RAW Design Build

Program Overview

While each workshop varies depending on project scope, duration, location and client, all workshops share universal design principles, key learning outcomes and core program elements. (RAW Workshops may be eligible for academic and/or IDP credit. Learn more in the FAQ.)

Universal Design Principles

RAW is designed to complement – and transcend – passive and didactic educational methods while immersing you in a challenging, co-creative process.

RAW workshops embrace and promote several universal concepts of design that are transferable across historical, cultural and socio-economic boundaries. 

​> Economical – meeting needs simply, efficiently and flexibly

> Illuminating - presenting life and nature artfully

> Responsible – being mind-ful stewards of natural and material resources

Simply put, our students are challenged to create architecture that is efficient, creative and sustainable.

Learning Outcomes

While at RAW you'll learn a lot of things about yourself, your strengths and your role as an architect. During the workshop we'll challenge you to deepen your understanding of:

> Design innovation as it relates to the natural, social and cultural environment

> Design intuition as informed by construction and material knowledge

> Design process in a collaborative work environment 

Program Elements

Beginning with a rough schematic, students learn tectonics, detail and material properties through drawing, discussion and direct hands-on fabrication and construction. All workshops include:

> Training in sustainable design and construction practices

> Individual and group design sessions, presentations and reviews

> One-on-one instruction from instructors

> Guest presenters and field trips to explore local history and/or geology, culture and building techniques

> Interaction with the project client

> Opportunities to practice leadership and collaboration skills

> Hard work and fun!

A (Typical) Day in the Life of RAW