Through Architects in Schools, give your students the opportunity to discover architecture and the built environment in collaborative design workshops with an architect at your school.

Architects in Schools is free and open to all second level schools and Youthreach centres in the Republic of Ireland. Now entering into its 13th annual cycle, this innovative Transition Year programme gives young people a unique opportunity to work directly with architects, not just to learn about the design process and architecture, but to experience how architects think, create, and problem-solve. Your students will be empowered to look at their local built environment differently, to ask questions, and to imagine new design solutions to shape the future with purpose and vision.

Why participate in Architects in Schools?

• Through Architects in Schools, students experience architecture through hands-on design workshops. The programme complements many Senior Cycle subjects, including Art, Maths, Physics, Design and Communication Graphics, Construction Studies, English, History and Geography, encouraging cross-curricular links.

• The experiential student-led approach supports both individual and collective learning opportunities in areas including design, visual communication, and debating. The programme also enhances critical thinking, imagination, and innovation. Each architect, teacher, and group of students brings their own unique perspective. This means that each workshop series is original and context specific.

• Working closely with architectural professionals enables students to gain an insight into the working life of an architect and enhances their awareness of career opportunities in architecture and related disciplines.

How it works:

The Architects in Schools programme offers 12 hours of architecture workshops at your school, with an architect / architectural graduate, between September 2025 and May 2026. The annual exhibition and exchange day for students will be held in May 2026 and all participating schools will be invited to attend.

If your school is offered a place in the programme, an architect will be assigned to your school to facilitate the workshops with your students. The 12 workshop hours can be divided up to suit the individual school and architect. (For example: 2 x 6hr, 3 x 4hr, 4 x 3hr, 6 x 2hr workshops). Dates, times, and workshop duration will be arranged directly between the designated teacher / TY coordinator and the assigned architect. The IAF is not part of this process. 

How to apply:

Please complete the online School Application Form and submit it by the closing date, 20 June 2025.

There is a section at the end of this form to submit any questions you may have.

Please note that due to limited spaces on the programme we cannot prioritise schools that have already participated a number of times, but do apply anyway in case we can accommodate you. We always aim to reach a wide range of school types with a broad geographical reach, so that consideration and the availability of architects nationwide will determine the selection process.

In 2025, we welcome in particular first time applicants to the scheme. If you have any queries about what it means to be involved before you apply, please email blaithin.quinn@architecturefoundation.ie.

Key dates:

• 20 June 2025, 6pm: Closing date for applications
• Early September 2025: Schools will hear back from the IAF regarding the outcome of their application
• Mid-September 2025: Online information session for teachers and architects
• September 2025 – May 2026: School workshops
• May 2026: Annual Architects in Schools exhibition and exchange day

Find out more: 

The programme is supported by colourful and engaging resources: Architects in Schools Student Handbook and Architects in Schools Facilitator Handbook.

In addition, this short film, commissioned for an Architects in Schools exhibition in partnership with the National Museum of Ireland in 2022, shows how students have engaged with the programme previously.

Funders:

Architects in Schools is funded by the Arts Council / An Comhairle Ealaíon, Department of Education and Youth, and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The Irish Architecture Foundation is principally funded by the Arts Council / An Comhairle Ealaíon.

Photo: Architects in Schools exhibition and exchange day at dlr LexIcon, Dublin, May 2025. Photo by Paul Sherwood Photography.