: circulation, spatial strategy, materiality, sustainability, etc.
  - Renderings or collages showing key moments/spaces
  - Process sketches (encouraged)
  - Research or data visualizations (if research-based)
  - QR code Link to website, video walkthrough, process blog, or animation

DIGITAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

- Size:
  - Most common: A1 (594mm x 841mm / ~23.4" x 33.1") OR 30”x40” (may determine size after discussing with schools that have submitted for state awards, and what that submission requirement was)
  - Others: A0, A2, or custom sizes depending on space
- Quantity:
  - 1 to 2 boards per student
- Orientation:
  - Portrait
- Mounting:
  - Foam core
  - Printed on matte finish paper to avoid glare
  - No visible logos unless required
- Title Block:
  - Project title
  - Student name
  - School/program name
  - Teacher
  - Academic year
- Required Content:
  - Project narrative (~150–300 words): concise summary of the thesis
  - Site/context plan
  - Design drawings: plans, sections, elevations, exploded axons
  - Conceptual diagrams: circulation, spatial strategy, materiality, sustainability, etc.
  - Renderings or collages showing key moments/spaces
  - Process sketches (optional, but often encouraged)
  - Research or data visualizations (if research-based)
- Scale: Varies by project size — common: 1:100, 1:200, 1:500
- Base dimensions: Often restricted (e.g., 600 x 600 mm)
- Display platform: Some schools provide tables, others expect your own stand/base
- QR Code (optional):
  - Link to website, video walkthrough, process blog, or animation
- Labeling: Student name and project title must be visible
- Cleanup Policy: Students responsible for removal after exhibition ends