2024 Design Summer Camp

July 8th-12th !

Stay tuned for more information!

Design Justice: The Education to Action Pipeline

Our Mission

Project Pipeline’s Design Summer Camp is a signature program of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). Our mission is to empower young people to affect change in their community through design. We use the city as a classroom and connect young people to real world architects, designers and planners. We help foster the next generation of design professionals, civic leaders, and changemakers while advocating for increased diversity, fellowship, equity and excellence in design.

How we do it

Our team provides students a platform to discuss, analyze and interpret the impact of design, art, and architecture through a diverse lens. Students are guided through all stages of design and exercises, such as diagramming, site visits, model building, research, and creative dialogue. For many students, this Summer camp may be their first introduction to the design world. Therefore, by the end of the program, the goal is for students not only to have exposure to architecture and design, but also the opportunity to present their own design project that advocates for change and addresses an issue within their community through their voice.

Why we do it

  • "This camp was above and beyond with the introduction of content, replication of an example of architecture schooling/occupational task, and the staff were phenomenal"

    Parent

  • "She Loved it! Fun to see what they had worked hard on. I think the students presenting and answering questions about their work was especially valuable."

    Parent

  • " It felt great that my child got to be apart of a program that prioritizes diversity through their actions and their words. In the world we live in, that is rare. Its a plus my child had such a great time. "

    Parent

  • "Many minorities in architecture work in an industry where most people don’t look like them or come from the same experiences/cultural backgrounds that they come from. So camps such as Project Pipeline's Design Summer Camp is essential and creates an impact that is invaluable. "

    Volunteer

  • "Loved being a part of this!"

    Camper

  • "She knew almost nothing beforehand, so this exposed her to a whole new world and processes. She now wants to be an interior designer. But even if she didn’t fall in love with the career, she got to experience a big range of new things. I like how it boosted her confidence too."

    Parent

  • " I got to meet black architects and black designers. That meant alot."

    Camper

  • "Creating the model and simply being introduced to architecture and design."

    Camper

  • " I cant wait to come back next year and hope the camp is even longer!

    Camper

  • "I think the most satisfying experience was the student showcase at the end. Being able to hear about everyones completed projects and thought processes was really cool. It was all nice to see all the students hard work (and ours) come to fruition."

    Volunteer

  • "I have been to architecture camps before, but this was the first that actually taught me to think about how my design choices impact the community and its people. I loved it!"

    Camper

  • "Im only a 7th grader, but I now know I want to learn more about architecture. Maybe even design a hospital one day."

    Camper

  • "The hands on experience to interact with students while also gaining a fresh perspective through collaborative interactions with people from diverse age groups and backgrounds made this a rewarding experience."

    Volunteer

  • "Seeing the students begin to understand things and make smart design decisions was very satifsying. Also watching them become proud of their work and showing off to their family and friends at the reception. It was great to see such a change in their development and growth."

    Volunteer

  • "Thank you, again, for the amazing summer camp experience my camper had last week at the Project Pipeline Camp."

    Parent

  • "This camp was unlike any camp I have been too. I actually felt heard and i am just a kid. It was fun and cant wait to come back!"

    Camper

  • " She has loved every second of this camp."

    Parent

  • " I got called a Junior Designer after camp, and it felt special. I cant wait to help people in the future through my designs"

    Camper

  • " My school doesnt teach this type of stuff. I was scared at first, but the Project Pipeline team made me feel safe or comfortable but they had fun with us. "

    Camper

  • "I got to tour The Ohio State football Stadium and learn about its history! I love the buckeyes and Project Pipeline got me on the football field. Best feeling ever!

    Camper

  • "I got to learn about minority Architects and Engineers. Not sure why my school doesn't teach us this.... But camp did and it was fun!."

    Camper

  • "Project Pipeline has a great future ahead and this team should be proud."

  • "I was nervous at first for camp since I didn't know anyone...but quickly I made some friends and the staff were so nice to us all."

    Camper

  • "My favorite part was learning how design is all around us. And we get to decide and make changes with our voice."

    Camper

  • " Camp was great! And we got to get lots of snacks, for real who doesnt like snacks?"

    Camper

Interested in future Design Summer Camps?

If you have interest in participating in future Design Summer Camps, please submit your contact information below.  We will get you added to our NOMAColumbus newsletter for updates!

Be the difference.

Become a Sponsor!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The cost of the 3-Day Summer Camp is $50 / camper. Payment must be submitted in full to reserve a spot for your child. Note: Payments are final and non-refundable.

  • Camp takes place at the Knowlton School of Architecture at The Ohio State University, where the school’s studio spaces and other resources can be utilized.

  • Pick-up and drop-off happens along Ives Drive, to the south of the Knowlton School of Architecture. This is a No Parking zone, so we will have mentors available to greet parents and bring their child(ren) into the building and out to the waiting car at the end of the day. We do ask that parents park and come into the school on the first day of camp to meet the camp directors and mentors and to make sure we have all of the necessary paperwork for their child.

    On the last day of the camp, we have a friends and family presentation/exhibition of the activities done throughout the camp. For these days, public parking is available in the nearby Tuttle Park garage across the street from the Knowlton School.

  • Our team is currently working hard to develop a fun, educational and enriching camp program for your child. More specific details including the schedule for the week will be available prior to the start of camp.

  • Students will be placed into groups with 4-6 other children and will be directly overseen by a Camp Mentor. The Camp Mentors and Volunteers are design professionals, community leaders and college students studying architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, and community leaders. All Camp Mentors and Volunteers are required to obtain a background check. The Camp Mentors and Volunteers are overseen by a Camp Director who is in charge of the day to day running of the camp.

  • Absolutely not ! This Camp was intentionally created to help introduce your child to the world of design. Students will participate in daily activities, including a series of engaging hands-on projects, presentations and tours, drawing workshops, diagramming, and research within a fun collaborative environment.