The ICAA Summer Studio in Classical Architecture is a four-week immersive program introducing university students and recent graduates to skills, knowledge, and resources essential to the practice and appreciation of classical design. Students build a foundation in classical architectural design through coursework in a variety of areas.Should you have any questions about the program, please contact the ICAA at [email protected] or 212-730-9646 ext. 112.
Students spend their four weeks exploring the ideas, methods, and issues of classical architectural design. Lectures, field trips, discussions, and critiques during class sessions are supplemented by design exercises completed during and outside of class time. Students are immersed in study of the following subject areas:
The program additionally includes supplemental studies in landscape architecture and urbanism; visits to firms that practice classical design today; site visits to important examples of architecture in New York City; and a mentorship program with emerging professional architects.
The Summer Studio in Classical Architecture covers the ICAA's Core Curriculum subjects and confers the Certificate in Classical Architecture upon successful completion of the program.As a reference for what to expect, you can view the schedule from the 2024 program here; please note that the Summer Studio schedule changes every year and therefore the instructors, topics, and time allotted for each content area are subject to change for 2025.
Previous participants in ICAA programs and emerging professionals are invited to return as paid Teaching Assistants for future programs, where they assist with instructor needs, expand and reinforce their knowledge of program topics, and build teaching skills. If you are interested in assisting this summer, please email us at [email protected] for more information.
Final design studio projects and other work by past students of the Summer Studio in Classical Architecture.
Program instructors and guest lecturers include leading practitioners in the field of classical design practice and distinguished scholars, bringing a broad range of practical expertise, knowledge, and professional experience into the classroom. More information about the instructors for the 2025 program will be available soon.
The cost to attend the four-week Summer Studio is $1,750.The ICAA is able to offer scholarships to offset tuition costs plus assistance to help with housing costs while in New York to ensure accessibility to the program for students of all financial backgrounds. If you would like to apply for a scholarship and/or housing assistance, please indicate so on your application form.The application deadline for the 2025 Summer Studio in Classical Architecture is Monday, February 24, 2025. Please see the application form for the list of required application materials and more information.
Applicants are usually informed of the ICAA’s decision about two weeks after the application deadline.
You will need to provide some of your own materials. The full list of materials required will be sent to you one month in advance of the program starting.
The ICAA has a Classroom Code of Conduct in place for all of our educational programs, which can be found by clicking here. Participants in all of our classes (both online and in-person) are expected to follow this code.
The New York City subway is affordable and accessible. Alternatively, if you find accommodation close to the ICAA offices, you can walk to class each day.
A few meals are provided, but you will have to purchase the majority of your own meals. If meals are provided, ICAA staff will be sure to contact you before ordering food to make sure any dietary requirements are covered.
Most classes start at 9:00 AM, but you will be sent a full schedule at least one month before the start of the program.
It depends on the day, but classes typically end between 6:00 and 7:00 PM on weekdays, and in the early afternoon on Saturdays. During the final week, open studio sessions can go as late as 8:30 PM.
There is a field trip each Saturday, and the office is closed on Sundays. There will also be no class on July 4th.
There is no dress code for the studio; students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, particularly on field study days. It is also recommended that students bring clothing that is easy to wash or replace for the wash rendering and clay modeling sessions (aprons are available in the studio if desired). Students may wish to wear more formal clothing for office visits and the final review. If any sites visited on field studies have a dress code, this will be communicated to students in advance of the program.
Each year, the ICAA creates a list of housing options that students can use as a basis for their research into finding the housing that works best for them. This document is sent to all accepted students in advance of the program, and is also available for review by request. Please note that the ICAA does not provide or arrange housing for students.
The ICAA welcomes students and professionals from across the world, and international applications are encouraged. In advance of applying, please note that the ICAA cannot provide any paperwork or assistance with visa applications. International applicants are eligible to apply for tuition scholarships and travel assistance on a case-by-case basis, based on their visa status and accompanying paperwork.
Most of the students in the Summer Studio in Classical Architecture are undergraduate or graduate students, or postgraduates seeking to apply to graduate school, in architecture, interior design, or related fields. Emerging professionals and students with academic backgrounds in other fields are also welcome to apply. We are not able to accept high school students into the Summer Studio program.