Next generation of architects compete in Santa Maria
In Santa Maria, a roomful of ambitious high school designers gathered for a full-day challenge that tests more than scaling and blueprints. Students from local schools took part in a hands-on competition organized by the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara, hosted at Allan Hancock College. The aim is to spark curiosity about architecture and urban design, while giving youth a chance to translate ideas into tangible forms.
Participants are urged to move beyond traditional coursework, exploring layouts, massing, lighting, and how spaces influence daily life. The event emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving under time pressure. Many entrants are new to drafting and digital tools, so the experience serves as a practical introduction to the craft and a glimpse into what a career in design might involve.
Throughout the day, teams sketch, assemble quick scale models, and present their concepts to a panel that weighs feasibility, originality, and clarity. The format fosters experimentation, from compact floor plans to flexible spaces that can adapt to shifting needs. Mentors circulate to offer guidance, but evaluation centers on the students’ ability to defend and communicate their ideas.
Organizers note that this spring tradition blends classroom theory with real-world considerations. It provides a structured environment for aspiring designers to build confidence, learn both hand drawing and digital modeling, and explore how architecture intersects with sustainability, community needs, and aesthetics.
The program is designed to welcome participants at varying skill levels, transforming a daunting challenge into an accessible educational experience that can steer teenagers toward further study in architecture, engineering, or related fields.
