Architecture Discovery

St. Theodore Academy's 3-Week Architecture Discovery Program is an immersive, in-person experience set in the serene coastal town of Dhermi. Open to anyone interested in architecture—whether you’re a student or looking to switch careers—this program focuses on hands-on learning with physical modeling, fabrication, and assembly to explore the fundamentals of architecture. Guided by a Harvard graduate with professional experience, this program offers personalized insights into the design process, enabling you to build a strong foundation for pursuing architectural studies or a career change.

Overview

St. Theodore Academy’s 3-Week Architecture Discovery Program is an immersive in-person academic experience designed for individuals interested in pursuing architecture, whether as a new field of study or as a career shift. Set in the tranquil town of Dhermi, this program focuses on the foundational principles of architecture, including hands-on physical modeling, material exploration, fabrication, and assembly. Participants will engage with contemporary design challenges, exploring how architecture shapes and responds to the built environment.

Taught by Harvard University graduates, students will receive personalized instruction in design fundamentals, with an emphasis on material and scale specific to architecture. Throughout the program, participants will also gain exposure to a diverse network of design professionals and guest critics who will offer valuable insights into the world of architecture. At the end of the program, successful participants will receive a certificate of completion and a portfolio draft, which can be used for future design program applications, career opportunities, or academic credit considerations.

Program Summary

  • 3 weeks, in person format in Dhermi, AL

  • Audience ages 18 to mid-career professionals

  • Introduction to architecture design discipline

  • Fabrication and physical model making focus

  • Instruction by Harvard University Master’s graduate.

Who Attends

The Architecture Discovery Program at St. Theodore Academy welcomes participants from all backgrounds, whether you're a student exploring architecture for the first time or a professional considering a career change. No prior design experience is required. Our program fosters a dynamic learning environment by bringing together a diverse group of individuals with different perspectives, ages, and experiences.

Many participants are college students or recent graduates, but the program is also ideal for mid-career professionals looking to transition into architecture or deepen their understanding of design.

Each year, our program attracts participants from across the globe, creating a collaborative and enriching experience. If you’re passionate about architecture and eager to engage in hands-on learning, this program is designed for you.

Please note: International participants must ensure they have the appropriate visa for travel and study in Albania, as St. Theodore Academy does not provide visa sponsorship.

Learning Format

Studio Experience & Format

Participants in the Architecture Discovery Program at St. Theodore Academy fully commit to an immersive, hands-on studio experience, designed to mirror the rigor of professional and academic architectural training. This intensive three-week program pairs studio design time with lectures and workshops covering design principles, visual representation, fabrication techniques, and physical modeling.

Participants engage in one-on-one mentorship with instructors, collaborative group critiques, and skill-building sessions in graphics and model-making. The program fosters an environment that is both challenging and rewarding, giving participants a realistic understanding of education and careers in architecture. Many leave the program inspired and prepared to take their next steps in design—whether pursuing further education or transitioning into the field from another profession.

Studio Format

The program is structured around short, intensive design projects, similar to first-year graduate-level work in architecture. Students will:

  • Receive direct mentorship from instructors and guest professionals

  • Participate in group discussions and design critiques

  • Develop technical skills through hands-on fabrication and modeling sessions

  • Present their work to instructors and guest critics

Accessibility

If you have a disability or medical condition requiring accommodations, please contact admissions@sttheodoresacademy.org at least two weeks before the program start date to ensure proper arrangements.

Faculty

  • Arion Kocani

    Architecture Program Director

    Founder of AKDW

    Harvard University

    Master of Architecture

  • Nick Sicalides

    Engineering Program Director

    Johns Hopkins University

    Master of Electrical Engineering

Schedule

Below is a sample schedule for the program. Most students work evenings and weekends in the studio.

Evaluation + Certification

Each successful Architecture Discovery Program participant receives a written evaluation from their instructor and a certificate of completion from St. Theodore Academy. While the academy does not offer undergraduate academic credit for this program, some colleges and universities may award credit for participation.

Requesting a Copy of Your Evaluation

Participants will receive a digital copy of their written evaluation after the program concludes.

Although we do not provide an official transcript for work completed in the program, we can issue a letter explaining the nature and rigor of the Architecture Discovery Program. If you would like to request this letter, please email [Insert Contact Email] with the following information:

  • Full Name

  • Email Address

  • Year Attended

  • Documents Requested: Written explanation of the program

  • Brief Description of how you intend to use these documents

This documentation can be useful for admissions committees, employers, or academic credit consideration at your home institution.

Program Fee + Financial Aid

Program Fee
The total program fee for the 3-week Career Discovery in Architecture program is $7,600 This fee covers all aspects of the program, including personalized instruction, course materials, practice tests, final evaluations, as well as housing and two meals per day for the duration of the program.

Additional Costs
There may be additional costs for optional activities or personal expenses during the program. Any extra charges will be communicated in advance. Depending on the activities you choose, this could be as much as an additional $600.

Payment Policy

A nonrefundable application fee of $50 must be paid in full with your application before the application deadline in order to be considered for admission to the program.

Financial Assistance

We offer financial aid based on various factors. If the applicant and/or their parents (if applicable) have a combined gross income exceeding $30,000, financial aid may not be awarded. However, we encourage all applicants to apply for financial assistance, as each case is reviewed individually.

To apply for financial aid, please submit a Financial Aid Application Form along with the required documentation by the application deadline. The form will be available within your program application.

Please Note: Financial aid is not subsidized and is available to U.S. citizens, Albanian Citizens, and permanent residents of Albania only. International students are not eligible for financial aid. Aid requests will only be considered once a completed program application has been submitted. Late applications will not be accepted.

Program Fee and Financial Aid FAQ

  • A. Yes. Further payment instructions will be provided in your admittance letter. Tuition payments must be completed online via the online system by the deadline of May 31, 2025.

  • A: Tax forms from parents are required for every applicant under the age of 20.

  • A: No. We are unable to waive the application fee.

  • A. No. Financial aid is available to U.S. citizens, Albanian citizens and permanent residents of Albania only. International students are not eligible to apply for financial aid.

  • A: Yes. The College Essay & SAT Prep program financial aid application form is part of the program’s online application. Once you indicate an interest in applying for aid, the aid application application form will appear for filling out. In order to apply for aid, submit this form and supporting documents online with the rest of your application by the application deadline.

  • A. College Essay & SAT Prep financial aid funds are need-based awards, which means that funding is based on the financial situation of the student. Financial aid takes into account many factors; however, as a guide, if the applicant’s and parents’ (if appropriate) combined adjusted gross income exceeds $30,000, an aid award is unlikely.

  • A: Yes, you need to complete the College Essay & SAT Prep online application in order to access the financial aid application form. We advise submitting the financial aid application form prior to receiving your admissions decision letter.

  • A: Yes, we will notify all aid applicants of their admission along with their aid award by email according to the program schedule on this site.

  • A: We cannot accept applications for financial aid beyond the program application deadline.

  • A: Awards only apply towards tuition and possible support for a computer device. Aid for College Essay & SAT Prep does not cover housing.

Accommodation & Dining

Participants will stay in comfortable, shared accommodations for the duration of the 3-week Career Discovery in Architecture Program. Accommodation is included in the program fee and is conveniently located near the learning facilities, offering a safe and structured environment for students.

Room Arrangements

  • Students will be housed in shared rooms with other program participants.

  • Rooms are furnished with essential amenities, including beds, desks, and storage space.

  • Housing assignments will be made based on availability and roommate preferences submitted during registration.

Meals & Dining

  • The program fee includes two meals per day (breakfast and dinner).

  • Meals are provided in a communal dining area with a variety of nutritious options.

  • Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Supervision & Safety

  • Staff and program coordinators will be present on-site to ensure student safety and well-being.

  • Housing facilities have designated quiet hours to maintain a focused study environment.

  • Students are expected to adhere to the program’s housing policies, which will be provided upon acceptance.

Apply

To apply for the 3-week Career Discovery in Architecture summer program, please submit the following required materials along with your online application form:

  • Application Fee: A non-refundable $50 application fee is due upon application submission.

  • Statement of Intent: Please tell us (in 250 words or less) what you hope to achieve by attending this summer program.

  • Personal Essay: Submit an essay (500 words or less) discussing a significant experience or challenge you’ve faced.

  • Resume or CV (PDF): which includes the following information: employment; education; extra-curricular academic and community activities (note whether an office held was elected or appointed); honors; awards; professional registration; professional societies; publications; avocations; hobbies; travel.

  • Academic Transcripts (upload scanned copy, does not need to be official)

    Transcripts should be submitted with the program application from all academic institutions from which the applicant has received high school credit or above. The transcript must include a complete record of courses taken and examinations taken, grades received and degrees and dates of degrees received. Transcripts should be clear and legible when uploaded. Both official and unofficial copies are accepted at the time of application; however, official transcripts may be required upon acceptance. If the transcript is not in English, a certified English translation must be provided. If the school does not issue official transcripts, a certified letter from the institution must be submitted, detailing courses taken, grades earned, and the expected or completed graduation date.

  • Financial Aid Application (optional U.S. or AL applicants only)

Application Deadlines

Applications and application fees are due by the program application deadline. Early completion of the application and application fee are encouraged! Please see below for the detailed deadlines for the upcoming program cycle.

* Contact St. Theodore Admissions to cancel your enrollment by this date to receive a full (100%) refund of the $7,600 program fee.

**Contact St. Theodore Admissions to cancel your enrollment by this date to receive a partial (50%) refund of the program fee (amounting to $3,800).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A: Admissions and aid decisions will be emailed to you by June 6th, 2025.

  • A: No, the summer program does not grant deferrals. If you are admitted but unable to attend, you would need to reapply in another year.

  • A: No. Any former applicant wishing to reapply to a St. Theodore’s summer program must resubmit all forms and documentation.

  • A: Applicants must be at least 15 years old. A high level of academic skill is necessary to take full advantage of our rigorous program.

  • A: A valid visa for entry within AL is required to be supplied by international citizenship participants of the program. St. Theodore will not sponsor new visas for enrollment in this program.

  • A. Transcripts should be submitted electronically through the online application. Applicants should scan a copy of their transcript(s) and upload these documents into the online application. During the application process, it is not necessary to send and official transcript.

  • A: Scanned transcripts can be unofficial or official. If we need further information, we may ask for an official transcript to be sent to our office for review.

  • A: Please contact the admissions office by emailing us at

    admissions@sttheodoresacademy.org

  • A: Students in the 3-week summer program are housed in comfortable, shared accommodations located near the program's learning facilities. The housing is included in the program fee and provides a safe and supportive environment. There are no traditional dorms, but the living arrangements are designed to offer a comfortable and community-focused experience. Students will share rooms with other participants, and housing assignments will be made based on availability and preferences submitted during registration.

  • A. To request a copy of your evaluation please follow the instructions here: